Local Shops in San Sebastian: crafts, fashion, and neighbourhood tours

Which shops should you visit in San Sebastián? In this Go Local article, we’ll introduce you to the local shops in San Sebastian that are part of the city’s history, as well as the businesses that are shaping the present-day character of its streets. We’ll take you on a tour of the places where you can go shopping unique products, and we invite you to have a chat with the shopkeepers, as they’re sure to be warm and welcoming hosts.

Local shops: San Sebastian’s oldest shops that you shouldn’t miss

In San Sebastian, there are local shops with over a century of history. Family-run businesses that opened their doors decades ago, and which have continued to offer a unique, high-quality range across several generations. Located in the Old Town and the city centre, they capture the essence of bygone eras. Irulea, Leclerc Sombrerería, Minimil, Box San Sebastian, and Perfumería Benegas are essential stops for experiencing San Sebastian’s Belle Époque.

Irulea: handcrafted children’s clothing and women’s lingerie

On the corner of Calle Mayor and Fermín Calbetón, Irulea’s shop window displays the city’s most exquisite children’s clothing, lingerie and homewear. These garments are made to measure, hand-sewn using traditional methods, and crafted from silk, linen, satin, Liberty print or honeycomb fabric. Christening and communion outfits are a major draw, but nightgowns, personalised towels and dresses are no less so.

At Irulea, they have been making bespoke pieces for three generations since 1932, a local shop in San Sebastian with a long history and rich tradition. Today, Ayago Villar Pagola continues to ensure that her customers find what they are looking for in the two rooms of her shop, just as her grandmother, mother and sisters did before her.

Leclercq Hats, exclusive distributor of hats and caps

Founded in 1932 on the corner of Calle Narrica and Calle Iñigo, it is the only local shop in San Sebastian specialising exclusively in hats. For almost a century, they have been offering exclusive styles imported from other countries, although the legendary Elosegui berets, made in Tolosa, have been the shop’s flagship product for years.

Leclercq is one of those businesses that form part of the identity of the people of San Sebastian. It is currently run by the fourth generation of hatmakers, and has opened a new branch on Calle Fermin Calbeton. These shops are the only ones in the city where you will find the famous German Gottmann caps, or the English Failsworth hats, for which Leclercq are the exclusive distributors.

Benegas Perfumery: unique fragrances and beauty treatments

Perfumeria Benegas is one of the oldest local businesses in the city. This shop, which stands on the corner of Calle Garibai and Calle Peñaflorida, first opened its doors over a century ago as a hairdressing salon and barbershop for men, and a perfumery for women. Over the years, the four generations who have run the business have left their mark on the shop, adapting the products to the tastes of the times. It is no surprise that they are part of San Sebastian’s character.

Benegas offers its own perfume ranges, with scents impossible to replicate in other bottles: Colonia Original Benegas, Colonia Blanche, Colonia for children, Blanche Éclat and Ombre du Bois. It also stocks the perfumes Ssirimiri, Mari and Aker, all fragrances inspired by the city of San Sebastián. More recently, they have added beauty treatments to their range.

Minimil, women’s fashion designed in San Sebastian

This clothing brand was founded in 1987 by the San Sebastian-based designer Contxu Uzkudun. She had previously opened her boutique in 1977 and had already showcased her collections at fashion shows such as Cibeles and San Sebastián Fashion Week. Today, Minimil offers exclusive designs not only created by San Sebastian-based designers Ana and Beatriz (Contxu’s daughters), but also produced right here in the Donostia ldea region.

Quality fabrics, precision tailoring and minimalist silhouettes. Minimil’s collections feature wool, cotton, cashmere, silk, taffeta, linen and gauze, “cut and sewn with precision to create contemporary, functional and comfortable garments that enhance a woman’s natural beauty”.

BOX San Sebastian, handmade leather bags and leather goods

If there’s one local shop in San Sebastian where you can find leather goods of the very highest quality, it’s BOX San Sebastian. This leather goods brand has created some of the city’s most iconic bags. All its collections are inspired by motifs from the city: the balustrade at La Concha and the distinctive paving stones in the streets have featured in some of its collections.

