Is San Sebastian Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

San Sebastian is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Police presence is noticeable and most areas are well-lit, even at night. Public transportation is reliable and safe. However, like any other location, it is still recommended to take precautions, especially during late hours. Always be aware of your surroundings, use common sense, and avoid poorly lit and deserted areas whenever possible. Theft from pickpockets, a common issue in many tourist destinations, can sometimes occur, so keeping your belongings secure is crucial.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 5 experiences from local women

San Sebastian is currently ranked #10 safest place in Spain for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is San Sebastian?

Safety at night:Safe

San Sebastian is generally quite safe at night. The city is well-lit, and people, including solo female travelers, frequently walk alone without incident. Criminal activities are relatively low, particularly violent crime. It's always important, however, to stay on guard and follow basic safety precautions, such as staying in populated areas and avoiding dark, isolated spots.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation, including buses and trains in San Sebastian, is generally safe and reliable. Some precautions such as avoiding late-night travel and always being aware of your belongings are advisable. Instances of pickpocketing or petty crime do occur, but they are not widespread. As a solo female traveler, you should feel relatively secure, however, it is always important to remain alert to your surroundings.

Street harassment:Low

San Sebastian is generally a safe and respectful city with most locals being welcoming and courteous. Instances of street harassment are infrequent, though like anywhere, can occur occasionally. A culture of respect for personal space predominates, however, precaution should always be taken, especially during evening hours in less populated areas.

Petty crimes:Low

San Sebastian is a relatively safe city with petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching being the most common. These types of incidents are primarily in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. However, the overall frequency is quite low. As always, it's essential to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Is San Sebastian worth visiting?

Hanaë

France

Family travel

Very good and sunny ! It’s very helpful for mental health! I was with my family and we visited all the city and it was so good. I think it’s better when you are adult because you are more free etc !🥰

Posted: March 31, 2024

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Solo travel

Had a great time there. Amazing place to have some hiking tours over the day and some food in the old town in the evenig. Ocean is perfect for a cool swim after a exhausting day. Definitely coming back one day. Can really recommend to have some of the best cheescake here.

Posted: May 8, 2023Experienced: April, 2023

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Is San Sebastian safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Karen

San Sebastián overall is a very safe place. I have gone out at night alone and nothing has happened to me in more than a year. Still I would recommend to be aware of surroundings specially at night, don’t walk distracted on your phone.

Posted: April 11, 2025

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There is always a chance of being assaulted, robbed… but i think it’s safe to say that Donosti is one of the safest places a woman could ever visit. I’m 26, very outgoing and very independent. Never ever felt threatened at night, nor with friends or my own. There’s many people obsessed about how “dangerous” Donosti has become lately… I think it’s straight up r*cism

Posted: April 10, 2025

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Meet locals in San Sebastian

anebu

About Me

Hi!!🌸✨ I’m Ane, I live in a town next to Donosti/San Sebastian (15min train ride) and I’m open to host you guys in my spare room! I live by my own with my two cats, Toulouse and Jaxinto 🐈‍⬛🐈 I’m just about to quit my job lol so I think I’ll be solo travelling soon. I’d love it if I could stay with any of you for a couple of days!! Feel free to text me, I’m extroverted af Cheers!🤍

Speaking

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Karen

About Me

Hi everyone! I am Colombian living in San Sebastián (Donostia) open to host in my house as I have an extra room. I live with a roommate. Preferably on weekends I enjoy cultural and language exchange, I speak English, Spanish, Italian and a bit of French. Looking to have new friends!