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Donostia/San Sebastián

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CONTENTSIntroduction 3

Discover San Sebastián neighbourhood by neighbourhood 4

Centre – Old Town: tradition, "pintxos" and shopping

Gros:ayoung,surfingatmosphere Ondarreta – Igeldo: San Sebastián

with children Amara–Anoeta:peaceandquiet

onthebanksoftheUrumeaRiver Santa Clara Island

Five must-see museums 7

SanTelmoMuseum NavalMuseum Eureka!Zientziamuseoa SanSebastiánAquariumMuseum Casa de la Historia

Food 8

San Sebastian through the seasons 8

Summer Autumn Winter Spring

Experience Nature 10

The hidden city 11

Parks and gardens Monuments Viewpoints

Enjoy San Sebastián's nightlife 12

What can you visit near San Sebastián? 12

BasqueCoast Hondarribia-Fuenterrabía (Gipuzkoa) Bilbao Vitoria-Gasteiz RiojaAlavesa BalenciagaMuseum SagardoetxeaCiderMuseum ChillidaLekuMuseum

How to get there 14

Train Plane Car Getting around San Sebastián SANSEBASTIÁNTOURISTOFFICE

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Back cover: Wind Comb SculpturePhoto: pabkov/123rf.com

'PINTXO'

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What are you waiting for?

Discover one of the most

beautiful destinations in

northern Spain.

INTRODUCTIONGastronomy, art, beaches, culture… You can enjoy all this and more in San Sebastián (in Basque, Donostia), one of the most spectacular cities inGreenSpain,wichcomprisesthewholeCantabriancoastline.

If you're a foodie,thisistheplaceforyou.ItsnumerousMichelin-starredeateriesand the richness of its traditional cuisine make this one of the leading cities inBasquecuisine.Butifthere’sonethingSan Sebastián is famous for, it mustbe its pintxos: deliciousmini bites thatencompasseverything from traditionalfood to more sophisticated creations.You'llwanttotrythemall!

San Sebastián is also synonymouswith culture. Its architectural heritagecombines traditional and avant-gardestyles. In each neighbourhood youwillexperienceadifferentatmosphereandyou can mix with the locals who arealwayswillingtohelp.

Its white sandy beaches are the perfect place for sunbathing and long walks alongtheshore.Astheyarealldifferentyou can enjoy a distinct experience ateachofthem.Nature surrounds the city andyoucanenjoyitsbeautyfromatopanyofitsmountains.

ThefamousSan Sebastián International Film Festival, which takes place everySeptember, is another reason to visitthiscity.

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b OTEIZA’S SCULPTURE

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DISCOVER SAN SEBASTIÁN NEIGHBOURHOODBYNEIGHBOURHOODDiscoverthepersonalityofeachneighbourhoodinSanSebastián,linkedinparttothenatureofitsthreemagnificentbeaches.

CENTRE – OLD TOWN: TRADITION, "PINTXOS" AND SHOPPING

The Concha Promenade borders thebeachofthesamename,whichisoneofthecity'ssymbols.Exploreitonfootorby bike and lean on its beautiful railings asyouenjoytheviewsofthebay.

Afteryourwalk,theoldquarterawaits,offering you the chance to recharge your batteries. Walk through stone streetsand practise the art of "txikiteo", which involvesmovingfrombartobardrinking"txikitos" (small glasses of wine) andsamplingdelicious"pintxos" (avariationof tapas, usually skewered onto a piece ofbread).Takeafewminutestovisitthebustling Plaza de la Constitución, which is thesetting formany local festivities,such as La TamborradaDrumFestival.

Stroll through the romantic area,with buildings from the Belle Epoque

movement and pedestrianised areaswithtrees.YoucanadmireBuen Pastor Cathedral, Teatro Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the City Hall, which is a stunning building that played host to the city's casino until gambling wasprohibitedin1924.

