Framed by lush hillsides and golden beaches, San Sebastian has indisputable charm, from its esteemed dining scene to its packed cultural calendar and grand architecture. The beauty is what brought my friends here. They own an Edmonton screw pile company and decided to take an adventure during a quieter time on their work schedule.
Once the Spanish royalty’s favorite destination, San Sebastian still retains its luster over the years. Ornate bridges, elegant art nouveau buildings, as well as beautifully manicured plazas and parks create an enchanting backdrop to this city. Here are the top must-see attractions in San Sebastian, Spain.
Aquarium
Be scared for your life as enormous sharks come close behind the glass panes, or stare in awe at fancy fluoro jellyfish. Highlights of this impressive aquarium are the long tunnel, coral-reef exhibits, and deep-ocean. Also, there is a maritime museum section in the aquarium. Allow at least one and a half hours for a visit.
Playa de la Concha
Fulfilling almost all ideas of how an ideal city beach should be, Playa de la Concha (and Playa de Ondarreta, its westerly extension) is easily one of Europe’s best city beaches. A fiesta atmosphere usually prevails throughout the summer months, with thousands of toned and tanned bodies spread across the seaside sands.
Parquet de Cristina Enea
Created to honor the wife of the Duke of Manda, this is a favorite escape for many locals. This formal park is the city’s most attractive and contains open lawns, ornamental plants, as well as peacocks and ducks. Its wooded paths are great for a scenic stroll, as you would go past magnificent Lebanese cedar and towering red sequoias.
San Telmo Museoa
One of Basque Country’s best museums, San Telmo Museoa has a captivating collection that explores Basque culture and history in all its complexity. The exhibitions are spread between a cutting-edge convent and a restored wing. The collection ranges from bold fusions of modern art and historical artifacts. Also, San Telmo displays some exceptional temporary exhibitions. Labeling is in Basque and Spanish, but there are also audio guides in other languages.
Kursaal
The Kursaal was designed by Rafael Moneo and is one of the most noteworthy and beloved buildings in the city. Comprising 2 cubes made from translucent glass, the structure which serves as a conference and cultural center was specially designed to represent 2 beached rocks. An energetic array of cultural and musical events is held year-round here. The building is a functional landmark and has a great bar and restaurant.
Tabakalera
One of the most celebrated new attractions in San Sebastian is this sunlit cultural space set in an appealing redesigned tobacco factory. It is a hub for the design, arts, and cultural enterprises such as the Kutxa Foundation, the Basque Film Archive, and various innovative firms and galleries. For visitors, there is also a cinema, an exhibition hall, and a regular line-up of workshops, discussions, seminars, and other edifying fares.