San Sebastian’s centre, as it could be expected, represents the heart of the city. It is a very elegant area situated between La Concha Beach and the Urumea River. It borders on the Gros neighbourhood at East, on the Antiguo at West and on the Amara at South.
A great deal of shops and distinctive buildings are found in this area. Among these it is worth mentioning the Town Hall, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre or the Buen Pastor Cathedral.
Bars and restaurants spread out all around this area and if you would like to enjoy some typical pintxos, you can try any of them here. Or perhaps you prefer to pop-in in the Old Town, which is just a five minute stroll away.
La Concha, world famous beach and bay, stands out in this area for its natural beauty but also for the spectacular panoramic views from its promenade. At the same time, La Perla, a thalassotherapy centre pioneer in San Sebastian’s tourism since the beginning of the 20th Century is situated along this walk too.
The Miramar Palace appears as a natural frontier between the Antiguo, Aiete and the Centre neighbourhoods. This palace and its surrounding gardens facing the bay are like a banner for the city, as it was here where the former Royal Family used to spend their summer holidays at the beginning of the 20th Century. Thanks to these prestigious visitors San Sebastian became a very fashionable city among the elite tourism. Nowadays, the Miramar Palace houses the High School of Music of San Sebastian. You will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the bay from here.
Several supermarkets can be found in this area as well as one of the most attractive markets in the city, the San Martin market. Both, traditional and the latest shops are located in this store.
Very close to the city centre, at the entrance of the Old Town, there is another well-known market, La Bretxa. There is also a good combination of traditional and modern shops here, probably the most genuine market in the whole of San Sebastian.
A gorgeous route you may want to take is that going from La Concha to the harbour and from here to the Paseo Nuevo, all along the seaside. Parting from this Paseo Nuevo, you also may feel like going up to Urgull Mountain, just a 15 minute climb. And we can assure you that it will be worth it, as you will enjoy the most beautiful view of San Sebastian right from the top. Coming down from the Mountain, you get back to the Old Town and, after passing by the Town Hall, you will reach La Concha again.
