u/Fun-Assist9467

I see many people planning trips to my home city. As a local, I want to write my take on famous and not so famous places.

  1. Where to Stay

• Hotel Maria Cristina: This is where the celebrities stay for the Film Festival. It’s classy, has the best breakfast in the city, and is right in the center. If you want old-school luxury, this is it.

• Akelaŕe: This is modern and minimalist with incredible views of the sea. It’s a Relais & Châteaux on the cliff. Great if you want to be away from the noise, but you’ll need a 10-minute car ride to get to the center.

• Lasala Plaza: A bit more boutique. It’s not "Grand Palace" style, but it’s very nice and the views of the bay are amazing.

  1. Fine Dining

• Martin Berasategui (MB): In my opinion, this is the best. It’s the most consistent and professional. If you want a 3-star Michelin experience that never fails, go here.

• Meat & Fish: Everyone tries to book Etxebarri, but it’s impossible. Casa Julián in Tolosa has a similar soul—the steak is incredible. For fish, Elkano is famous, but Xixario is the best besugo and more local.

  1. The Pintxos

• Ganbara (the mushrooms) and Bar Nestor (the steak and tomato salad) are great choices. But be warned: the crowds are huge. You will be standing and it is chaotic.

• If you want quality without the influencer lines, go to Bar Sport. For the best tortilla de patatas in the city, go to Bar Antonio.

  1. Day Trip Options

• Pamplona: If you go, visit Verduarte. It’s very high-end and focuses on seasonal vegetables. It’s a great change after eating a lot of meat and fish in San Sebastián.

• Urdaibai: Go here for the best beaches. It’s a protected biosphere and the views are beautiful.

• Bayonne/Biarritz: A quick trip to the French side to see the change in architecture and try their chocolate. In nearby Hendaya is my fav beach.

I will answer all of your questions!

reddit.com
u/Fun-Assist9467 — 12 days ago

I see many people planning trips to my home city. As a local, I want to write my take on famous and not so famous places.

1. Where to Stay

Hotel Maria Cristina: This is where the celebrities stay for the Film Festival. It’s classy, has the best breakfast in the city, and is right in the center. If you want old-school luxury, this is it.

Akelaŕe: This is modern and minimalist with incredible views of the sea. It’s a Relais & Châteaux on the cliff. Great if you want to be away from the noise, but you’ll need a 10-minute car ride to get to the center.

Lasala Plaza: A bit more boutique. It’s not "Grand Palace" style, but it’s very nice and the views of the bay are amazing.

2. Fine Dining

Martin Berasategui (MB): In my opinion, this is the best. It’s the most consistent and professional. If you want a 3-star Michelin experience that never fails, go here.

Meat & Fish: Everyone tries to book Etxebarri, but it’s impossible. Casa Julián in Tolosa has a similar soul—the steak is incredible. For fish, Elkano is famous, but Xixario is the best besugo and more local.

3. The Pintxos

• Ganbara (the mushrooms) and Bar Nestor (the steak and tomato salad) are great choices. But be warned: the crowds are huge. You will be standing and it is chaotic.

• If you want quality without the influencer lines, go to Bar Sport. For the best tortilla de patatas in the city, go to Bar Antonio.

5. Day Trip Options

Pamplona: If you go, visit Verduarte. It’s very high-end and focuses on seasonal vegetables. It’s a great change after eating a lot of meat and fish in San Sebastián.

Urdaibai: Go here for the best beaches. It’s a protected biosphere and the views are beautiful.

Bayonne/Biarritz: A quick trip to the French side to see the change in architecture and try their chocolate. In nearby Hendaya is my fav beach.

I will answer all of your questions!

reddit.com
u/Fun-Assist9467 — 12 days ago

I am from nearby and I read that they favour locals and thats why the have such a weird system but I can assure you locals are not eating there, so who do they save this tables for or whats their goal ?

reddit.com
u/Fun-Assist9467 — 13 days ago