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San Sebastian old town

Plaza de la Constitución, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Comunidad de Madrid

Description

San Sebastian (Donostia) is the capital of the Gipuzkoa province, in the Spanish Basque Country. It lies on the Bay of Biscay and became a popular seaside resort at the end of the 19th century, with luxury hotels and a casino. The old part of town (Alde Zaharra) was surrounded by defensive walls until 1863 but is now best known for its monuments, squares, restaurants, and tapas bars. Key attractions include the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus (late 18th century), the Constitution Square (with numbered bullring boxes) and the town hall (now a library).

Access & Transport

The historical centre is immediately north of Gipuzkoa Plaza and the City Hall, only 5-10mins walk from the main train station. The city is quite easy to get to by car from Bilbao or France (only 20km across the border). The nearest airport bears the name of the city but is actually next to Irun, at the French border, just across Hendaye. The next closest is Bilbao.

Instructions & Recommendations

The atmosphere is the most lively in the evening when the tapas bars fill up. The rest of the day is best for a quiet exploration and cultural activities such as the San Telmo Museum. Parking is difficult to find in the area so you may need to leave your vehicle further away and walk.

Meta review

The old town is invariably described as a must see and is heavily featured in travel magazines mostly on the basis of its concentration of inviting tapas bars. Many online reviewers note the difference between the day dominated by souvenir and ice cream shops and the night when it becomes about drinks and food. Architecturally, the lines are clean but not exceptional with the exception of the ornate Churrigueresque Baroque portal of the Basilica which also includes an interesting diocesan museum, stained glass windows and a beautifully crafted altar for those keen on religious art (entrance fee is €3). Finally, the centrepiece is the Plaza de la Constitution with its peculiar numbering and traditional bars and stores.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Part of the architectural heritage of the city but socially, the benefits of tourism balance out the drawbacks of over-commercialisation

Conclusion

San Sebastian's old town is, together with the Concha beach, the defining feature of the city. One should visit both by day and by night for two different experiences. Worth a special trip even for those not interested in the drinking aspect.

Key positive

Compact area and centrally located

Lively atmosphere

Key negative

Over-commercialized and too busy at times

Suitability

The neighbourhood is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (the Basilica perhaps not)

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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