San Sebastián, called Donostia in Basque, was founded in 1180 by Sancho el Fuerte (Sancho the Strong) around what is presently called the Parte Vieja (Historical Quarter). While the city dates back nearly a millennium, it is extremely modern and sophisticated. Over time, it has become the cultural center of País Vasco. Hailed as cosmopolitan, San Sebastián is famous for its bay, La Bahía de la Concha, and is a popular tourist destination for many Spaniards in the summer.

Modern architecture is juxtaposed with "Belle Epoque" design making San Sebastián a city with strong Spanish, French and Basque character. Many agree that the Basque city is the most beautiful city found along the Cantabrian coast.

Like any city in País Vasco, San Sebastián prides itself on food. Cuisine is an integral component of Basque social life and to share this time with a local Donostiarra (San Sebastián native) is a unique experience.

San Sebastián welcomes tourism and friendly faces walk the streets and eagerly assist any traveler that chooses Donostia for travel or long-term stay.

San Sebastián offers a myriad of activities and site-seeing opportunities for every tourist. While the La Playa de la Concha is argued to be one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world, the city offers much more than just sun-rays and sand to its visitors.

The Parte Vieja (Old Quarter) of San Sebastián is located towards the eastern edge of the Bahia de la Concha beyond the Casa Consistorial (City Hall) and is home to many trendy bars and restaurants. San Sebastián's pintxos bars (the Basque version of tapa bars) are hailed as some of the best in Spain. These bars are abundant in Parte Vieja and are "a must" for every person that comes to Donostia.

While in San Sebastián, visit the Casa Consistorial (City Hall), built in 1887 originally as a casino. In the early 20th century, gambling was prohibited and the building was given to San Sebastián's local government.

Famous for ornate architecture, a simple stroll down pedestrian-friendly streets in San Sebastián showcase the city’s unique identity and feel.

For music, visit the Kursaal, a new concert hall, auditorium, and convention center. The impressive geometric structure is found towering over San Sebastián’s coastline and has received international acclaim for the building’s ingenuity and design. Many concerts and film festivals are held in the Kursaal and bring international celebrities to its doors. If travelers are interested in local music, one should check out CDs by the popular Spanish group La oreja de Van Gogh. The musical group writes and records most all of their music in San Sebastián.

For shopping, Calle San Martín offers stylish and trendy clothing, boasting pedestrian-only streets. While shops vary in price, the streets offer any tourist the ability to window shop. Local Basque berets, called "boinas", are popular and found throughout family owned stores in San Sebastián.

The tiny island Isla de Santa Clara is located in the center of the Bahia de la Concha. Boat trips and tours are available to the island during the summer months only and offer spectacular views for sunsets over the Cantabrian coast. In combination with Isla de Santa Clara, the Monte Igueldo offers incredible panoramic views of San Sebastián and a pefect spot to picnic.

For history buffs, check out the Museo de San Telmo, a museum found in Parte Vieja. San Telmo is home to a 16th-century monastery near the church of Santa Maria. It maintains an impressive collection of local Basque artifacts and many baroque paintings from historically-acclaimed Spanish artists (e.g. Rivera, El Greco).

San Sebastián is home to many festivals during the summer because of its temperate climate. To welcome summer, the Festival of San Juan is held on June 23-24 as a large bonfire marks the new season. During the last full week in July, an International Jazz Music Festival brings artists to the Kursaal center to celebrate the musicality and uniqueness of the genre. Famous musical talents Elvis Costello, the Gotan Project, and Isaac Hayes are some of the many names that have participated.

While these are only some of the major attractions found in San Sebastián, it is easy to see why this Basque city is frequented by tourists. Its nightlife, beaches, terrain, and food invite people to return to the city time after time. Whether you are in San Sebastián for a day, a week, or a month, it never seems to be quite long enough.

Basque Phrases:
Kaixo (kye-sho): Hello
Eskerrik asko (ehs-keh-reesk ahs-koe): Thank you very much
Agur (ah-goor): Good-bye

Spanish:
¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English? (formal)
¿Hablas inglés? Do you speak English? (informal)
(No) Hablo español. I (don't) speak Spanish.
Perdóname/Con permiso. Excuse me (used when cutting through a crowd).
Pasa. Pass (the response to perdoname).
Lo siento. I'm sorry.
¡Ayuda! Help!
¡Socorro! Help! (in an emergency situation)
¡Cuidado! Caution, look out!
¿Cómo está? How are you? (formal)
¿Cómo estás? How are you? (informal)
(Muy) Bien. (Very) Well.
(Muy) Mal. (Very) Bad.
Gracias. Thank you.
Por favor. Please.
Buenos días. Good morning
Buenas tardes. Good afternoon.
Buenas noches. Good evening.
Adios. Goodbye.
No entiendo. I don't understand.
¿Cómo se llama? What is your name? (formal)
¿Cómo te llamas? What is your name? (informal)
Me llamo... My name is...
Mucho gusto./Encantado. Nice to meet you.
¿De dónde es? Where are you from? (formal)
¿De dónde eres? Where are you from? (informal)
Soy de... I am from...
¿Qué hora es? What time is it?
¿Dónde está el hotel? Where is the hotel?
¿Dónde está un teléfono? Where is a telephone?
¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the restroom?
¿Cómo voy a...? How do I get to...?
¿Tiene usted...? Do you have...? (formal)
¿Tienes...? Do you have...? (informal)
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it?
Me gustaría... I'd like to order... (in a restaurant)
La cuenta, por favor. The bill, please.
Soy vegetariano/a. I am a vegetarian.
¡Salud! Cheers!/Bless you! (after a sneeze)
¿Cómo se dice ____ en español? How do you say ______ in Spanish?
¡Vamos! Let's go!