If you are passionate about coffee or tea, then you’re in luck: you’ll find a variety of cafés in San Sebastián for your caffeine fix (and other fixes). Espresso, americanos, chai, smoothies, milkshakes — pick your poison and enjoy while you relax with friends, or just chill solo and disconnect from city life. To help you get straight to sipping the good stuff, we’ve rounded up some of the best cafés in San Sebastián, each of them with their own unique coffee shop vibe.
Our first café is located at Sanchez Toca Street 3, in the centre of San Sebastián behind the cathedral of the Buen Pastor, and is a place where you’re sure to be welcomed with a smile. This is Sweet Roma café, a marvellous coffee bar and cupcakery that offers a huge variety of coffee, teas, and natural juices. You can try their different cakes and cupcakes while relaxing in this calming place that feels like a home away from home. It’s so cosy, they have also a little library where you can take a book and read while drinking your coffee, or you can use their iPads and wifi all available for customers.
Kafe Botanika is located at Gernikako Arbola Pasealekua, 8, by the Urumea River, also in the city centre. This is a different style of café, but still a great spot. You can relax in the stylish house and garden without crowds of tourists bothering you. They also serve food, including several vegetarian dishes, which is quite uncommon for bars and cafés in town.
Another fantastic bar where you can have your coffee and a good time is Café-bar Koh Tao. Events, concerts, and exhibitions will always be waiting for you here! This café is located at Bengoetxea Street, 2, between Gipuzkoa square and the Victoria Eugenia theatre. You’ll have the most relaxed moment of your day here, whether you come for breakfast, lunch, or to enjoy an evening drink with friends. This café breaks the traditions of the city with its own, totally unique environment.
Also in the city centre, you’ll find Sakona Coffee Roasters. If there is a place for coffee lovers, this is for sure the best one in town. You can buy different types of coffee from Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, and beyond, and apart from the beans, you can also buy their amazing brewing kit. What makes this place so special is that they roast beans several times a month, so you’ll always have the freshest coffee grounds. If you are a coffee connoisseur, head to this spot at Ramon Maria Lili 2, next to the Kursaal Centre, in the neighbourhood of Gros. High-quality café with great taste, guaranteed.
If you are staying in the Antiguo district and want a good breakfast, then I recommend trying Café Trikua, which is located at Antonio Gaztañeta Kalea, 4. This lovely café is the best option for discovering a real local neighbourhood of San Sebastian, and for experiencing life outside the city centre. You will find different types of coffee together with cakes and pintxos (Basque tapas).