San Sebastian City Guide
Capital of the province of Gipuzkoa in Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastian has the perfect blend of history, culture and nature. Relax on the sandy beaches, enjoy Baroque architecture and head up Mount Igueldo for lovely panoramic views.
What to do and see in and around San Sebastian
The Cathedral of El Buen Pastor
Dating back to 1897 this Neo-Gothic cathedral stands proudly on El Buen Pastor square in the centre of San Sebastian and is a dominating factor of the city’s skyline. Pay it a visit for its lovely stained glass windows and not so lovely gargoyles.
The Victoria Eugenia Theatre
Dating back to 1912 this majestic theatre has been home to the main cultural events of San Sebastian since its inception. Recently renovated this charming space is a wonderful venue in which to watch the dramatic arts.
Aquarium
This wonderful Aquarium/Naval Museum/Natural Sciences Museum takes visitors on an exploration of San Sebastian’s Naval History from the 16th to the 20th century, offering an insight into the size of some of the ocean's inhabitants with the remarkable skeleton of a whale caught in the late 1800s and then introduces them to the underwater world of the oceanarium – complete with turtles, rays and clown fish.
Old Town
San Sebastian’s old town is the perfect place to socialise, with plenty of vibrant cafes and bars to indulge in a spot of tapas. It is also the location of historic attractions such as the Church of Santa Maria, amongst others.
Mount Igueldo
For spectacular views of the area, take the historic funicular railway to the top of Mount Igueldo, make sure you also see the views from the terrace of the lovely old lighthouse. For visitors with children there is also a funfair on the mountain.
Beaches
San Sebastian has many beautiful sandy beaches, from the largest and most popular Playa de la Concha to the smaller and more peaceful Ondaretta, there’s bound to be a beach to suit you.
Santa Maria Church
This striking church in San Sebastian’s old town has had many face lifts in its time, starting off as a Romanesque church it was then extended in the Gothic-Renaissance style in the 16th century before being modified in the Baroque style in the 17th century.
Museo Chillida Leku
Eduardo Chillida's sculptures and drawings can be seen in museums the world over, both outside and in, but to enjoy a large collection of his work in the city of his birth, San Sebastian, is a real treat. The Chillida Leku Museum includes over 40 of the artist's sculptures housed in a farmhouse and the surrounding 30 acres of land. The artist's sculptures are made of assorted materials such as steel, alabaster, granite, terracotta, plaster, wood and paper.
Miramar Palace
This 19th century Palace with its gardens and neighbouring park makes for an interesting visit and marks the original urban core of San Sebastian.
Constitution Square
Right in the heart of San Sebastian's old town is the elegant Baroque Constitution Square which dates back to the Middle Ages – a fact that is validated by the dates on the balconies. The square used to double up as a bullring but now serves as a pleasant place to have a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
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