Founded in 1948 by an expert saddler skilled in the art of sewing leather for the cavalry of the Spanish Royal Family, who spent their summers in Donosti, the business is now run by the second generation. They use only Spanish cowhide and sheepskin, and all designs are their own. Furthermore, two years ago they introduced footwear, and you can also find wallets and other accessories.

Sombreros Casa Ponsol, the oldest shop in town

At this hat shop on the corner of Calle Narrica and Plaza Sarriegui, they have been combining tradition and sophistication for 186 years, the oldest local store in San Sebastian. They are a city institution, now in their seventh generation. Whatever type of cap or hat you fancy, you’re sure to find it at Ponsol.

From traditional Elósegui berets from Gipuzkoa to the latest Stetson docker caps, as well as bowler hats, Panama hats, Cordoba-style hats and top hats. The common thread running through their range? Everything is the product of skilled craftsmanship and handmade, and they source materials exclusively from Italy, Germany and other European countries.

Crafts: Where can you buy handmade products in San Sebastian?

Handmade items hold a story within them. The story of those who have crafted them with their own hands, and that of the region where they were made. In San Sebastian, you can find handmade products crafted right here in the city, as well as crafts from other places. From rugs and jewellery to dresses, tablecloths, paintings, eguzkilores and decorative items, we’ll show you where to buy something unique.

Crafts from San Sebastian, take home a piece of the city’s soul

Where can you find unique, handmade items in San Sebastian or Guipuzcoa? In the shops listed below, you’ll find handcrafted pieces by local artists.

Alboka Crafts, traditional Basque crafts

If you’d like to take home a household item or decorative piece that connects you to the Basque Country or San Sebastián, Alboka Artesanía is the place to go. This local shop has been offering traditional Basque crafts since 1988, and is the ideal spot to pick up a local souvenir of your visit to Donosti. They stock some of San Sebastian’s most iconic decorative items, all crafted by established local artisans.

You’ll find figures of the giants and big-heads that bring the streets of San Sebastián to life during the festivals; pictorial silhouettes recreating traditional Basque scenes; or puppets and fabric figures depicting the most legendary folk characters. But you’ll also find some of the kitchen items most commonly used in the past, such as wine skins, ceramic kaikus or cloth tablecloths.

Koloreka, prints inspired by San Sebastin

In this former butcher’s shop on Calle San Jeronimo, you’ll find illustrations inspired by San Sebastian that depict everyday scenes in a contemporary style. These are vibrant works on watercolour paper in a minimalist style, and they can be framed in the shop itself. The techniques used to portray the city are varied, but all are created by local artists.

Apart from the souvenirs available at Koloreka, a visit to the space alone is well worth it: the narrow premises overlook the Plaza de la Constitucion (it is one of the few in the Old Town from which the view stretches out, rather than immediately being blocked by a row of buildings opposite), and they have also preserved the memory of the old butcher’s shop through the meat-carving tools hanging on the wall, and converted the old fridge into an exhibition space.

Lance Manole Art Shop: portraits of San Sebastian created using various painting techniques

Illustrations, photographs and collages that capture everyday stories of the city. The hustle and bustle of the old town, surfers bathing at Zurriola, or the joy of sampling pintxos. At Lance Malone Art Shop you’ll find a diverse and original range of artwork, all created by local artists.

Mikel Casal, Roscow, Lance, Malone and Rosco are the artists, and they all share the same muse: San Sebastián. Of course, they employ very different styles when capturing the essence of the city, thus offering diverse perspectives on the same reality and enriching the experience for anyone who drops in to visit them.

Crafts from around the world: take a trip to other parts of the world whilst strolling through San Sebastian

As well as local products, in San Sebastian you can also buy handcrafted items made far away from here. This is because some shops stock goods from other countries, thanks to the globetrotting nature of certain traders based in Donosti who travel throughout Asia and Africa in search of local crafts to bring back to the capital of Gipuzkoa.

Alaye Shop: fashion and accessories from India and West Africa

On Calle Narrica, between the two entrances to the Plaza de la Constitucion, the colourful display of goods at the Alaye shop transports you to exotic places almost without realising it. Dresses made of natural silk, cotton kimonos, handbags handcrafted from waxed African fabrics, jackets made from recycled fabrics, cashmere scarves, or beaded necklaces that evoke the Masai Mara.

The fashion and accessories in this local shop in San Sebastian come from India, Senegal, Guinea-Conakry and Kenya. The owners travel to these places several times a year to work on the women’s collection with local artisans, and then import and display the items with care in San Sebastian’s Old Town. Where each item was made, by whom, and how is something that the owners, Alaye and Amaia, honestly share with the customers who visit.

Nomada: Rugs and tapestries from Nepal, Iran and Turkey

This enchanting space on Calle 31 de Agosto brings to life the weaving traditions of various nomadic peoples from Iran, Nepal, Turkey and Afghanistan. Within the spacious premises, with their thick medieval stone walls and chestnut wood, hundreds of carpets and kilims are on display. Handmade from wool, these pieces are woven by nomadic peoples of East Asia with whom the owners have lived alongside during their travels.

They opened their doors in 1997, and since then have brought to San Sebastián the stories of other peoples reflected in the traditions of their textiles. At Nomada, they work exclusively with fair-trade workshops and artisans they know well. In addition to their unique range of carpets, they offer a significant collection of jewellery crafted by Afghan refugees in Iran and Turkey, and goldsmith’s work from a workshop in Niger.

Sen Africa, handmade garments made from Senegalese fabrics

Dressmaking in Senegal has a long tradition and is deeply rooted in everyday fashion. Now, these bespoke garments made from waxed or cotton fabrics also have a place in San Sebastián. This is in the Gros neighbourhood, on Plaza de Cataluña, where Sen designs and sews bespoke clothing, bags and other accessories with the aim of bringing her local culture to the city she has called home for years.

This shop is the perfect place to discover Senegal’s sewing tradition, which Sen shares with great expertise, but also the perfect opportunity to have a unique and original garment made.

Fashion made in San Sebastian: garments designed and made in Donosti that you won’t find anywhere else in the world

In San Sebastian, international fashion brands dominate the streets of the city centre. Major global fashion retailers occupy most of the retail space and dominate the neighbourhood’s high street. But beyond the ready-to-wear offerings of global chains, San Sebastian is home to distinctive and unique garments. These shops champion sustainability, local sourcing and individuality in their designs.

If you’re looking for original and personalised clothing, these are the shops in San Sebastian you’ll want to visit.

Goiuri, the only swimwear and bikinis that are truly from San Sebastian

At this shop in the city centre, they have been designing, making and selling their own swimwear collections for over two decades. They do everything themselves and offer interchangeable swimwear sets so that every customer can mix and match tops, bottoms and sizes to suit their needs. So, if you’re looking for unique swimwear, Goiuri is the place to find it.

Beyond the originality and flexibility of their range, they have also incorporated sustainability into their brand values. Since 2020, they have been experimenting with two recycled fabrics: polyester from marine waste, such as bottles and nets collected from the Mediterranean Sea; and polyamide, reused from scraps from the fashion industry. It is also azero-mile shop, and they produce their collections just a few metres from the shop itself.

Dalas Handmade, cutting-edge bags from San Sebastian

Cristina Limousin, a designer from Tolosa, has been making bags for 11 years, which she used to sell online; for the past two years, her collections have been on display in the Old Town at Dallas Studio. Her designs are original, and all her pieces are one-of-a-kind.

Ubrique leather, canvas, eco-friendly fibres and cotton are some of the materials they work with by hand in the San Sebastian workshop to craft bags in the traditional artisanal style.

E-Mod, women’s clothing with its own unique style

This business combines a shop with a fashion workshop. The workshop offers training in design, pattern-making and sewing, whilst the shop showcases Jaione and Javier’s collections. E-Mod’s garments highlight the personality and individuality of each customer. This is because their collections are born out of a desire to move away from the homogenisation of today’s fashion and to offer original garments.

The designs are minimalist and timeless, offering garments that endure beyond each season. The brand’s signature pieces are dresses that blend functionality and contemporary style in neutral colours. All dresses are one-size-fits-all, with a particular emphasis on volume.

Amanerak, iconic handmade Basque garments

Natural fabrics, locally produced, and limited editions. These are the cornerstones of Amanerak’s unique offering. In this shop you’ll find handcrafted clothing that connects very directly with Basque identity: all the collections are inspired by Basque culture, and it is one of the few shops, if not the only one, where you can find the Kaiku (the traditional Basque coat), which has become the brand’s hallmark.

They have modernised it, made it waterproof, and adapted it into two-piece suits. Their kaikus are an innovative offering that draws on the purest textile tradition to create cutting-edge fashion. The brand’s commitment to tradition is also evident in the shop itself, where culture is showcased through vintage photographs and old books, because for Amanerak, telling a story is vital, and each of their garments holds a tale within it.

Shopping routes through the neighbourhoods of San Sebastian

Most of the shops mentioned above are located in the Old Town and the city centre. This is because they are San Sebastián’s oldest shops, and because the city’s main commercial activity is centred around these key areas. That said, the neighbouring districts also offer some unique shops that are well worth a visit. Here, we’d like to recommend some local fashion and craft shops in the districts of Gros, Egia and Amara.

Gros

This neighbourhood is home to a number of shops with a long history, as well as some innovative businesses that have sprung up as a result of the boom in tourism and surfing in this district of San Sebastian. Here you’ll find bespoke suits, century-old knives, sportswear and works of art.

ALDABALDETREKU, Tailoring

This tailor’s shop offers tailor-made suits for men. Weddings are the main focus of its work, and grooms and wedding guests are the main customers of this bespoke tailor’s shop. It is a family business that opened its doors in 1983 and is now run by the second generation.

NAVARRO CUTLERY, Cutlery and kitchenware

Knives are at the heart of this shop, which has been practising the art of cutlery-making for four generations. They offer an extensive range of high-quality items, including not only knives you won’t find in any other shop, but also kitchenware (casseroles, mixers, etc.). In addition, their wide selection of barbecue tools covers all the essentials you need to master the art of barbecuing.

CENTRAL ART GALLERY, Contemporary Art

This contemporary art gallery is well worth a visit for the industrial feel of the space; even without buying anything, simply walking through it is an experience in itself. It exhibits numerous collections by local artists, with works spanning painting, sculpture and other visual arts.

MINER, Bikes and urban fashion

The relationship between bicycles and San Sebastián is an inseparable one. Bikes are the city’s quintessential mode of transport, and Miner is the place where you can grasp the city’s love affair with this urban vehicle at a glance. The shop was founded in 1926 by Jose Luis Miner Zapirain, a famous cyclist of his day, who set up a bicycle workshop on Calle Ronda; today, the third generation continues to champion the urban bicycle, alongside fashion and footwear. For lovers of urban sportswear, Miner is an unmissable stop.

PUKAS, Surf and fashion

This surfboard brand, founded in 1979, is the leading name in surfing in San Sebastián. A family business with a surfing heritage, the brand has two shops in Donostia: in the Old Town (Calle Mayor) and in Gros. It is a must-visit for surfers, given the worldwide reputation of its boards, but it is also the perfect place to buy surf and streetwear, as Pukas stocks the latest collections from leading brands in the sector.

In Gros, we also recommend Deportes Apalategui for sportswear (running, football and sports fashion), Arteuparte for graphic art and urban fashion, or Indie Surf Shop for sustainable surf fashion.

