Antiguo: The Historic Heartbeat of San Sebastián

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deh-eez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kooah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh ehn-seh-nyar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah)]

The Antiguo neighborhood, situated to the west of the city center of San Sebastián, has its origins dating back to the early establishment of the city. The area was originally a farming community that gradually transformed as San Sebastián expanded in the late 19th century. Its name, meaning 'old' in Spanish, reflects its historical significance as one of the earliest populated areas of the city.

During the 19th century, Antiguo began to experience rapid growth due to the influx of people seeking opportunities in the burgeoning port city of San Sebastián. The construction of the railway in the 1860s further connected Antiguo to other regions, enhancing trade and mobility. This era also saw the establishment of residential areas and local businesses, marking a pivotal transformation in the neighborhood's landscape.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant cultural developments to Antiguo. The establishment of the 'Colegio San Ignacio' in 1880 marked the beginning of a focus on education within the community. The neighborhood became a center for various cultural activities, including music and arts, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of San Sebastián.

The early 20th century witnessed the influence of the Modernist architectural movement in Antiguo. Notable architects, such as José Manuel Aizpurua, designed several iconic buildings that reflect this style, integrating innovative designs with the natural landscape. This architectural heritage is still evident in the neighborhood today, enhancing its historical charm.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) had a profound impact on Antiguo, as in the rest of San Sebastián. The neighborhood became a refuge for many fleeing from conflict. It was during this time that various buildings were repurposed for wartime needs, which left an indelible mark on the community's identity and resilience.

After the war, Antiguo underwent significant urban development to accommodate the growing population and modern needs. The construction of new housing complexes and public spaces in the 1950s and 1960s transformed the neighborhood into a vibrant residential area, while also preserving its historical character.

Today, Antiguo is known for its lively atmosphere that combines traditional Basque culture with contemporary influences. The annual 'Antiguo Fest' showcases local traditions, gastronomy, and performances, celebrating the neighborhood's rich heritage. Additionally, the presence of various cultural institutions and local markets reflects the dynamic community life that continues to thrive in Antiguo.

Antiguo is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in San Sebastián. If you are coming from the city center, you can take the number 16 or 24 bus, which runs frequently throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. For those arriving from the train station, it is best to take a taxi or use the bus services that connect to Antiguo.

Antiguo is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. The local bus service (Dbus) connects Antiguo to other parts of the city, with several stops located throughout the area. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops, and there are dedicated bike lanes for a safe ride. Taxis are available and can be called easily if needed.

Antiguo is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but it is wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly near popular attractions or during local events. It's advisable to avoid dimly lit areas at night and to stay alert in busy areas such as the La Concha beach promenade.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are available, and it's advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Pharmacies are widely available in Antiguo for non-emergency health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking. Don't wear swimwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Don’t play loud music or disturb others. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try the pintxos at local bars. Don’t ask for alterations to traditional dishes.

To experience Antiguo like a local, visit the local markets and try fresh produce and local specialties. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about the culture. Explore the nearby Ondarreta beach, perfect for a relaxing afternoon, and don’t miss the iconic Peine del Viento sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, which offers stunning views of the ocean.