District by district
Centre and Old Quarter
The Centre and the Old Quarter are two of the most vibrant and authentic districts. Here tradition and modernity are intertwined, offering a unique experience for locals and visitors alike.
Parte Vieja: pintxos, history and views out to sea
The Parte Vieja is the old quarter of San Sebastian, the heart of the old walled city and the true centre of its social life. Located at the foot of Mount Urgull between Urumea and the port, it is home to the oldest buildings and is known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Its cobbled streets are packed with pintxo bars and places steeped in history: the Basilica of Santa María, the Church of San Vicente or the lively Plaza de la Constitución, the square that is the centre of festivities such as the Tamborrada drum parade. The port keeps the seafaring spirit alive with restaurants, the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium; Plaza Zuloaga square and San Telmo Museum are where you can learn about the Basque culture, before going up Mount Urgull and enjoy the views from its lookout points and La Mota Castle.
Its cobbled streets are packed with pintxo bars and places steeped in history: the Basilica of Santa María, the Church of San Vicente or the lively Plaza de la Constitución, the square that is the centre of festivities such as the Tamborrada drum parade. The port keeps the seafaring spirit alive with restaurants, the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium; Plaza Zuloaga square and San Telmo Museum are where you can learn about the Basque culture, before going up Mount Urgull and enjoy the views from its lookout points and La Mota Castle.
Religious temples and medieval castles
Social life in San Sebastian is focused between the Basilica of Santa María del Coro and the Church of San Vicente, in the Parte Vieja, and the majestic Cathedral of the Buen Pastor, in the Centre. Barely 1 km separates those places of worship as the crow flies, and the route between the old town and the Romantic Area is steeped in history and architecture.
Centre: shopping and heritage in the Romantic Area
After the city walls were demolished, the Romantic Area, the social and economic heart of the city, was built. Its streets are a blend of a rich architectural heritage with iconic places and areas to stroll, such as the Alderdi Eder Gardens opposite the City Hall. The Boulevard connects the Parte Vieja with this neighbourhood, which is also a mecca for shopping, with streets such as Urbieta, Getaria and Fuenterrabía lined with local boutiques and international brands.
Belle Époque in San Sebastian
The Romantic Area captures the elegance of the Belle Époque with its majestic buildings in the French style. The City Hall, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the Hotel María Cristina bear witness to the urban transformation of San Sebastian in the late 19th century. Another must-see is the Cathedral of the Buen Pastor, a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture that brings this walk through the charm and history of the city to an end.
The cradle of pintxos and of traditional Basque cuisine
The pintxo is a clear hallmark of San Sebastian’s culinary heritage. You will find counters piled high with pintxos in practically all the city’s bars… although the greatest concentration is in ‘lo viejo’ (the old town), in other words, the Parte Vieja, packed with bars and restaurants where the small delicacies are a real feast… Bar hop, from pintxo to pintxo, and enjoy the true San Sebastian experience like a real local.
The Centre and the Parte Vieja are also home to the city’s best known and established restaurants. Enjoy Basque cuisine in a traditional setting and ambience. Or be more daring and try the avant-garde establishments and their innovative cuisine.
The Centre and the Parte Vieja are also home to the city’s best known and established restaurants. Enjoy Basque cuisine in a traditional setting and ambience. Or be more daring and try the avant-garde establishments and their innovative cuisine.
Going out on the town in San Sebastian
The main places for drinks when out on the town in San Sebastian are in Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros. At night, their streets are lively with something for everyone. Jazz bars, pubs and taverns here stay open until 4.00 in the morning for people who want to party the night away.
The heart of the Old Quarter
Plaza de la Constitución, the square known by the locals as the ‘Consti’, is the heart of local life and the venue for the most important festivities, such as the raising and lowering of the flag on St. Sebastian’s Day or the fair on St. Thomas’s Day. Lined with colourful buildings with picturesque numbered balconies – which are used as boxes for bullfights –, the square is also home to traditional restaurants and bars where you can savour the best pintxos and local produce.
What do you want to eat today?
San Sebastián has restaurants of all colours and tastes. You can eat from puchero to pintxos, seated or standing, in an elegant restaurant or a popular tavern.
Accommodation in central Donostia
From the deluxe Hotel María Cristina to friendly hostels in the Old Quarter, there are accommodation options for all budgets. Whatever your choice, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions.
