There truly is something very special about this city. Maybe it is the green-blueish water of the ocean -the Biscayan Gulf-, maybe its the Bask tapas(and wine!) that melt on your tongue, the big illuminated statue of Jezus overlooking the city or the old fashioned 30 style grandeur. I think its a combination of all. Take a walk at anytime of day (or night) along the boulevard and marvel at the beautiful setting of 'La Concha' (The Shell), the bay of San Sebastian and you know it. This city was not to be missed..

Last summer I was fortunate enough to visit San Sebastian and I stayed at the Hotel Monte Igueldo. This hotel is directly adjacent to the small amusement park that so many people have mentioned in their reviews; but, it seems that everyone has forgotten about the hotel. On my entire month long trip in Western-Europe, I have to say that, besides a 5-Star Hilton that I stayed at in Barcelona, this was the finest establishment that I had the pleasure to sleep at. Everything was immaculate, the service was incredible, but the most amazing thing was the panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Everything was perfect, from the crashing of the waves against the cliffs to the red and white lighthouse that keeps the tremendous sailboats off of the rocks. You don't have to worry about noise from the park... there's only a few rides and it closes around 7.

After hours of searching for a room during Semana Santa, the lovely lady that runs the Pension Aralar, had one room available. The room was a tiny thing with a small bed, but what else do you need, it's only to sleep in. THe place has a total of 4 rooms and 2 batrooms with showers. Great water pressure aswell. It's 2 blocks from the beach and 5 blocks to the Parte Vieja where all the nightlife takes place. The price of the stay was only 2500ptas/night compared to 5000ptas that all the other hostels were asking for because of the holiday price hike.

Spend an afternoon hiking the trails, discovering nooks, views, cemetaries and artillery. Monte Urgull has plenty to see in a few hours. Hike to the top, sit on the grass, dangle your feet off a cliff. They even have a little cafe with an amazing view of the beach. By far my favorite place to be while in San Sebastian.

Really close to San Sebastian, there's a small mountain called Monte Igueldo. From there you have quite good views and it's a small place with even a tiny cute amusement park. Very small, though, remember! Don't wait to find a big and cool amusement park. For those interested, there's also a nice hotel here.

Albergue de la Juventud La Sirena : Paseo de igueldo,25 tel : 934 31 02 68.

This is one of the most famous, glamorous and expensive restaurants in Spain. His owner and head chief, Juan Maria Arzak, is probably the best known cook in Spain, with an outstanding international reputation too. If you want to taste the delicious vasque cuisine, and can afford the cost, this is the place to go

In August, in Donosti-San Sebastian, they hold what they call the "Big Week". Lots of different activities take place all around the city. It is lots of fun.

Every september, San Sebastian holds an International Film Festival. If you happen to be around San Sebastian in September, don't miss it, and if you are a cinema lover, it's a must. You can get 10 tickets at a time and this way you get a discount. It's sometimes hard to get tickets for the most popular movies.

The old part of the city is very good to go out at night if you feel like going to bars. But if you want to go out dancing to clubs, this is not the best area.