San Sebastian has one of Europe’s greatest in-city beaches. It’s an uncommon sensation to be able to sunbathe and swim right near to big historical structures and churches. There are a lot of surfers here.
The city is modest and quaint, with several seafood restaurants, many beaches, a plethora of pintxos bars, and a variety of trendy clothing stores.
San Sebastián has a vibrant cultural scene, where grass-roots initiatives in various sections of the city, as well as purposeful private and public cooperation, have prepared the way for a diverse variety of opportunities and events catering to the interests of a diverse and select audience. The city was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2016 (together with Wroclaw, Poland) with the core slogan “Waves of people’s energy,” which sums up a clear message: people and citizen movements are the true driving force behind transformations and changes in the globe.
All year long, events ranging from traditional city festivals to music, theater, or movie take place, but they flourish especially in the summer. San Sebastián’s Jazz Festival (Jazzaldia), Europe’s longest-running Jazz Festival, takes place in the final week of July. Gigs are held at various locations across the city, sometimes with free entrance. The Musical Fortnight, which runs for at least fifteen days into August and features classical music events, is up next. The San Sebastián International Film Festival, which has been running for more than 50 years and is centered on the Kursaal and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, takes center stage every September.
FOOD
The Basque cuisine is well-known across Spain, and many people consider that the greatest food can be found in the Basque Country. San Sebastian and its pubs and restaurants are responsible for much of its renown. Tapas were originated in Andalusia, but they were perfected in San Sebastian, as a tour around the old town before lunchtime with its numerous taverns demonstrates. Each bar is brimming with tapas that seem to be quite delicate. Tapas are often paired with a glass of wine or a small beer, and the Spanish custom encourages having one tapa and a glass of wine at one establishment before moving on to the next. Tapas are a wonderful meal replacement since you pay for each one you eat (roughly €2-4 per), so you may eat as many as you like. If you’re looking for’real’ cuisine, San Sebastian can provide. There are a variety of cuisines available, including Chinese, German, Galician, Italian, and, of course, Basque. You can get the freshest seafood in and around the waterfront, and if you don’t like the modest harbour taverns, head to San Sebastian restaurants with Michelin stars if you have some money to spare.
Tourism Information (North side of the Boulevard separating Old and New Town), +34 943481166. A contemporary, well-staffed information and booking counter.