Experience in San Sebastian, Spain by María

Source

What is it like to live in San Sebastian? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

San Sebastián is a city with lots of different cultures and people, being basque culture the predominant one. It's 30 minutes away from France, so going there to spend the day is an amazing plan with friends. There are three beaches and mountains and you are always close to nature. Overall, San Sebastián is a beautiful city with lots of things to visit.

What is the student lifestyle like in San Sebastian?

Even though San Sebastián is not a youth city, there are four universities so that means a lot of students. Nearby the unis you can find lots of cheap restaurants, and every Thursdays students go out all night to have fun, drink, and dance.

How much does it cost to live in San Sebastian?

San Sebastián is not a cheap city, and accommodation is overall quite pricey; as for other aspects like food, you can always find good deals.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in San Sebastian? Is there any advice you can give?

It actually is, but once you contact other students everything is easier. My recommendation is to try to find accommodation in the villages nearby the city, like Hernani or Urnieta. It's cheaper and you can always use public transport to go to uni.

Source

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Basque gastronomy is just amazing. There is a huge variety of dishes and combinations; everything in the basque country is celebrated around food. My favourite dishes are tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette), croquettes, and pintxos in general (especially those with iberic ham! )

What places would you recommend visiting in San Sebastian?

Everything is worth visiting in San Sebastián, however, mount Igeldo is one if my favourite spots. It has a 100 year old amusement park. The beaches are a must in this city, and just walking around the boulevard and the old part of the city is a magical experience.

Source

Is it good to eat out in San Sebastian? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It's definitely one of the best parts of San Sebastian- eating out. The best places are the ones that serve typical basque and Spanish food. My favourite spots are Taberna Juantxo, Taberna Danena, la Bodega Donostiarra and El Alustiza. You will definitely taste real basque food for a very good price.

Is the nightlife good in San Sebastian? Where is good to go?

A typical thing to do in San Sebastian is to drink and dance in the streets of the old part, specially during regional parties. It's also common to go to bars rather than clubs. However, everyone's favourite spot is Bataplan, the biggest disco of the city, by the beach. Students drink in the beach and then go to the disco at around 2 or 3 a. m. to dance until 8 a. m.

What advice would you give future students heading to San Sebastian?

I'd advice to try and get to know the basque culture and of course, meet people from here.

Source