Meeting someone? This is the place donostiarras (residents of San Sebastian) do it. This grand plaza was built between 1895 and 1905. The plaza, which completely surrounds the Buen Pastor Cathedral, is divided into three types of buildings. Those situated in the north, east and west sides are apartment buildings. The architectural style is neoclassical mostly, but with eclectic ornamental details. The south side is closed in by two monumental buildings, namely the central post office and the Koldo Mitxelena Cultural Center. The Buen Pastor Cathedral is an island in the center of the square and faces Santa María la Real Church, situated at the opposite end of town, thereby forming with it a religious axis across the city.
Situated under the nose of the Ayuntamiento, just by the Concha Bay, Alderdi Eder Park is one of the most beautiful sites the city has to offer. This little jewel in the city's crown, is peppered with stretches of lush green lawns, flower beds, palm trees and meandering trials that make it the go-to spot for a bit of quiet. At the center of the park is a Belle Epoque-style carousel, that attracts hordes of children and adults alike.
Alameda del Boulevard is one of the main thoroughfares of San Sebastian. There is much to see and do as you stroll along the Alameda, including many restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. There are also various attractions along the way, like the Museo del Whisky. In the evenings you will see many people out for a relaxing stroll during the pleasant spring and summer months.
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.
Surrounding the majestic Palacio de Miramar, the Miramar Gardens accentuates the beauty of the fortified structure and the region it encompasses. This sprawling stretch of lush lawns and flower beds claims to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing sites in the city, and is a fine spot for a quiet break from the world outside. Its landscaped lawns and colorful flower patches add a touch of serenity to the otherwise busy city of San Sebastian. In addition, one can also take in the fine view of the neighboring bay from this fabulous vantage point.