I am flying from Madrid (I am living here temporarily for an intership) to Bilbao for the Dec. 6 puente.

I am planning on spending the first night at a pension in Bilbao and then going to San Sebastian for the the next three days.

Two questions: I am a grad. student, so I am trying to make this trip as economical as possible. I found a pension near the beach in San Sebastian that has vacancies for 45 euros a night. This is more than I wanted to spend. I have another option of staying in a woman's house by the football stadium for 20 euros a night. What is that area like? Can anyone give me recommendations?

Also, can someone recommend activities/ day trips I could take from San Sebastian?

I will most likely be traveling by myself (which I really enjoy), although there is a possibility a friend will meet me for two days.

Thanks so much!

Jessica

I'm not that familiar with the area, the Barrio Amara Nuevo, in the southern part of the city, but overall, Donostia is quite nice and they have an excellent public transportation system.

You should take a look a Maribel's Guide to the País Vasco (http//maribelsguides.com) for a little more information on what to do and see while in the city. You can also check out donostia.org for additional information.

Not the very centre of town, but SS is a small city (250.000) and you can walk anywhere. It is perfectly safe, a very livable city, full of atmosphere.

San Sebastian is one of my favorite cities. The main activity I like is trying every tapas cafe in town. Also, sit and look over the harbor and muse. The benches are free.

For a low cost place to stay check Pension Fany. As I was leaving in January a woman at the station approached me and offered me a room. I went with her to check it out. It is 5 minutes from the main train station. The rooms are clean and big with a full bathroom. It cost €25 single, €35 double. Fany's phone number is 943-421128.

The area where the football stadium is located is Amara Berri, as Robert mentioned. From there you will have to walk about 30 minutes to get to town center. You can also take bus number 28 (which runs every 5 minutes).

About daytrips from San Sebastian, I would suggest to visit Fuenterrabia/Hondarribia, a really nice village in the border with France.

I live in Amara, near the stadium! and love the area. You can reach the center in 20 min. or take the bus 28 (every 5-7 mins)from Madrid Avenue the main street that ends at the Anoeta Stadium.It is not a dangerous area at night and very lively during the day, with supermarkets, bank offices, shops...

Feel free to Email me at [email protected] if you need more info!.