{"id":4797,"date":"2018-03-09T12:26:54","date_gmt":"2018-03-09T12:26:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.applelanguages.com\/blog\/?p=4797"},"modified":"2018-03-15T15:29:30","modified_gmt":"2018-03-15T15:29:30","slug":"san-sebastian-top-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.applelanguages.com\/blog\/information\/my-travel-journal\/san-sebastian-top-10.php","title":{"rendered":"San Sebastian – Top 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"San Sebastian is a wonderful city to live and to study in. Having lived there for five months, I will let you in on some of the best bits of the city:<\/p>\n

1. Food! (pintxos, pintxos, pintxos)<\/h3>\n

San Sebastian is known worldwide for it\u2019s Michelin star restaurants (try Mugaritz and Arzak). It is also famous for it\u2019s specifically basque take on tapas, called Pintxos<\/em>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

These little mouthfuls are tantalisingly lined up along bar counters throughout the city. For cheap Pintxos<\/em>, (typically 2 Euros for a pintxo and a drink) head out in the Gros area (calle zapaleta). You can also try the Mercado de San Martin which has live music on a Thursday evening.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For those who have more time, hop from bar to bar exploring 31 de Agosto street. Mondays are quiet here, so instead head down from Tuesday to Sunday.<\/p>\n

There is a good reason that the New York times suggested that 31 de Agosto street was one of the best streets in all of Europe! You will find a lively and friendly atmosphere in the heart of the city. The view over the bay of\u00a0La Concha\u00a0<\/em>is excellent and the place is steeped in history. It was the only street to survive a devastating fire in 1813 on 31st August. It is also home to some of the best Pintxos bars in all of Spain.<\/p>\n

Gandarias<\/a>, La Cepa <\/a><\/em>and Atari\u00a0Gastroteka<\/em> are\u00a0sure to be one of your new favourites!<\/p>\n

Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, do not miss the legendary La Vi\u00f1a<\/em>. Their homemade baked cheesecake has been wowing locals and tourists alike for years.<\/p>\n

2. Spanish and Surfing (Zurriola and the Basque coast)<\/h3>\n

\"\"Surfers come from all over the world to experience the roar of the waves along the Basque coast. Taking a dip for a few hours with one of the local surf schools is a must! I personally tried the\u00a0Zurriola Surf School and loved it.<\/p>\n

Don’t forget that you can also learn to surf on your Spanish course<\/a> with Apple Languages!\u00a0🏄<\/p>\n

Get to grips with the basics and then practice, practice practice! On a sidenote, July and August have the busiest the crowds, but the water should be a dream all year round. Alternatively, try the little less crowded beaches at Zarrautz and Mundaka.<\/p>\n

3. Walks, strolls and hikes (Igeldo, Urgull and further afield)<\/h3>\n

For a short stroll and an impressive view of the ocean, walk around Monte Urgull. This is the mountain with a statue of Christ at the top. the best route is to go from the bridge opposite the Kursaal opera house, up until you reach the port, which leads back into the old town.<\/p>\n

If you want a stunning overall view of the city, head up Monte Igeldo on a clear day. You can hike up and down or catch the Furnicular, which costs about \u20ac3.50 for a return ticket. For a longer walk take the trail to the fishing village of Pasaia from the end of Zurriola beach. If you go up and around Monte Ulia the views here are also pretty spectacular.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

4. Free Festivals (Music\/Art\/Culture)<\/h3>\n

There is always something happening in San Sebastian. The city often offers free and beautiful music for all. The jazz festival Jazzaldia <\/em>which takes place in July\/August each year sees artists from all over come and perform. You will get to see them all on one of the city\u2019s many stages.\u00a0I particularly enjoyed some funk and soul style Jazz, which was performed on the beach!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Other fantastic local festivities that you should check out are:<\/p>\n