Calle 31 de Agosto
A vibrant street in San Sebastián's Old Town, famous for its legendary pintxos bars and the iconic Basque burnt cheesecake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Calle 31 de Agosto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant street in San Sebastián's Old Town, famous for its legendary pintxos bars and the iconic Basque burnt cheesecake.
"The heart of San Sebastián's pintxos scene, a must-visit for food lovers!"
🎯 Try the Burnt Cheesecake
Don't miss La Viña's famous burnt cheesecake – it's a must-try!
🚶♀️ Pintxos Bar Crawl
Hop between bars for a true pintxos experience. Try the Charlota at Bar Martínez!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
La Viña's Burnt Cheesecake
La Viña Bar
Savor the legendary Basque burnt cheesecake, a crustless delight with a caramelized top and creamy center.
Pintxos Hopping
Various bars along the street
Experience the vibrant pintxos culture, sampling a variety of small, flavorful bites from traditional to innovative.
Historic Old Town Charm
Calle 31 de Agosto
Wander through the narrow, atmospheric streets of San Sebastián's Old Town, soaking in the historic ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Pintxos Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try the Burnt Cheesecake
Don't miss La Viña's famous burnt cheesecake – it's a must-try!
🚶♀️ Pintxos Bar Crawl
Hop between bars for a true pintxos experience. Try the Charlota at Bar Martínez!
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
Pintxos are generally affordable, making it a great way to eat well without breaking the bank.
📸 Capture the Charm
The narrow streets and historic buildings are incredibly photogenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try the Burnt Cheesecake
Don't miss La Viña's famous burnt cheesecake – it's a must-try!
🚶♀️ Pintxos Bar Crawl
Hop between bars for a true pintxos experience. Try the Charlota at Bar Martínez!
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
Pintxos are generally affordable, making it a great way to eat well without breaking the bank.
📸 Capture the Charm
The narrow streets and historic buildings are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Calle 31 de Agosto as a quintessential San Sebastián experience, particularly for its legendary pintxos and the iconic burnt cheesecake from La Viña. The historic charm of the Old Town is a major draw, though it can get quite crowded, especially during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calle 31 de Agosto is located in the heart of San Sebastián's Old Town (Parte Vieja). It's easily accessible on foot from most central locations. If arriving by bus or train, it's a pleasant walk of about 10-15 minutes. Taxis are also readily available.
Parking in the Old Town is very limited and often restricted. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for underground parking garages like La Bretxa or San Martín, though they can be pricey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Calle 31 de Agosto is a public street and does not require any tickets for entry. You can explore it freely at any time.
Most pintxos bars and restaurants on Calle 31 de Agosto have varying hours, but many open around lunchtime and stay open through the evening. Some may close for a few hours in the afternoon. It's best to check individual establishment hours if you have a specific place in mind.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Calle 31 de Agosto is renowned for its vibrant pintxos bars and its historic charm within San Sebastián's Old Town. It's a prime spot for culinary exploration. 
While La Viña's burnt cheesecake is a standout, don't miss the Charlota rellena de crema de centollo (king crab cream-filled charlota) at Bar Martínez. Exploring other bars will reveal a wide array of delicious options.
It can get quite busy, especially during peak meal times and on weekends. Visiting on a weekday afternoon can offer a more relaxed experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The street is famous for its pintxos, which are small, tapas-like snacks. You'll find a huge variety, from traditional to modern creations, often featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients.
Basque burnt cheesecake, famously made at La Viña, is a crustless cheesecake baked at high temperatures to achieve a caramelized, almost burnt top and a creamy, custard-like interior.
Pintxos prices can vary, but generally range from €2 to €5 per piece. This makes it an affordable way to sample many different flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The narrow, historic street itself, with its charming architecture and bustling pintxos bars, offers many great photo opportunities. The colorful displays of pintxos are also very photogenic.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer people, making for better photography conditions. However, the lively evening atmosphere also has its own unique charm for capturing candid shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Consider visiting earlier in the day or during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds. La Viña's cheesecake is a universally loved treat that kids will likely adore. Be mindful of the bustling atmosphere and narrow sidewalks, especially with strollers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget tips: Focus on pintxos bars rather than full-service restaurants. Aim for 2-3 pintxos per person with a drink for a satisfying and affordable meal. Look for bars that offer a good variety of simpler, less expensive options. The street itself is free to explore, offering great value for sightseeing.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pintxos Phenomenon
Expect a wide array of flavors and ingredients. From classic combinations like Gilda (anchovy, olive, and pepper skewer) to more elaborate creations featuring fresh seafood, local meats, and seasonal vegetables, there's something to please every palate. Don't be afraid to try something new – the small portions make it easy to experiment. The visual presentation of pintxos is also a key part of their appeal, with many bars displaying their offerings on the counter like edible works of art.
+1When exploring Calle 31 de Agosto, embrace the spontaneity. Look for bars that are busy with locals, as this is usually a good indicator of quality. The atmosphere is typically lively and convivial, making it a perfect way to spend an evening or afternoon immersing yourself in San Sebastián's gastronomic scene. Remember to pace yourself and enjoy the journey through the diverse flavors this street has to offer.
A Taste of History: La Viña's Cheesecake
The magic of La Viña's cheesecake lies in its crustless design and the quality of its ingredients. It's a testament to how a simple concept, executed perfectly, can become a culinary sensation. The bar itself maintains a traditional, unpretentious atmosphere, allowing the cheesecake to be the star of the show. Many visitors report that it's worth the trip to San Sebastián just to try this one dessert.
While the cheesecake is the main draw, La Viña also serves a selection of excellent pintxos. However, many visitors opt to enjoy their cheesecake as a standalone treat or a perfect end to a pintxos crawl. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak hours, as its popularity draws crowds from around the globe.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit