Locals first. Hosts always.
Hosts always. Forget stiff scripts. Our guides are wonderful people who love their cities and enjoy sharing it the way they would with visiting friends.
They know the bars, bartneders and stories behind the counter. Many guests tell us the their guide is what made the experience unforgettable. We take that seriously.
You don’t come to the Basque Country just to eat, ok, mostly you do but — you also come to feel something. To stand shoulder to shoulder with locals at a tiny pintxo bar, to hear the stories behind the food, to taste ingredients shaped by generations of tradition and pride. At TOPA, our guides create intimate food experiences for curious travelers who care about authenticity, culture, and connection.
What you can expect from a TOPA guide
- A host, not a lecturer.
- Deep knowledge of food and culture.
- Thoughtful storytelling — never rushed.
- Genuine care for the people and places we visit.
- Someone who makes you feel comfortable, welcome and curious
meet our guides
Jake
“Come for the food, stay for the sobremesa.”
– Favorite bar: Bar Martinez
– Favorite pintxo: The Culebrilla
– Favourite drink: Sagardoa — sour apple cider!
For me, sharing a meal is the most human act there is. It can break down walls, spark connections, and let us learn about cultures from the inside out. I’ve spent nearly half my adult life in this city. It’s where I’ve found my partner and my closest friends, where I’m learning to speak Basque, and finding a sense of belonging that deepens every day. I guide as a storyteller.
lily
“My job is to help you slow down, understand what you’re tasting, and enjoy it with confidence.”
– Favorite bar: Bar Antonio
– Favorite pintxo: Igueldo pintxo
– Favourite drink: Marianito — local vermouth-based cocktail, ideal before lunch on a sunny Saturday.
I moved to San Sebastián six years ago and completely fell in love. I still remember the first time I went pintxo-hopping here — faced with so many incredible bites, I didn’t know where to start. When I’m not guiding, you’ll usually find me exploring and figuring out where to get the best lunch or the perfect Marianito.
CRISTINA
"Food connects people"
– Favourite bar: Casa Urola
– Favourite pintxo: Seared pork’s ear
– Favourite drink: Marianito
I moved to the Basque Country in 2011 with a clear intention: to become a chef. What I didn’t expect was how quickly San Sebastian would feel like home. I studied at the Basque Culinary Center, and later, became a certified chocolate taster and a strong advocate for ethical, bean-to-bar chocolate.
Whether it’s through a shared pintxo at a bar or a long meal with friends, those moments are what make this place special—and what I love sharing with others.
maider
“Sharing my city through food is the most natural way to make people feel welcome.”
– Favorite bar: Borda Berri
– Favorite pintxo: Carrilleras
– Favourite drink: A glass of cold txakoli
I was born and raised in the Basque Country, and Donostia has always been home. I love guiding because, in a way, it allows me to travel within my own city.
Every tour is an exchange: I meet people from different places and cultures, and at the same time I get to share my city through its food and stories. I enjoy creating a relaxed atmosphere where guests feel like they’re exploring with a local friend.
Planning a trip comes with questions.
We woman our inbox Monday to Friday and we’re happy to help. Send us your message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
