Top Rated Attractions in San Sebastian

Museo Chillida-Leku was started by sculptor-artist Eduardo Chillida, featuring his works. Spanning over an area of 12 acres, the museum has a large garden where some of the artists works are placed, while others have been placed inside the house. Various works by the artists are brought together in several exhibitions. The museum is also a venue for cultural activities and events. The auditorium and farmhouse can be rented for private events.

Undoubtedly La Concha Beach is one of San Sebastian's most scenic beaches. Its beauty makes it one of the prettiest places in the city to take a walk. A good place to start your walk is on the quay, then pass between the Royal Nautical Club and the City Hall. Owing to its pleasant environs and refreshing atmosphere, the beach makes for an exhilarating spot for water sports and other recreational activities. It also offers several vantage points from where you can admire the sparkling bay.

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.

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.

Situated in a grand old Spanish building, the Museo San Telmo is a museum with a history of its own. The building, which was constructed in 1562 as a convent, displays some marvelous examples of architecture in the church, cloister and main museum building. It houses some of the most invaluable collections of paintings, sculpture and jewelry. A thorough visit to the museum will provide tourists with an insight into Basque culture and heritage through permanent as well as temporary collections.

Eureka! Science Museum is an interactive museum that opened in January 2001. It offers exhibits and interactive displays in science and technology. The main section has a permanent exhibition space on the universe, the Earth, physical and chemical phenomena, biology, mankind, perception and mathematical sciences, as well as a planetarium and an observatory. The rest of the museum is used for temporary exhibits, a conference room, an Internet café, souvenir shop and workshops where the staff produce in-house materials.