Casa Munoa (1935): The jewel of San Sebastián
We kick off our tour with Casa Munoa, a jewellery shop that has been glittering in the city for almost a century. It has been creating unique jewellery since 1935, drawing inspiration from big names such as Balenciaga and Chanel. A classic that is still laying down the rules of style.
If you’re looking for a special souvenir, the “Donostibay” piece is a unique option. It captures the beauty of the city’s emblematic bay in a delicate design.
Leclercq (1932): Tailored Tradition
From fine jewellery to hats with character, Leclercq has been setting trends since 1932. Now in its fourth generation, this family-run business blends traditional craftsmanship with friendly, expert advice. This iconic hat shop is renowned for its carefully curated selection of brands and boasts the largest range of hats and caps in the Basque Country.
It also offers the widest selection of txapelas from the prestigious Elósegui brand, all within a charming space that still retains its original furnishings.
It also offers the widest selection of txapelas from the prestigious Elósegui brand, all within a charming space that still retains its original furnishings.
A bullet hole from the 1934 uprising is still visible beside the counter—a striking trace of history hiding in plain sight.
"Pastelería Otaegui" pastrymakers (1886): The same taste down through the years
No better idea than a break to take pleasure in a sweet treat. A stone’s throw from Casa Munoa, right in the heart of the Old Town, we find Pastelería Otaegui, dating back to 1886. Its confectionery combines the best of Basque and European tradition, earning it the status of official purveyor to the Royal Household in the early 20th century. They say Queen María Cristina simply adored its almond sponge.
It was Casa Otaegui that created the famous Panchineta®, a puff pastry filled with cream that has conquered generation after generation. Try it and you’ll see why.
Ponsol (1838): The oldest hat shop
After sweetening up our tour, we move on to Ponsol. Dating back to 1838, this is the Basque Country’s oldest milliner’s shop, and one of the city’s signature establishments. There was a time when going out without a hat was unthinkable and, although times have changed, here they are still experts in finding the perfect accessory for each different style.
In 1897 Queen María Cristina bestowed the title of “Purveyor to the Royal Household” on the hat shop in recognition of the berets it made for King Alfonso XIII.
Irulea (1932): Artisanal clothing
From hats we move on to traditional fabrics. Irulea, which means ‘spinner’ in Basque, has retained its original furnishings, and is still one of the main outlets for home fabrics and artisanal clothing. Each garment from here has that unique custom-made touch which only a shop with a wealth of history can offer.
Irulea makes deliveries to the domestic market, and also abroad. One consignment was sent to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: Princess Charlotte left hospital with a little bonnet hand-made by Irulea.
Perfumería Benegas (1908): The essence of the city
Our tour takes us to Perfumería Benegas, a San Sebastián classic since 1908. It was originally a hairdresser’s with an English-style perfumery, and it was not long before it became one of the haunts of Belle Époque socialites in the city. It eventually put hairdressing aside to specialise in high-quality cosmetics and fragrances, moving on to become one of the city’s most emblematic outlets.
You can find the city’s very own fragrance at Casa Benegas: SSirimiri. A Donostiaesque aroma inspired by the fine drizzle that falls around the city, known as “sirimiri”.
BOX San Sebastián (1948): The art of leather
From elegant fragrances to the art of leather. BOX San Sebastián has been a symbol of quality, design and tradition in the world of leather goods since 1948. What started out as a small workshop is now a synonym of elegance and impeccable crafting.
One of its most famous designs is the 8010Y6 bag, created in 1980. Its comfort, sobriety and functionality have made it a timeless classic, and the perfect souvenir of San Sebastián.
San Martín Market (1884): The city's retail hub
Nothing like losing yourself among the aisles of a market to get a feel of the city. The San Martín Market, which opened in 1884, has evolved from a food market to a modern shopping centre with no loss of its essence. In recent years it has consolidated as the city’s main market, and a meeting point for the people of Donostia, combining tradition, gastronomy and fashion outlets.
We advise you to stroll around the sections on a weekday morning to buy fresh produce from local purveyors. The market contains some of the province’s tastiest food.
Miner (1926): San Sebastián on wheels
To finish off the tour, no better idea than hopping on to a Miner bike. Since 1926 Miner has been the classic choice for people in Donostia seeking to get around on two wheels. What was originally a small workshop has become a leading brand of urban sport fashion, with three generations focusing on sustainable mobility and innovation.
Miner originally emerged from a cycling bet. The founder, José Luis Miner, won 12 races in a row, and this led him to open his own workshop in 1930.
Each of these shops is a part of the city. They don’t just sell products – they tell stories too. And so the next time you find yourself strolling around San Sebastián, go in, take a good look round, and let yourself be carried away. Because in every nook and cranny there’s a little piece of its past just waiting to be found.
