Parque de Alderdi Eder, San Sebastián

Gardens in San Sebastián

Alderdi Eder park San Sebastian
Alderdi Eder park San Sebastian
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Miguel Ángel García

Alderdi Eder Gardens is the little green pause point that nearly everyone passes, but the best visits happen when you slow down and actually sit for a moment. Set directly in front of San Sebastián City Hall and alongside La Concha Bay, it's a tidy, photogenic patch of flowerbeds, palms, and coastal tamarisks, with benches positioned for maximum people-watching and sea views. It's also one of the things to see in San Sebastián when you want something beautiful and effortless between bigger sights.

Because it sits right at the seam between the promenade and the Old Town, it's a natural anchor for a walking tour of San Sebastián. You can treat it as a quick photo stop, but it's even better as a breather: a place to regroup, watch the light on the bay, and decide whether your next move is beach time, pintxos, or a climb up Mount Urgull.

History and Significance of the Alderdi Eder Gardens

The story of Alderdi Eder begins with a major change in the city’s shape. In the mid-19th century, San Sebastián’s town walls were demolished, opening up space for expansion and new public areas. For a while the site was used for military exercises, but by the late 1800s it transitioned into a civic space designed for residents to enjoy rather than troops to drill.

A defining moment came in 1887 with the construction of the grand casino, a symbol of San Sebastián’s Belle Époque glamour and its rise as a fashionable resort city. That building later became the City Hall, and Alderdi Eder’s role as the “front garden” of the city only grew stronger, framing one of the most recognisable views in town.

Today the gardens feel like a living postcard: a place that's both practical and ceremonial, connecting the everyday rhythms of locals with the city's most iconic architecture and the calm sweep of La Concha Bay.

Things to See and Do in the Alderdi Eder Gardens

Start with the classic view: stand near the flowerbeds facing the City Hall with La Concha behind you, then flip around and take in the bay. It's one of those spots where you can capture “San Sebastián in one frame,” especially when the gardens are in full bloom and the promenade is buzzing.

Take a slow lap through the paths and look for the little details that make the gardens feel intentionally composed: geometric beds, seasonal planting, and the mix of palms and tamarisks that suits the salty air. Even though it’s small, it’s varied enough to feel like more than a simple square of grass.

If you’re visiting with kids (or you just like old-fashioned seaside charm), this is also a lively family stop thanks to the play areas nearby. It’s the kind of place where you can pause without feeling like you’ve “stopped sightseeing,” because the scenery is the sightseeing.

How to Get to the Alderdi Eder Gardens

For flights, the closest airport is San Sebastián Airport (EAS) in Hondarribia, with Bilbao Airport (BIO) and Biarritz Airport (BIQ) offering far more route options depending on where you're coming from. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to San Sebastián on Booking.com.

By train, arrive at Donostia-San Sebastián station and walk toward the river and the Boulevard, then continue into the centre until the promenade opens up by the City Hall. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Local buses make it easy to reach the city centre, but once you're nearby the final approach is best on foot because Alderdi Eder sits right on the promenade edge between central streets and the Old Town.

If you're driving, aim for a central car park and then walk the last stretch, as street access can be slow around the waterfront and the Old Town is not designed for easy stop-and-go driving.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Alderdi Eder Gardens

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: (Summer) Daily: 08:00–21:00; 01 April–30 September.
    (Winter) Daily: 08:00–19:30; 01 October–31 March.
  • Official website: https://www.donostia.eus/ataria/es/web/sare-berdea/parques/jardines-alderdi-eder
  • Best time to visit: Visit when you're already walking the bay or Old Town so it feels like a natural, unhurried pause rather than a separate “stop.”
  • How long to spend: 10-25 minutes is ideal for a loop and photos, or longer if you want to sit and enjoy the view.
  • Accessibility: Mostly flat and easy to navigate, with smooth paths that suit strollers and most mobility needs.
  • Facilities: Benches and open space are the main comforts here, with plenty of cafés, restrooms, and services a few minutes away around the Boulevard and Old Town.

Where to Stay Close to the Alderdi Eder Gardens

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in the City Centre or the Old Town so you can walk to museums, pintxos streets, and the main viewpoints; if your focus is beach time and a slower coastal rhythm, staying nearer La Concha keeps the promenade and sunsets right on your doorstep.

For a classic stay steps from the promenade, Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra puts you right on the bay and makes early-morning walks effortless. If you want a refined boutique option close to both the Old Town and the waterfront, Lasala Plaza Hotel is a strong pick for location and comfort. For a modern, design-led base in the centre with an easy walk to Alderdi Eder, Hotel Arbaso is ideal for a walk-everywhere itinerary.

Is the Alderdi Eder Gardens Worth Visiting?

Yes, because it delivers the essence of San Sebastián in a few easy minutes: elegant civic architecture, a front-row bay view, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. It's especially worthwhile if you like sightseeing that feels woven into the city rather than set apart behind ticket desks and queues.

It's also a smart “connector” stop. Even if you don't plan around it, it naturally improves your day by breaking up the walk between the Old Town and La Concha with a scenic place to pause, reset, and take in the city's best angles.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Alderdi Eder is a reliable family stop because it’s simple, central, and naturally breaks up a long walking day. Kids get space to move, and adults get benches and views, which is an underrated combination when you’re pacing a city visit.

Treat it as a short recharge between bigger plans rather than a destination that needs “doing.” A quick loop, a few photos, and a five-minute sit can make the rest of the promenade or Old Town feel much easier.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the charm is in the setting: flowers, palms, and that sweeping bay view right beside the City Hall. It's an easy place to slow down, take a photo that actually looks like the city feels, and then drift into the Old Town or along the promenade without needing a plan.

