What is there in San Sebastian? The beauty of the Basque country? The rural Spanish countryside? The sunny Mediterranean beaches? It's easy to think that San Sebastian is a boring city. It's not as historic as Paris, as busy as New York, nor as grand as Rome. Many people who haven't been here before might just overlook it, thinking that there's nothing else to do but go swim at the beach. Well, they're sadly mistaken! There's actually a ton of things to see and do in San Sebastian than just lounge about. Here are a few worth doing even if you're only here for a day!
Marvel At City Hall
Most of the time, the city hall is the last place to visit when you want to look at something fascinating? Who'd want to go to a government office when they only have one day to spend in a city? Well, if that particular hall is a stunning structure with a lot of interesting history to it, why not? The city hall of San Sebastian, '
Ayuntamiento de San Sebastian,' is an architectural marvel. It was also a central spot during the Spanish Civil War and you can even see the bullet halls from the battles of that time in the present-day hall itself!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Explore Parte Vieja
If there's one
neighborhood in San Sebastian that you should definitely explore, it's Parte Vieja! Translated into English as 'Old Town,' it's similar to the likes of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter or
Paris' Latin Quarter The place looks as if time stopped and the city never reached the 21st-century. A whole slew of bars, cafes, art galleries, and other exciting hotspots await those who want to stroll through what Sen Sebastian looked like a couple of centuries ago. And this place definitely looks worthy enough to fill your Instagram page with as well! Get ready to gain more followers!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visit Palacio de Miramar
Spanish architecture has a certain look to it. Oftentimes, it veers towards the gothic style, particularly with the many churches and palaces in Spain. So it's very rare to see other types of architecture in this country. That is if you haven't been to San Sebastian yet. In this beautiful coastal city stands a massive English cottage that's practically—and technically is—a place: Palacio de Miramar! This is the summer holiday home of the British Royal Family in the Basque country, designed by British architect Seldon Wornum back in 1893. Its distinct English aesthetics and historic relevance are reasons alone for you to check it out yourself!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go On A Pintxos Tour
The term 'pintxos' refers to a small snack typically served in a bar in Northern Spain. The country's famous tapas are a form of this. And here in San Sebastian, you can devote an entire tour trying out and eating on the finest pintxos the city can offer. In fact, San Sebastian has an entire
slew of culinary hotspots that are perfect for such an endeavor. Small but flavorful, you can practically forget about lunch and dinner and just spend an entire day going from one place to the next and tasting the best delicacies in town! What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Drive-Up To Monte Igueldo
No matter which part of San Sebastian you end up in, the city will still look beautiful no matter what. Now, with that said, arguably the best view you'll ever see in this coastal town is atop Monte Igueldo. Many people hike, ride their bikes, or drive up to this famous mountain just to see the panoramic splendor that makes all the effort worth it. Not only will you get to see a different point of view of the bustling city you're in right now, but also of the stunning waters and natural wonders that surround it!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Stroll The La Concha Promenade
Swimming at La Concha beach is probably the first thing people would tell you that you should do when you go to San Sebastian. And they're absolutely right! La Concha bay is a stunning shoreline not to be missed in this part of the Basque country. However, if you're not up for frolicking in the sea nor getting a tan, take a nice stroll along La Concha Promenade instead! It's a beautiful 2 kilometer-long walkway along the coastline that's the best during twilight. Not only because of the magnificent view of the sunset but the romantic vibe of the streetlamp-lit pathway as well!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sail Off To Santa Clara Island
Tired of the mainland? If you've been spending too much time in San Sebastian, that's understandable. But if you don't want to (or can't, depending on your current situation) leave the city but still prefer something new, sail off to Santa Clara Island! Yes, it's the tiny remote island right smack in the middle of La Concha bay that you've seen in images online or in travel brochures. The ultimately serene paradise awaits those who just want to get away from it all and spend a day in peace. Not to mention getting immersed in the natural wonders of Spain's Basque country!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you think all you think San Sebastian is a boring city, you're sadly mistaken! Granted it's not as busy and bustling as other places in the world, it has its own fair share of secrets and surprises that you really ought not to miss while you're here!
What's a great way to end your day in San Sebastian? Relaxing in your
luxury home here!