SAN SEBASTIÁN

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a SEAFRONT PROMENADEPLAYADELACONCHA©SanSebastiánTurismo&ConventionBureau

a BASILICA OF SANTA MARÍA DEL CORO

DISCOVER SAN SEBASTIÁN NEIGHBOURHOOD BY NEIGHBOURHOOD

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GROS: A YOUNG, SURFING ATMOSPHERE

If you enjoy sports and nature, you'rein the right place. This cosmopolitan,dynamic and young district next toZurriola Beach sees surfers pass by with their boards in front of its numerousterraces and small, charming shops.Makesureyoutryasurfinglesson!

Enjoy nature by heading up Mount Ullía,themostimportanthikingareainSan Sebastián and which hosts a section oftheWayofSaintJames.

Fancy a little culture? Visit some artgalleries, Kursaal Congress Centre and the Tabakalera (International Centre forContemporaryCulture).

ONDARRETA – IGELDO: SAN SEBASTIÁN WITH CHILDREN

Monte Igeldo Mountain and the gardens of Miramar Palace flank oneof the most symbolic, family-friendlybeaches in the city: Ondarreta. Atthe western end of the beach you will comeacrosstheWind Comb,afamoussculpture by Eduardo Chillida. Thefusion between the ferocity of the sea and the strength of the iron structures willrenderyouspeechless.Youcanalsotakeinaspectacularsunsethere.

` PLAYA DE GROS BEACH

` TABAKALERA ©SanSebastiánTurismo&ConventionBureau

` WIND COMB SCULPTURE©SanSebastiánTurismo&ConventionBureau

At the other end of Ondarreta Beach are the Miramar Gardens,governedbythe spectacular, English-style MiramarPalacefromwhichyoucanviewtheBayof San Sebastián in all its glory. Strollalong its gravel paths, surrounded byflowers,thatdescendtothesea.

Toseeoneofthebestviewsofthecity,take the funicular railway to Mount Igeldo and, once there, spend a day out attheamusementparkwiththefamily.

The Antiguo neighbourhood that surroundsthebeachhasseveralpintxo barandrestaurantareas.

AMARA – ANOETA: PEACE AND QUIET ON THE BANKS OF THE URUMEA RIVER

Enjoyarelaxingwalkorbikeridealongthe Paseo de Francia, on the banks of the UrumeaRiver,whichisdottedwithcharming, small palaces. Situated atthe entrance to the city, this residential neighbourhood filled with hotels hasexcellentlinkswiththecentre.

On your walk you can visit Anoeta Stadium and the Real Sociedad Museum, both of which pertain to San Sebastián's hundred-year-old football team.

SAN SEBASTIÁN

SANTA CLARA ISLANDIn the centre of the Bay of La Concha youwillfindSanta Clara Island.Itcanbe accessed by motorboat or, if youdare,byswimming.Tothewestoftheisland there is a bar with a terrace so youcanenjoytheview.

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History, science, sculptures... Cultureawaits in San Sebastián's museums.Thesearesomeofourrecommendations.

SAN TELMO MUSEUM

Admire the Renaissance cloistersof this magnificent 16th-centurybuilding nestled in the city's Old quarter. Inside,youwillfindcollectionsrelated to ethnology, the Fine Arts and archaeology, with work by El Greco, Rubens, Fortuny, Sorolla and Zuloaga,amongstothers.

NAVAL MUSEUM

Housed inanoldportfishmarket, thismuseum will show you the history ofBasquesandthesea.

EUREKA! ZIENTZIA MUSEOA

Discover science's fun side with morethan 169 experimental modules. Inthe Animalia room you can observedifferentanimalsintheirecosystems.

CASA DE LA HISTORIA

Take a look back at the history of San Sebastián inMotaCastle at the topofMonteUrgullHill.

SAN SEBASTIÁN AQUARIUM MUSEUM

Thisisthesecondmostvisitedmuseumin the Basque Country after theGuggenheim in Bilbao. Its facilitieshouse banded coral shrimps, longhorncowfishandtwofabulousbullsharks.

a SAN TELMO MUSEUM

FIVE MUST-SEEMUSEUMS

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FOODIf youwill bevisitingbetweenJanuaryandApril,makethemostofthe"txotx": cider establishments open their doorstoofferseasonalcideraccompaniedbytraditionalmenus.

