San Sebastián: The Jewel of Spain's Northern Coast

• HelloKaixo
  [ka-ee-sho]
• GoodbyeAgur
  [ah-goor]
• YesBai
  [bye]
• NoEz
  [ez]
• Please/You're welcomeMesedez
  [meh-seh-dez]
• Thank youEskerrik asko
  [es-ke-reek ah-sko]
• Excuse me/SorryBarkatu
  [bar-ka-too]
• How are you?Zelan zaude?
  [zeh-lan zau-deh]
• Fine. And you?Ondo. Eta zu?
  [on-do. eh-ta zoo?]
• Do you speak English?Ingelesa hitz egiten duzu?
  [in-ge-le-sa hits e-gee-ten doo-zoo?]
• I don't understandEz dut ulertzen
  [ez doot u-lehr-tzen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenua ikusi nahi nuke, mesedez
  [men-oo-a ee-koo-see na-hee noo-ke, meh-seh-dez]
• I don't eat meatEz jaten dut haragia
  [ez ja-ten doot ha-ra-gee-a]
• Cheers!Topa!
  [toh-pa]
• I would like to pay, pleaseOrdaindu nahi nuke, mesedez
  [or-dai-ndu na-hee noo-ke, meh-seh-dez]

• Help!Laguntza!
  [la-goon-tza]
• Go away!Joan zaitez!
  [jo-an zai-tes]
• Call the Police!Deitu poliziari!
  [de-ee-tu po-lee-see-a-ri]
• Call a doctor!Deitu medikuari!
  [de-ee-tu me-dee-koo-a-ri]
• I'm lostNire bidea galdu dut
  [ni-re bi-de-a ga-lu doot]
• I'm illGaixo nago
  [gai-sho na-go]

• I'd like to buy...Erosi nahi nuke...
  [eh-ro-see na-hee noo-ke...]
• I'm just lookingBakarrik begiratzen
  [ba-ka-reek be-gee-ra-tzen]
• How much is it?Zenbat balio du?
  [zen-bat ba-lee-o doo?]
• That's too expensiveHorrek oso garestia da
  [ho-rrek o-so ga-res-tee-a da]
• Can you lower the price?Prezioa jaitsi dezakezu?
  [pre-see-o-a hai-tsi de-za-ke-zu?]

• What time is it?Zenbat da ordua?
  [zen-bat da or-doo-a]
• It's one o'clockBatetan da
  [ba-te-tan da]
• Half past (10)Hamarte da (10)
  [ha-mar-te da (10)]
• MorningGoiza
  [go-ee-za]
• AfternoonArratsaldea
  [a-rat-sal-de-a]
• EveningGaua
  [ga-oo-a]
• YesterdayAtzo
  [at-so]
• TodayGaur
  [gaur]
• TomorrowBihar
  [bi-har]
• 1Bat
  [bat]
• 2Bi
  [bee]
• 3Hiru
  [hi-ru]
• 4Lau
  [lau]
• 5Bost
  [bost]
• 6Sei
  [sei]
• 7Zazpi
  [zaz-pi]
• 8Zortzi
  [zor-tzi]
• 9Bederatzi
  [be-de-ra-tzi]
• 10Hamar
  [ha-mar]

• Where's a/the...?Non dago...
  [non da-go...]
• What's the address?Zer da helbidea?
  [zer da hel-bi-de-a?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Erakutsi al zerbait (mapan)?
  [eh-ra-koot-see al zer-by-t (ma-pan)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Noiz dator hurrengoa (autobusa)?
  [no-iz da-tor ur-ren-go-a (au-to-bu-sa)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketa bat (....ra)
  [ti-ke-ta bat (....ra)]

San Sebastián, known as Donostia in Basque, was founded in 1180 by King Sancho VI of Navarre. Its strategic location on the Bay of Biscay made it an important military stronghold and trading port from the early days. The city's rich history is rooted in its role as a crossroads for different cultures and civilizations, from the Romans to the Moors.

One of the most significant events in San Sebastián's history is the Siege of 1813 during the Peninsular War. British and Portuguese forces, fighting against Napoleonic troops, laid siege to the city. After intense fighting, the city was set ablaze and nearly destroyed. The majority of its buildings were burned down, and it took years to rebuild the city from the ashes.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the Belle Époque era for San Sebastián. The city became a popular summer retreat for Spanish and European aristocracy, including Queen María Cristina of Spain. This period saw the construction of many of the city's iconic buildings, such as the Miramar Palace and the luxurious Hotel María Cristina, which still stand as symbols of the city's opulent past.

San Sebastián played a significant role during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Initially held by Republican forces, the city fell to Francoist troops in September 1936. The war had a profound impact on the city's social and political fabric, leading to a period of repression and hardship for its inhabitants.

In the latter half of the 20th century, San Sebastián became a focal point for Basque cultural revival and political activism. The city experienced a cultural renaissance, with the establishment of institutions like the Basque Culinary Center and the San Sebastián International Film Festival. This period also saw the rise of the Basque separatist movement, which had a significant impact on the region's political landscape.

Today, San Sebastián is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its culinary excellence, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The city has earned a reputation as one of the world's great gastronomic capitals, boasting numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and a thriving pintxos (tapas) culture. Its historic old town, picturesque La Concha beach, and the annual film festival make it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

San Sebastián is located in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The nearest international airport is San Sebastián Airport (EAS), approximately 20 kilometers away in Hondarribia. Alternatively, Bilbao Airport (BIO) is around 100 kilometers away and offers more international connections. From Bilbao, you can take a bus or a train to San Sebastián, with the journey taking about 1.5-2 hours. There is also a high-speed train (AVE) connection from major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona to San Sebastián.

San Sebastián has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Euskotren light rail, which connects the city with nearby towns. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks and online. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone/apps. For a more local experience, consider renting a bike; the city is bike-friendly with numerous dedicated lanes. Walking is another great option as many attractions are within close proximity to each other.

The official currency in San Sebastián, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful and generally offer fair exchange rates.

San Sebastián is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places like La Concha beach and the Old Town (Parte Vieja). Pickpocketing can occur, particularly in tourist hotspots.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The main hospital in San Sebastián is Hospital Universitario Donostia. Pharmacies are easily found throughout the city and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress neatly and stylishly; San Sebastián is known for its chic fashion scene. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding buses and trains. Don't put your feet on seats or eat and drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Kaixo' (Basque greeting). A handshake is customary for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local pintxos (tapas) and always accept food offerings graciously. Don't skip queueing etiquette at pintxos bars; wait your turn to be served.

To experience San Sebastián like a local, visit the markets such as Mercado de la Bretxa, where you can buy fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage with locals who are usually friendly and willing to share insights about their culture. Don't miss the chance to walk along La Concha promenade or hike up Monte Urgull for panoramic views. For a unique experience, attend a Basque festival or a pelota (traditional Basque sport) match.