It also works well as a gentle start or end point to an evening walk. Pair it with a slow stroll along La Concha, then head into Parte Vieja for pintxos when the streets start to come alive.

Budget Travelers

This is a perfect budget-friendly highlight because it’s free, central, and naturally fits into the day you’re already having. You get a prime waterfront view and a classic city photo without spending anything or adding transport costs.

Use it as a scenic pause on a self-guided route: Boulevard and Old Town on one side, La Concha promenade on the other. It's the kind of stop that adds a lot of atmosphere for almost no time or money.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (17,401)

Alderdi Eder Parkea is a tidy, palm- and tamarind-filled park fronting La Concha beach with colorful flower beds, benches for sun or shade and a merry-go-round; visitors praise its relaxed, well-kept atmosphere, great beach views and suitability for short breaks, picnics or family visits.

Mark Rasmussen
2 months ago
"A giant palace converted to a government building and housing the National library as well. All about its a plaza with old trees and flower arrangedin patterns. Plenty of benches allow you to pick if you want to sit in the sun or shade. The bay is right there, so a walk around affords you a pristine view of one of the best beaches in Spain..."
Martin K.
3 months ago
"A lovely little park. It's basically the front garden of La Concha Beach. Well-kept and clean, no stray or unwanted elements, relaxed atmosphere.Ideal for a short break or a picnic...."
Tim Kaske
4 months ago
"Awesome beach experience. Even though there was a lot of people you can find a place to put your stuff down. Water was nice with a little wave."

FAQs for Visiting Alderdi Eder Gardens

Getting There

It’s directly in front of San Sebastián City Hall, between the Boulevard and the start of La Concha promenade. You’ll find it at the edge of the Old Town, right beside the bay.
Walk toward the Boulevard and the City Hall façade, and you’ll reach the gardens immediately. It’s a short, obvious route that takes only a few minutes.
Walk toward the river and continue to the Boulevard, then head to the City Hall on the waterfront. It’s an easy, mostly flat walk that naturally leads you into the city’s central sights.
There are paid car parks in the centre, but street parking near the waterfront can be frustrating in peak periods. For most visitors it’s better to park once and explore on foot.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, it’s a public garden with no ticketed entrance. You can walk through at your own pace and come and go as often as you like.
It’s generally open like a typical city garden, with paths and seating areas designed for public use. Any restrictions you’ll notice tend to relate to protecting flowerbeds and keeping play areas safe.
Not at all-this is best as a spontaneous stop while you’re already exploring the centre. It works especially well as a quick pause between the Old Town and the promenade.

Visiting Experience

Most people enjoy it most in a short, relaxed window rather than a long stay. Think of it as a scenic reset: a loop, a sit, and then on to the next highlight.
Yes, because it’s right on the route you’ll likely take anyway between the Old Town and La Concha. It adds a classic city view without pulling time away from bigger plans.
A simple mini-route is Alderdi Eder, then the La Concha promenade, then back into Parte Vieja for pintxos. It’s compact, walkable, and gives you scenery, city atmosphere, and food in one easy loop.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, many self-guided and casual walking routes pass through because it’s a natural gateway between the Old Town and the bayfront. Even if you’re not following a formal route, you’ll likely cross it without trying.
No, it’s straightforward and works perfectly as an independent stop. A guide adds value mainly through city context rather than anything you need explained on-site.

Photography

Yes, it’s one of the easiest places to capture the City Hall and the bay in a single, classic shot. The flowers and palms add foreground detail that makes photos feel more “San Sebastián” and less generic.
Be mindful around flowerbeds and keep paths clear, especially when families and strollers are moving through. If you’re taking photos near play areas, it’s best to frame wider views and avoid focusing on children.

Accessibility & Facilities

The garden paths are generally smooth and manageable, and the area is easy to approach from central streets and the promenade. If you prefer the simplest route, approach from the Boulevard side for the flattest access.
It’s a public garden rather than a staffed attraction, so on-site facilities are limited. The good news is that cafés, public services, and amenities are very close in the surrounding centre.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The Boulevard edge and the streets leading into Parte Vieja are packed with easy café options. If you want something with a view, follow the promenade direction and choose a spot near La Concha.
This is a perfect prelude to pintxos in the Old Town because you’re already right at the doorstep of Parte Vieja. It also pairs well with a takeaway coffee and a slow promenade walk.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a lively central area with steady foot traffic and a relaxed atmosphere. As in any busy tourist zone, keep an eye on your belongings when crowds are dense.
Early visits feel calmer and more local, while later visits are more animated as people gather by the waterfront. If you enjoy atmosphere and people-watching, you’ll likely prefer it when the promenade is at its busiest.

Nearby Attractions to the Alderdi Eder Gardens

  • San Sebastián City Hall (Ayuntamiento): The elegant former casino building that anchors the waterfront and defines the gardens' most iconic backdrop.
  • La Concha Promenade: The city's signature seaside walk, perfect for continuing along the bay with nonstop views.
  • Parte Vieja (Old Town): The historic quarter just behind the gardens, best for pintxos, lively streets, and classic city atmosphere.
  • Mount Urgull: A scenic hill walk with viewpoints and history, starting a short stroll away from the Boulevard and Old Town edge.
  • San Sebastián Aquarium: A popular, family-friendly attraction at the harbour, easy to reach with a pleasant walk along the waterfront.

The Parque de Alderdi Eder appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting San Sebastián!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) Daily: 08:00-21:00; 01 April-30 September.

(Winter) Daily: 08:00-19:30; 01 October-31 March.

Price:

Free

Address: Alderdi Eder, Alderdi Eder, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastián: 0 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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