Pintxos bars in the Parte Vieja, San Sebastián

San Sebastián's old town is packed with bars whose counters are piled with pintxos, the Basque version of tapas: small works of art on bread or skewers, alongside hot dishes cooked to order. A pintxos crawl, moving from bar to bar with a small glass of txakoli (local white wine) or a zurito (small beer) at each, is the best way to eat in a city famous for food.

Famous bars include La Viña, for its creamy burnt cheesecake, Gandarias, Borda Berri and Bar Nestor, known for its tortilla and steak. Each bar has its speciality, so ask what it is. Evenings are busiest. Pay at the end; tell the bartender what you had.