Parte Vieja: The Historic Heart of San Sebastián

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• 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?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• 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 vehr lah kahr-tah, 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 goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Fuera!
  [foo-eh-rah]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un médico!
  [yah-meh ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• 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 expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-eh-soh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs eehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• 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
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs ehn-seh-nyar-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 ...)]

San Sebastián, known as Donostia in Basque, was officially founded in 1180. The Parte Vieja area served as the original nucleus of the city, establishing its role as a focal point for trade and social interaction. The strategic location near the Bay of Biscay made it a desirable settlement for both locals and traders.

A significant event in the history of Parte Vieja occurred during the Peninsular War when British and Portuguese troops besieged the city in 1813. This siege led to the destruction of much of the old town, including many of its historic buildings. The aftermath necessitated extensive rebuilding, influencing the architectural style of the area.

The latter half of the 19th century marked a period of cultural and economic growth for Parte Vieja. The establishment of the railway in 1863 connected San Sebastián to larger urban centers, fostering tourism and trade. The area became known for its vibrant tapas bars, which attracted locals and visitors alike, solidifying its role as a cultural hub.

The early 20th century saw the emergence of Basque nationalism, with Parte Vieja at the heart of cultural revival movements. The establishment of cultural institutions and the promotion of the Basque language and traditions reflected a growing sense of identity. Festivals and events, such as the San Sebastián Day celebrated on January 20th, highlighted local customs and solidarity.

In recent decades, Parte Vieja has undergone significant urban renewal while retaining its historical charm. Efforts to preserve its architectural heritage, combined with the introduction of modern amenities, have made it a vibrant neighborhood for both locals and tourists. Its narrow streets, filled with pintxos bars and shops, continue to reflect the dynamic spirit of San Sebastián.

Parte Vieja (Old Town) is centrally located in San Sebastián, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. From the train station (Estación del Norte), it’s a 15-20 minute walk. If you are coming from the beach (La Concha), it's just a 10-minute stroll. Local buses and taxis are also available, with several bus lines connecting the area to other parts of the city. The nearest tram stop is also a short walk away.

Parte Vieja is best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly layout. Public transport options include local buses that run frequently, and taxis are readily available for longer distances. Bicycles can be rented from local shops or bike-sharing programs, providing a fun way to explore the waterfront and nearby parks.

Parte Vieja is generally safe for tourists, but as in any urban area, it's wise to stay vigilant. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, particularly around popular pintxos bars and during festivals. Avoid poorly lit alleys at night and keep valuables secured. Areas near the Port may have slightly higher instances of petty crime.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital (Hospital Donostia) is accessible, and there are several pharmacies in the area for minor health issues. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; don't wear beach attire away from the beach. Religion: Do be respectful in churches; don't take photos where it is prohibited. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly; don't speak loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Kaixo' (Hello); don't forget to say 'Agur' (Goodbye). Eating & Drinking: Do try local pintxos and wines; don't eat or drink while walking.

To experience Parte Vieja like a local, visit pintxos bars during off-peak hours for a more authentic experience. Join locals in the evening for a 'pintxo-pote' (pintxo and drink special) on Thursdays. Explore the Mercado de la Brecha for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with the locals, as they are often happy to share recommendations about hidden gems in the area.