San Sebastian
Questions This Article Answers
What should I visit in San Sebastián?
What should I do in San Sebastián?
Is San Sebastián the same as Donostia?
What's the best beach in San Sebastián?
What should I eat in San Sebastián?
What’s in a Name?
Maybe you’ve heard San Sebastián. Or maybe you’ve heard Donostia. Both are correct! Well, actually, the name of the city has officially been Donostia/San Sebastián since 2012. However, you will still hear people call it by one part of the name or the other.
So, why two names? Well, the city is located in el País Vasco(the Basque Country), where people speak Basque as well as Spanish. For this reason, many cities have names in one language or the other—or both! San Sebastián fits in the “both” category, officially, but most people choose to use just one name to refer to the city.
Want to learn more about the Basque Country? Take a look at this article!
What to See and Do in San Sebastian
Located on the mar Cantábrico(Cantabrian Sea), San Sebastián has earned the nickname of la perla del Cantábrico(the pearl of the Cantabrian Sea). And, honestly, the nickname is well-deserved. The natural landscape and la arquitectura(the architecture) of the city are breathtaking. Read on to learn more about what to see and do in the city!
Beaches
There are officially four beaches in San Sebastián: La Concha, Ondarreta, Zurriola, and isla Santa Clara. Below you'll find a short description of these four popular San Sebastián beaches!
Monte Igeldo
Perched high atop Monte Igeldo(Igeldo Mountain) is a vintage theme park. Don’t expect new rides that get your adrenaline pumping; you’ll find vintage rides that take you back in time. Take the funicular(funicular) up the mountain to go on a few rides at the theme park, or enjoy the impressive panoramic views of the city.
Museums Galore!
San Sebastián is a cultural hotspot, and that’s evident in the sheer number of museums in and around the city. Check out the following table to see just a few of the museums you can visit!
As San Sebastián is located in the Basque Country, some of the names of these museums are in Basque.
Food in San Sebastian
San Sebastián is, without any doubt, one of the most exciting gastronomic destinations in Spain.
Pinchos, the Spanish spelling of the Basque pintxos, are—simply defined—hors d'oeuvres. But they’re so much more. In San Sebastián, pinchos tend to be elaborate, and their small size allows you to try quite a few. Pincho bars can be intimidating, so don’t be afraid to point to something if you're not sure what's called. Keep an open mind (give those anchovies a try!) and you’re sure to find culinary bliss.
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll see the Spanish pinchos used anywhere in the Basque Country. It is almost always spelled pintxos.
Are you a fan of tarta de queso(cheesecake)? If so, we’re sure you’re familiar with burnt Basque cheesecake. It has its origins in a bar in San Sebastian! Be sure to give the real deal a try.
Finally, we can’t talk about San Sebastian without talking about Michelin stars. The city has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. But if you’re a diehard foodie, you need to hacer una reserva(make a reservation) con mucha antelación(well in advance) to make sure you get a seat at the best restaurants.
Spanish Vocabulary for San Sebastian
Let’s take a look at some words and terms you should know to travel in Spanish in San Sebastián!
Did all this talk about Basque haute cuisine whet your appetite? Check out these delectable articles for your second course!
