dodi66

I am currently researching apartment rentals for an upcoming trip to Spain. One that really appeals to me is in the St Martin building on St Martin Kalea, 53. It is through EmyRent, which has glowing reviews, as does the apartment. We are trying to figure out if this is a good central location. We aren't very interested in the beach, mostly exploring the city and taking a few day trips, but we would like to be close enough for walking to cafes, and sights. Can anyone help with location choice?? Thanks....

jent103

Is this the right location?

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sa...7b6053e22a0a4d

If so, we stayed just a bit west of there last year and thought it was a good location. Easy walk to the Parte Vieja, both mountains, the beach, etc.

kimhe

It's almost as central as it gets in small and very walkable San Sebastian. 100 meters from the beautiful La Concha beach promenade, two minutes walking to the commercial/shopping center of the city and the Buen Pastor cathedral. Two minutes from the excellent San Martin food market (++) and five minutes walking to the famous Parte vieja/Old town.

kimhe

... and I'm staying 250 meters from here in October, and I've visited San Sebastian almost every year since 1987.

dodi66

Thank you, thank you! You just validated what I thought, but wasn't sure of! And the apartment itself looks perfect so we will go for it! Any suggestions on MUST SEEs from you who have been there? (particularly kimhe, sounds like you are a regular!)

dodi66

Yes, jent103...that is the place!!!

jent103

kimhe has tons of posts on San Sebastian on the forums if you search or click on his name. As for us, we mainly ate and walked around. We walked up Monte Urgull and took the funicular up Monte Igeldo. Museo San Telmo was definitely worth a visit for me - it was really helpful in learning about the history of the area.

kimhe

<Any suggestions on MUST SEEs>

A very distinct culture up here that people take great pride in, miles away from what most would associate with Spain. Almost always a traditional festival nearby going on, and taking in Basque song, music, dance, sports, food and wine can be a powerful experience. http://www.euskoguide.com/basque-cul...tivals-events/

The Tamborrada (drum festival) celebration in mid winter embodies the San Sebastian spirit. Here is the city choir Orfeón Donostiarra leading the crowds on the main square in San Sebastián's Parte vieja/Old town singing on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of one of the city's most famous gastronomic societies (Gaztelubide) during the Tamborrada in 2008: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhncDjXMeQ4

Ask the Tourist information about what's going on in and around San Sebastian when you're there. http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/contact

For eaxample, the Kukai Dantza company from Renteria just outside San Sebastian won the perstigious Premios Max two days ago as best dance company in Spain 2014, this is the "Oscar" for scenic arts in Spain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnfJkP7YKJM
And here is traditional dance in Pasajes, also just outside town: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rWt7-MLtY8

Every now and then, the out of this world Orfeón Donostiarra sings during service in the Santa María del Coro church in the Old town. Have had some magical Orfeón moments here. Here they are in the Royal Chapel in Madrid with the then king and queen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTFijBdBd3M

You should visit the newly renovated San Telmo Museum on the outskirts of the Parte vieja/Old town, dedicated to "Basque society and citizenship": http://www.santelmomuseoa.com/index.php?lang=en

And of course the food. Here are some of the restaurants we'll be going to in October:
My old favourite San Sebastian classic Casa Urola: http://www.casaurolajatetxea.es/es/portada/
One Michelin star Kokotxa: http://restaurantekokotxa.com/
Casa Julian in close by small town Tolosa for the best steaks in the world: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur...e_Country.html
Casa Nicolas is also an excellent option here: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur...e_Country.html

Have a nice trip!

dodi66

Thank you so much, kimhe! I'm already feeling like we don't have nearly enough time in San Sebastian!! We are somewhat familiar with the Basque culture, as my husband's aunt is Basque (her family is from near St Jean de Luz, and Reno(where we live) has a huge Basque community with occasional celebrations. I can not wait to absorb the truly authentic culture of San Sebastian!!! Will take all your suggestions to heart and I do appreciate your providing them!!!!

kimhe

Just a pleasure. And try to find those - perhaps small - special events in and around town. Most tourists are not looking for them and miss out on some important essentials up here.