However,oneofthearea'smosttypicalactivities is going out for "pintxos".The capital of Gipuzkoa Province isparadise for fans of this informal styleof gastronomy. You can get theseculinary miniatures anywhere in thecity, but especially in the Old Town.You'll havemore fun if youmove fromplace to place, trying their traditional specialities as you go. There are alsomore sophisticated options availableas reduced versions of haute cuisine.Colourstodelighteveryone.

Do youenjoy avant-garde dining? San Sebastián can offer you this experience with chefs like Andoni Luis Aduriz, Pedro Subijana, JuanMari Arzak andMartínBerasategui. It is one of the world's

citieswiththemostMichelinStarspersquaremetre.

If you are a foodie, youwill also find alarge number of activities available toyou.These range fromcooking classesand ham cutting lessons to visits towineriesandmarkets.

One of the secrets to San Sebastian´s renownedgastronomyisitshighqualityprime ingredients. You can find awideselection of seasonal products in its city markets, such as La Bretxa and San Martín. Some of the city's mostrenowned chefs visit these marketsdailytoselectthemeatandfishtheywillserveintheirrestaurants.

Dining is a pleasure

anywhere in San Sebastián.

SAN SEBASTIÁN THROUGHTHESEASONSSanSebastián'sactivitycalendarofferseventsallyearround.

SUMMER

IfyouarevisitingSanSebastiánduringthe week of 15 August, you will hear the cannon shot that opens the Semana Grande Festival. The city prepares fora celebration, allowing you to enjoygreat concerts, troupes, exhibitions and

fireworks,amongstmanyotherevents.

You can enjoy jazz's biggest namesduringthesecondfortnightinJuly.San Sebastian International Jazz Festival livensupbeaches,theatres,squaresandauditoriumsthroughoutthecity.

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SAN SEBASTIÁN

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AUTUMN

The red carpet of the city's mostcosmopolitan event is rolled out inSeptember:Zinemaldia San Sebastián International Film Festival, the stars of which stay at the historicHotelMaríaCristina. If you book far enough inadvance you can attend the galas andscreenings.

YoucanalsoenjoytheFashion Festival: Shopping Gauean.OnenightduringthemonthofSeptember,citycentrestoresopen and organise sales of special collections in an event that combinesfashionwiththeseventhart.Thecity'sstreets boast a big array of activitiessuch as theatrical displays, concerts, photocalls...

WINTER

On 20 January, the city celebrates the dayofitspatronsainttotherhythmofdrums.FeelthethrillatLa Tamborrada Drum Festival while more than 125companiesbringlifetothestreetswithsonganddance.

At the beginning of the year, during the Teatro de Bolsillo Festival, you will find music, comedy, drama and magicin the town´s centre. If youwould liketo discover the latest innovations onthe art scene, head to any of the shows hosted during the Dferia Performing Arts Festival.

SPRING

InMay, San Sebastián's parks and thetrees in its pedestrianised areas comeintobloom.AmongstthevibrantcoloursyoucandancetoanArgentinianrhythmat the Tango Festival.Attheendofthesamemonth,thecityhoststheculturalfestivalofOlatu Talka, in which citizens aretheprotagonists.

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SAN SEBASTIÁN IN SEASONS

TAMBORRADA

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EXPERIENCE NATURE

San Sebastián also offers you manyopportunities to experience nature up close.

Sign up for a guided tour of Artikutza Nature Reserve, which is a forest haventhat becomes a symphony of colours inautumn.

Mount Igeldo offers youoneof themostspectacularviewsoftheBayofLaConcha.Youcangoupinafunicularrailwayandvisittheamusementpark.

Inadditiontoanexcellentview,Urgull Hill affords you the opportunity to see the Casa de la Historiaandtheremainsofthewalland canons that stand as witnesses to the city'smilitarypast.

