San Sebastián
San Sebastián
San Sebastián sits on Spain's northern coast in the Basque Country, combining incredible food, beautiful beaches, and sophisticated culture in one pretty amazing package. The city's famous La Concha beach curves around the bay like a perfect postcard, with crystal clear water and white sand that draws visitors year-round.
What really puts San Sebastián on the map is its food scene. This place has more Michelin stars per square meter than almost anywhere else in the world, but you don't need to go fancy to eat well. The Old Town is packed with pintxos bars (the Basque version of tapas) where you can hop from spot to spot, grabbing small bites and local txakoli wine.
The city has a rich history too - from its days as a royal summer retreat to its fascinating Basque cultural heritage. The local language, Euskera, is one of Europe's oldest and most mysterious languages, with no relation to any other known language.
Beyond beaches and food, San Sebastián hosts the prestigious International Film Festival each September, drawing cinema stars from around the world. With its Belle Époque architecture, vibrant cultural calendar, and stunning natural setting between green hills and blue sea, San Sebastián delivers a uniquely elegant Spanish experience with a distinctive Basque flavor.
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Things to do in San Sebastián
Top things to do in San Sebastián by www.planetware.com
Where to stay in San Sebastián
Best hotels in San Sebastián:
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Hotel Gudamendi (budget hotel)
Hotel Gudamendi is just a short drive from San Sebastián. The views from this place are seriously impressive - you can see for miles across the sea and coastline. The rooms are spacious and clean, with big windows to soak in those vistas.
Outside, there's a nice pool area surrounded by gardens where you can relax on sunny days. The staff are friendly and helpful if you need tips on exploring the area. While it's not right in the city center, it's easy enough to get into town by car or bus.
One of the best things about staying here is escaping the hustle and bustle. It's quiet and peaceful, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Just keep in mind you'll need to drive or take transportation if you want to hit the beaches or old town. Overall, it's a great option if you're after amazing views and a more tranquil vibe during your San Sebastián trip.
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Casa 17 (homestay)
Casa 17 is just a short walk from the famous La Concha Beach and the lively old town. The rooms are bright and clean, with some offering balconies to soak up the city vibes.
While there's no fancy frills, Casa 17 nails the basics - comfy beds, clean bathrooms, and a location that can't be beat. You're surrounded by great pintxos bars and shops, perfect for exploring the city's food scene. The staff are friendly and happy to share local tips.
Keep in mind it's more of a guesthouse setup, so don't expect hotel-style amenities. But for travelers looking to be in the middle of the action without breaking the bank, Casa 17 is a solid choice. Just remember to bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper - city center locations can get a bit noisy at night.
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Catalonia Donosti (luxury hotel)
Catalonia Donosti is a stylish hotel in San Sebastián. The location can't be beat - you're just steps away from La Concha Beach and all the best pintxos bars in the Old Town.
The rooms are modern and comfortable, with great views of the city or sea from many of them. But the real showstopper is the rooftop terrace and pool. Grab a drink from the bar and soak in panoramic vistas of the bay and surrounding mountains. It's the perfect spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
The breakfast buffet gets rave reviews for its variety and quality. And the staff go above and beyond to make your stay special. Overall, it's an excellent home base for exploring beautiful San Sebastián and the Basque Country.
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Hotel Silken Amara Plaza (medium range hotel)
The Hotel Silken Amara Plaza is a stylish spot in San Sebastián, sitting right by the Urumea River. It's got a great location - just a 10-minute stroll from the cathedral and about a 15-minute walk to the famous La Concha beach.
Inside, the rooms are modern and comfy, with free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. There's also a restaurant serving up tasty Basque and international dishes. If you're in the mood for a drink, the Piano Bar La Ola is a cool place to unwind with some live music.
One of the best things about this place is how helpful the staff are. Whether you need tickets for a show or want to rent a bike to explore the city, the 24-hour front desk has got you covered. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a nice hotel that's not right in the busy tourist center but still close to all the action.
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Best hostels in San Sebastián:
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Room In The City Hostel (hostel)
Room In The City Hostel in San Sebastián is super close to La Concha beach - just a quick 2-minute walk away. The hostel has a mix of shared and private rooms, all bright and modern with city views.
The rooms are simple but comfy, with single beds or bunks and a sink in each. There are shared bathrooms and free WiFi throughout. One of the best things about this place is the location - you can easily walk to all the main sights and it's close to public transport too.
The hostel is part of a bigger complex called Convent Garden, which has a bar and terrace where you can hang out. It's got a artsy, urban vibe that fits well with San Sebastián's culture scene. Overall, it's a great budget-friendly option if you want to be right in the middle of the action in this beautiful coastal city.
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Surfing Etxea (party hostel)
Surfing Etxea is a cool spot right by the beach in San Sebastián. It's got a laid-back vibe that's perfect for travelers looking to catch some waves or just chill out. The hostel is super close to Zurriola Beach, so you can easily grab your board and hit the surf in no time.
Inside, there's a nice common area where you can hang out, swap travel stories, and maybe make some new friends. The staff are really friendly and can hook you up with surf lessons or tips on the best local spots to check out. At night, the bar is a great place to grab a drink and mingle with other guests.
The rooms are simple but comfy, with options for private doubles or dorm-style bunks. While it's not fancy, Surfing Etxea has everything you need for an awesome beach getaway in San Sebastián. The location can't be beat if you want to be close to the action and the waves.