This striking cathedral was architect Manuel Echave's project, and was established in 1897. On the steps of this Neo-Gothic structure, the symbol of the town in many ways, is one of the most popular meeting places in town. The height and interior space of this cathedral are exceptional. It is the biggest church in San Sebastián and well-situated, surrounded by gardens and imbued with a charming aura.

The plaza's present appearance is the result of a design by 19th-century architects Pedro Manuel de Ugartemendia and Alexo de Miranda. This square is the social and urban center of the Parte Vieja, occupying a place held by earlier squares that were destroyed by fires on two previous occasions, in 1813 and 1689, when the square was used as a bullring. Its layout is that of conventional Spanish plazas, with apartment buildings above arches on three sides and a monumental building on the fourth, in this case, the old town hall. The beautiful plaza is neoclassical in style, and on the ground floor you'll find shops and alfresco cafes with typical Old World charm.

This is the city's social and historical center, and it offers an endless array of shops and bars. This is where most of the communal fiestas take place, and the sought-out party spot for tourists who plan on being in town for just one or two nights. But you will see something of how the locals live if you wander around the narrow, winding, cobbled streets and through the little squares. Don't miss the Basílica de Santa María del Coro or the San Telmo Museum next door to Plaza de la Constitución.

San Vicente Church is the city's oldest standing monument, having withstood all the historic upheaval that has destroyed San Sebastian on various occasions. Construction on this church began either the late 15th century or the early 16th century, and it's built in Guipuzcoan Gothic style. The temple consists of three naves and a cross aisle. Over time, more features were added or changed, such as the baroque entranceway (1619), the stairway to the choir (1784), the tower (1856), and the four large rose windows (1929). The church was restored, recovering the impressive appearance it boasted at its construction.

The building of this basilica occupies a traditional religious place in the city. The Basílica de Santa María del Coro consists of an open area, typical of Basque churches, with three naves of equal height covered by ribbed vaults constructed in 1771. In the interior the juxtaposition of the altarpiece and the laterals is striking. Access to the church is through a lateral in the form of a niche, richly decorated with two towers, and perhaps the building's most outstanding feature. Furthermore, the portal is perfectly integrated into the urban setting as a feature at the end of the city's main street.

Behind the Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull looms, showing off a Christ statue in the style of the Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. At the top of the mountain is Mota Castle, a fortification which dates from the late 18th Century. On one of the slopes, you'll find the Naval Museum. You can climb up the mountain by taking one of several paths. The hill's summit offers spellbinding views of the surrounding vistas, and tourists can explore the historical environs of the captivating mountain.

Situated at the threshold of the Bay of La Concha, Miramar Palace is a monument to the resort's tryst with the royalty. San Sabastian's stint as the summer home of the Spanish Royal Family began when Isabella II of Spain first expressed interest in the town as a summer retreat, drawn to the locale by the promise of leisurely sea baths and sun-kissed beaches. The Miramar Palace was later commissioned by Maria Christina of Austria to serve as the official summer residence of the Royal Family. Built on a site overlooking the bay in 1893, the architect, Selden Wornum, transformed the sprawling estate into an abode fit for kings. The Palace is reminiscent of English country homes, with a few neogothic features in keeping with local tradition. Following the demise of Maria Christina, the estate and palace were inherited by Alfonso XIII of Spain, until the property was confiscated by the government. Variously used since, the Palace has retained much of its original character despite modernization to meet more practical functions. The grounds are open to the public and the palace itself hosts the summer courses of the University of the Basque Country.

This funicular, built in 1912, runs along a track and is fixed to overhead steel cables. It consists of two wooden carriages that take the passenger on a 320-meter trip over a 160 meter drop on a 33 percent incline. In fact, this old means of transport is reminiscent of others that exist in Bilbao and Río de Janeiro. In the case of San Sebastián, the funicular links Ondarreta Beach with the Igueldo Amusement Park at the end of the line and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. During the 15-minute ride, there are some excellent panoramic views of the bay. A carriage leaves every 15 minutes and the fare is cheap.