Egia

Egia is one of the cultural hubs of San Sebastian. Concert venues, bars with live music and music shops have all played a key role in shaping the cultural identity of this neighbourhood. Here, we highlight shops where you can buy cultural items, as well as crafts, organic products and even socks.

EGIA RECORDS: Music and vinyl records

This record shop embodies the musical spirit of the neighbourhood. It has recently opened and is a must-visit for music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts. Its collection features a wide range of musical styles and includes over 600 records. It is a haven for music lovers, inviting visitors to listen at their leisure, make deliberate discoveries, and engage in honest conversation about music.

EBLA BOOKSHOP: Fantasy literature, role-playing games, board games, comics and manga

This spacious shop is a haven for niche literature. Fantasy, comics, manga, but also board games and role-playing games. They organise weekly events ranging from card tournaments to literary gatherings, as well as board game meet-ups. As well as being the place to buy those books you can’t find anywhere else, Ebla is the perfect spot to chat with a fellow enthusiast of fantasy books.

DRUYEN FOTOCERAMICA: Handcrafted ceramics and home décor

In this corner of Egia, craftsmanship reaches new heights thanks to Alaitz’s work. She creates bespoke ceramic and porcelain items featuring her own designs; unique pieces of jewellery, tableware and home décor; and signage such as street and business nameplates, mosaics and signs. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique, handmade clay souvenir.

ELMYPIE: Socks in Every Shape and Color

Socks, socks, and more socks. Edgy, fun, with slogans, and colorful. The owners of this local shop in San Sebastian have made socks their weapon of rebellion and their form of expression. You can find them in every shape and style, and they also offer slippers and comfortable footwear.

EKO DONOSTIA: Ecological products

Natural cosmetics, personal care and home products. Eko Donostia is the place to find everything you need to make your cleaning and personal care routines more sustainable. Deodorants, creams, sponges, soaps and washing-up liquid. All of these products are biodegradable, toxin-free and, in many cases, made from recycled materials. If you care about the impact your consumption has on the planet, this is the shop in San Sebastian you need to visit.

Amara

This neighbourhood, which stretches from the centre of San Sebastian to the Reale Arena football stadium, isn’t the first place that springs to mind for a shopping trip. And yet, there are a few shops here that sell unique, handcrafted items.

PARKEAN ARTE: Ceramics, home décor and jewellery

As we enter the Amara neighbourhood, we come across Parkean Arte; a space where the spirit of craftsmanship is immediately palpable. There, Idoia and Laida design and create unique, handmade pieces using traditional techniques. They specialise in ceramics and jewellery, which they produce in the workshop located on the premises. They also exhibit decorative works by other local artists.

ARMAGEDDON COMIC: Comics and fantasy literature

This is the oldest comic book shop in the city. Joserra, its owner and founder, has been offering comics, role-playing games and fantasy literature to his customers for over three decades. Armageddon is the place to find the latest manga and comics, and to get advice on finding fantasy literature.

LAINER BAGS: Comfortable and exclusive bags

Handmade bags with a modern yet timeless design, crafted from lightweight, sustainable, durable, high-quality materials. Lainer is a local brand, created by designer Eva Seminario, offering a wide range of bags for everyday use. You can also create your own bag, as the brand offers bespoke courses where you can make your ideal design, allowing you to take home a unique piece made by you.

ART CORNER: State-of-the-art paintings and frames

This shop, which specialises in framing and selling paintings, opened its doors in 1971. Now in its third generation, it offers a range of paintings, combining traditional pieces, a legacy of previous generations, with contemporary works depicting cinema or comic books.

BARACE JEWELLERY: Handcrafted jewellery

Here is a jewellery shop that has been crafting unique pieces since 1969. In their workshop, they work with silver, gold and precious stones to create rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants that you won’t find anywhere else. In addition to the collection on display, bespoke commissions can be made, which Xabier and Elena, the husband-and-wife team, craft themselves, and they also carry out repairs.

If you’d like to experience these local shops in San Sebastián firsthand, contact us or book a tour with us to explore the city of San Sebastian.