An old vantage point for viewing whales,Monte Ulía Hill isthecity'smostimportanthikingarea.Youcangoforapicnicandstopatthevisitorcentre.

SAN SEBASTIÁN

PARKS AND GARDENS

WalkoverMaríaCristinaBridge,whichis themostelegantof those thatcrosstheUrumeaRiver,andwanderthetrailsthrough Cristina Enea Park. Discoverthe exotic nature of its trees and the swans and peacocks that populate this oasisofserenityintheheartofthecity.

The Hidden Gardens of Miraconcha go unnoticed between La Concha and the Paseo de Miraconcha, but we suggestyoutotakeaseatonabenchandenjoytheviews.

If you head up Urgull Hill, take walk through the Cementerio de los Ingleses Cemetery, which is one of the city's mostmysteriouscorners.

Opposite the City Hall are the Alderdi Eder Gardens. These are typical onpostcards of San Sebastián with their flowersandtamarinds.

MONUMENTS

When walking through San Sebastián you will come across unique places.Admire the good taste of thearchitecturalstylesfromtheendofthe19th century by viewing Aiete Palace,

intheneighbourhoodofthesamename. Visititsroomswheredistinguishedroyalfigures and members of the nobilityonce lived.You'll lovestrolling throughits gardens, designed with bridges, ponds and a largemeadow that opensouttowardsthesea.

Another recommended spot is San Vicente Church, the oldest temple inthe city,which is a fine example of theBasqueGothicstyle.

Head to the Comb of the Wind by Eduardo Chillida and the Construcción Vacía (Empty Construction) by JorgeOteizaanddiscovertwocontemporaryart sculptures that challenge the force ofthesea.

VIEWPOINTS

One of the best places to see the city and its sunsets is from its hills. HeaduptothepanoramicterracesofMount Igeldo toenjoythemostcompleteandrenownedviewofSanSebastián.

For an almost 360-degree view, headto the viewpoints on Urgull Hill: MotaCastle, Batería de las Damas andBaluartedelMirador.

THE HIDDENCITY

IfyouhavetimeandyouwanttodiscoversomeofSanSebastián'sbest-keptsecrets,herearesomeofitslesserknowncorners.

a MARÍA CRISTINA BRIDGE ©SanSebastiánTurismo&ConventionBureau

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ENJOY SAN SEBASTIÁN'S NIGHTLIFE

San Sebastián's nightlife is shared across three zones, each with its own character. You can go for drinks in thelively Old Town, which is the busiest district,withbarstosuitalltastes.

Behind Buen Pastor Cathedral, the street Calle Reyes Católicos is the mostchicareainthecity,withmodern

establishments and edgier musicvenues. On this pedestrianised streetyoucanenjoyacocktailwhilesittingononeofitsvariedterraces.

Ifyouarelookingforaquietersetting,inthe Gros districtyouwillfindbarsandpubswhereyoucanenjoyarelaxedchatandadrink.

WHAT CAN YOU VISIT NEARSANSEBASTIÁN?

TheBasqueCountry has somuch tooffer.Herearesomewaysyoucangetto know the Basque Country whileyou'reinSanSebastián.

BASQUE COAST

Travel the60kilometresofGipuzkoacoastline and head to its wild cliffs that overlooktheCantabrianSea.Visit itssmall fishing towns and take a dip atthebeach,thensampletheirseafaringgastronomy. Or visit the BasqueCoastGeopark,whichcoverstheareabetween the Cantabrian Sea and the BasqueMountains, comprised of themunicipalareasofMutriku,DebaandZumaia. PLAYA DE ALGORRI BEACH

ZUMAYA

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HONDARRIBIA-FUENTERRABÍA (GIPUZKOA)

Wander through its historic centre, whichisauniquecollectionofpalacesandstatelyhomesthatdemonstrateits military past. Take a tour of thelivelyLaMarinadistrict.

