Gros: The Vibrant Heart of San Sebastián

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-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-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• 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 goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• 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
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-thyoh]

• 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 (deez ee-ees)]
• 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
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyeth]

• 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)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah)]

The Gros neighbourhood's history dates back to the late 19th century when it began to emerge as a distinct area of San Sebastián. Originally a fishing village, it was known for its maritime activities and close-knit community. The construction of the railway in the 1860s helped to boost its development, connecting it more closely with the rest of the city and facilitating the movement of goods and people.

The late 1800s marked a turning point for Gros as it began to urbanize rapidly. The influx of tourists to San Sebastián, attracted by its beaches and climate, led to the development of hotels and other facilities in Gros. The neighbourhood became a popular destination for visitors, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere and cultural diversity.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Gros, like much of San Sebastián, experienced significant turmoil. The area was affected by bombings and military actions, which led to destruction and a loss of life. Post-war reconstruction efforts were necessary to rebuild the neighbourhood and restore its vitality.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Gros underwent a cultural renaissance. The establishment of cultural institutions, such as the Kursaal Congress Centre in the 1990s, transformed the area into a hub for arts and entertainment. The annual San Sebastián International Film Festival, held at the Kursaal, has further enhanced Gros's reputation as a cultural hotspot.

Today, Gros is known for its unique blend of traditional Basque culture and modern urban life. The neighbourhood features a vibrant culinary scene, renowned surf spots at Zurriola Beach, and a lively atmosphere, particularly during festivals such as the Tamborrada. Its streets are lined with pintxos bars, cafes, and shops, reflecting the dynamic spirit of San Sebastián.

Gros is conveniently located just a short walk from the city center of San Sebastián. You can easily reach Gros from other neighborhoods by walking across the Urumea River via the Zurriola Bridge. Public transport options include the local bus services (Dbus) that connect Gros to various parts of the city. The nearest train station is in the city center, with services connecting you to other Spanish cities, including Madrid and Barcelona.

Gros is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking the best way to explore the neighborhood. Public buses (Dbus) operate throughout the area, providing access to other neighborhoods in San Sebastián. For those who prefer cycling, bike rental services are available, and there are designated bike lanes. In summer, you may find e-scooter rentals for a quick way to get around.

Gros is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, like any urban area, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, particularly the quieter streets away from the main thoroughfare. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places, especially near popular tourist spots like Zurriola Beach.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Emergency services are generally prompt and efficient. The nearest hospital is Hospital Donostia, located a short distance from Gros. It is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available, and they typically have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially for walking. Don't wear overly casual beachwear away from the beach area. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try pintxos at local bars. Don't be offended if you are asked to share tables, as it is common in local dining culture.

To experience Gros like a local, visit the vibrant Mercado de la Bretxa, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Spend an afternoon at Zurriola Beach, popular with surfers and locals alike. For a unique experience, try the pintxos bars in the area, especially in the streets of Pescadería and San Francisco. Don't miss the cultural events at Tabakalera, a contemporary culture center that often hosts exhibitions, workshops, and film screenings.