San Sebastian Hotels

General Information

The former summer capital of Spain's royal family and haven for the likes of Leon Trotsky, Toulouse Lautrec and Mata Hari, San Sebastian is a magical place. The Basque city of Donostia, the official name of San Sebastian, welcomes a diverse cluster of visitors every year, from cinephiles who come for the International Film Festival to gourmet hunters who covet the cuisine of Juan Mari Arzak and Martin Berasategui, both rock star chefs in the food world.

Where San Sebastian shines however, is in the Parte Vieja and La Concha Bay. The old quarter teems with the city's version of the tapas bar, known in Donostia-San Sebastian as pintxo. Though the city is home to three-star Michelin restaurants, the pintxo bars of the Parte Vieja comprise the ultimate Basque culinary and indeed, cultural experience. The crescent beach of La Concha Bay is where locals and visitors alike gather in the pristine summer months to socialize, swim and soak up the sun.

San Sebastian History

• Museo Naval - A museum dedicated to the naval history of Spain and especially of the Basques.
• Mirando a San Sebastian - This museum is all about the history of the city, from its origins to the present day.
• Santa Maria del Coro - A historic church is located in the old town, where you can soak up the history both inside and out.
• Ayuntamiento de San Sebastian - Built in 1882, this building began as a casino and now is the home of the City Hall.
• Kiosko del Boulevard - After the fire in 1813, there were plans to rebuild the city. This pavilion is the home of the plans and what might have been.

San Sebastian Art & Culture

• Combs of the Winds - Eduardo Chillida created this sculpture by the sea.
• San Telmo Museoa - This art museum features exhibits of Basque art and history.
• Kursaal - This building is known for its beautiful architecture and is best viewed at night from the jetty.
• Parte Viejo - A picturesque neighbourhood in San Sebastian known for its dining and nightlife.
• Centro Cultural Koldo Mitxelena - This former engineering school now houses a number of cultural exhibits and events.

San Sebastian Shopping

• Kukuxumusu - This is the store for the Basque clothing label of the same name.
• Divain - This store features furniture and jewellery from Argentina.
• Trip - This aptly named store is your location for buying souvenirs from San Sebastian.
• Elkar Megadenda - This store has books, music and art and also boasts a Basque section.
• Don Serapio - Choose from an assortment of vegetables, fruit, fish, cheeses, wines and other delicacies.

Gay and Lesbian San Sebastian

• Dioni’s - This gay bar is also known for serving black coffee in the mornings and has an ’80s feel.
• Pokhara - A mixed bar with a relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the most popular in the city.
• Kontra - This is one of the oldest gay bars in town with a mixed age clientele.
• Miraconcha - This area is where most of the gay entertainment in San Sebastian is found.
• Maria Christina Hotel - A gay-friendly hotel is located in the centre of the city and has a long history.

Attractions

• Miramar Palace
• San Sebastian Cathedral
• La Concha
• Plaza de la Constitución
• Parte Vieja

Activities

• San Sebastian International Film Festival
• San Sebastian Jazz Festival
• Street Zinema Festival
• Semana Grande
• Basque Week

Restaurants

• Arzak
• Martin Berasategui
• La Cuchara San Telmo
• Aloña Berri
• Branka

Nightlife

• Bergara
• Bataplán
• Kursaal
• Ganbara
• Tamboril

Climate

San Sebastian has a mild, temperate climate, with moderate conditions throughout the year.

• Winter (December to February) 2-14°C
• Spring (March to May) 5-24°C
• Summer (June to September) 13-31°C
• Fall (October to November) 5-21°C