BILBAO

Visit the Guggenheim Museum,which is the work of the Canadian architectFrankGehry.Definedasthebestbuildingfromthesecondhalfofthe 20th century, it is the flagshipof Bilbao's conversion. Once in thistown you can try a few "pintxos" in its oldquarter.

VITORIA-GASTEIZ

Its historic quarter, which wasdeclared a Monumental Site, hasmaintained itsmedieval roots. Afterwandering its streets, visit SantaMaríaCathedral,whichinspiredKenFollet to write World Without End, the second part of The Pillars of the Earth. ThecapitaloftheBasqueCountryisalsoknownforitsgreenareas.

RIOJA ALAVESA

Visit some of its wineries nestledin cosy towns. Some of these arehundreds of years old while others boastmoreavant-gardearchitecture,having been designed by famedarchitects. You can enjoy a winetastingsessionorpurchasewine.

BALENCIAGA MUSEUM

Dedicated to the great fashiondesigner fromGetaria, you can visitthis museum in a new annexe ofAldamarPalaceonahillatthehighestpointinhishometown.

SAGARDOETXEA CIDER MUSEUM

In Astigarraga you will be shown every ritual related to cider andprovidedwithexplanationsaboutitspreparationprocess.

CHILLIDA LEKU MUSEUM

Having booked in advance, when inthe surroundings of Hernani you can contemplate 150 pieces by the SanSebastián native sculptor, EduardoChillida(1924-2002),whichcombinewith nature in an old country house heowned.

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, BILBAO Photo:IakovFilimonov/123rf.com

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WHAT CAN YOU VISIT NEAR SAN SEBASTIÁN?

HOW TO GET THERE

San Sebastián is a city that can be easily accessed as it is well-connected with the rest of the world via all forms oftransport.

TRAIN

SanSebastiánRailwayStationconnectsthe capital of Gipuzkoa Provincewith a large number of Spanish cities,includingMadridandBarcelona. It canalso be accessed from internationaldestinationslikeParisandLisbon.

PLANE

Withinroughly100kilometresyouwillfind three airports, two of which areinternational airports. San SebastiánAirport,whichis20kilometresfromthecity of San Sebastián, offers connections with national and international cities.There is a bus that links San Sebastián with San Sebastián Airport in around 25 minutes.BilbaoAirport,100kilometresaway,offersflights tovariouspoints inEurope, while Biarritz Airport, where French and international companiesoperate,is40kilometresaway.

CAR

You can use the following roads to get here: the national A-1 road (Madrid-Irún), the AP-8 (Bilbao-Irún) and A-63 (Paris-Irún) motorways, and the AP-15 dual carriageway (Pamplona-SanSebastián). 

GETTING AROUND SAN SEBASTIÁNSan Sebastián has several publictransport options allowing you to get aroundeasily.

BUS

The fleet of city buses owned by thecompanyDbusoffersquickconnectionswithanypointinthecity.Youcancheckout the lines available on its website.There is also a tourist buswith fifteenstops, all of which are near must-seespotsinthecity.

COMMUTER TRAIN

You can use the commuter trains thatleave Donostia Station to visit nearbyplaces.

BIKE

Withmore than 30 kilometres of bikelanes, San Sebastián is the perfect city forcycling.Therearevariouscompaniesthatofferbicyclerental.

BASQUE, CO-OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Basqueistheco-officiallanguageoftheBasqueCountry,andVitoria-Gasteiz,asthecapital,iswhereitismostfrequentlyspoken.Basque issaidtobetheoldestlivinglanguageinEuropeanditsoriginsarestillamystery.

When visiting San Sebastián, you willsee signsinbothSpanishandBasque.

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SAN SEBASTIÁN

SAN SEBASTIÁN TOURIST OFFICE

BoulevardAlameda,8,20003DONOSTIA/SANSEBASTIÁNTelephone: (+34) 943 48 11 66www.sansebastianturismo.com

SPAIN’S OFFICIAL TOURISM PORTAL

www.spain.info

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