Trip Tips

You could spend hours strolling around the old streets of the Parte Vieja, stopping at small bars that specialize in different pintxos. But if you want to order like the locals do, book a day or night walking tour with Mimo Food ( sansebastian. mimo food.com). You’ll visit popular as well as lesser-visited haunts and sample one or two pintxos with a drink at each. Standard tours are 2.5 hours and take in around five establishments, but private experiences can last all night, tailored to your tastes and budget.

Mimo Food also has an artisanal produce store and cooking school attached to Hotel Maria Cristina ( marriott.com; doubles from US$240), which is arguably the best place to stay in town. The grand Belle Époque property—now part of Marriott’s The Luxury Collection—is just five minutes’ walk from the Parte Vieja, making it a great base for any foodie exploration.