Fun and entertainment Province Of Gipuzkoa

Before the inauguration of Rafael Moneo's modern Kursaal at the end of the 1990s, a Belle Epoque building occupied this privileged location facing the ocean. Inaugurated in 1921, the Gran Kursaal casino closed its doors only three years later, in 1924, when the gambling ban was decreed. Today, the Kursaal Casino occupies a classic building on the Parte Vieja, whose decoration pays homage to the Belle Epoque of San Sebastián. On 4 levels, it hosts a restaurant, games rooms, slot machines..

Just a stone's throw from the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the bridge leading to the Kursaal, this small jazz and blues club offers quality live concerts every evening. On the ground floor, a contemporary art gallery exhibits the works of young talents and established artists. You have to go down the stairs into this basement with stone walls and have a drink by candlelight. Behind the wooden counter or comfortably seated on one of its small tables, you can enjoy a good cocktail while enjoying the music!

Since 1979, this emblematic nightclub located on the Promenade de la Concha has been welcoming celebrities passing through San Sebastián for the film festival. With its seventies decor and sublime views over the bay, it is also a reference place for DJs from the international scene (David Guetta, Bob Sinclar or Roger Sanchez have been there). In 2019, the Bataplan made its debut in the World's Best Clubs Top 100 ranking. In the summer, its terrace is a privileged spot to watch the sunset against the backdrop of the chill-house.

Sure, it's not the best location in Irún, but this craft brewery has everything to seduce within its walls: a trendy industrial decor, large friendly tables, and a gourmet menu to accompany the beer tastings. With the fermentation room as a backdrop, one can appreciate the subtleties of the craft beers, while enjoying delicious small dishes to share with various influences: nachos, fried calamari, quesadillas, pastrami sandwiches and burgers will delight the gourmets!

Don't be fooled by its very exotic name (Koh Tao is a Thai island...)! This small café in the centre of San Sebastián is in fact a bohemian refuge, where exhibitions of local artists and concerts are regularly held in an intimate atmosphere. Decorated in a vintage spirit, the place is just as pleasant during the day to drink a coffee as it is in the evening to have a drink with a pintxo of tortilla. His homemade cakes and avocado or smoked salmon tarts are a big hit at breakfast time!

It's the trendy club in San Sebastian! It is located a stone's throw from the Parte Vieja, in the magnificent building of the yacht club. Built in the 1920s, this century-old, boat-like building is one of the city's icons. After a respectful renovation, highlighting the rationalist lines of the building with Bauhaus-inspired furniture, the establishment finally opened its doors in 2015. At once restaurant, cocktail bar and club, it is the chic place not to be missed. Magnificent view of the bay.

Concerts, DJs, book presentations, bertsolaris (improvisation sung and versified in Basque), poetry readings... This cultural space with its youthful atmosphere attracts many locals. Inaugurated in 2007 in the district of El Antiguo, Doka was born from the initiative of a small group of friends who wanted to create a lively and participatory Basque speaking space. Thus, its programming highlights local Basque language creation: perfect for cultural immersion!

In a lively street in the Gros district, a wonderful address for gin and tonic lovers! In Spain, this trendy cocktail is constantly being emulated, so much so that this bar offers a menu specialising in gin from all over the world, with a multitude of references. The preparation of cocktails is a show in itself, so we advise you to settle down at the bar to watch the barmen at work. Continue the evening on the terrace, where the atmosphere is always lively!

Scandinavian decor, all light wood and white, for this friendly bar on Calle Matía, a lively shopping street in the heart of El Antiguo. On weekends, the locals meet there to drink a beer or a "marianito" (vermouth served with a drop of gin), accompanied by cod fritters, a plate of Iberian sausages or a salad. It's also a good option for a sandwich, burger or a good dish of the day in a very local atmosphere. On Sunday at 1pm, don't miss the "Marigilda" with live concert and vermut!

Named in honour of Victoire-Eugénie de Battenberg, this neo-Renaissance style theatre is the work of the architect Francisco de Urcola. It was built in 1909 at the same time as the Hotel María Cristina, when San Sebastian was living its golden age as a holiday resort for the aristocracy. In the main hall, covered by a vault and decorated with frescoes, many zarzuela shows were held. Catalyst of local artistic creation, it is also the seat of the Jazz Festival and the Musical Fortnight.

Just a stone's throw from the Cristina Enea Park and the Tabakalera Cultural Centre, an emerging hipster neighbourhood, a multi-purpose bar that hosts live concerts and DJ sets as well as exhibitions, audiovisual screenings and ephemeral record markets. This catch-all concept, combined with a vintage decor, a small terrace and table football, make this place an original and vibrant place, popular with the local youth. For a dive into the San Sebastian mainstream, check out its cultural agenda and come and drink a homemade beer!

On the ground floor of the Hotel Maria Cristina, the Dry bar features a menu designed by Javier de las Muelas, the king of cocktails in Spain. The perfect place for a chic aperitif in a Belle Epoque setting that pays tribute to the film stars who frequented the hotel, including Bette Davis, whose portrait sits enthroned above the bar. A la carte, timeless classics and signature cocktails that will delight the most demanding palates. Tea time, another privileged moment, is accompanied by a selection of biscuits, madeleines and delicate cakes.

After a complete facelift in 2016, the emblematic Be Bop became the ¡ BE! Club. Despite this change of name and image, the club retains its eclectic character and quality musical programming. Located at the corner of Paseo Salamanca, just at the mouth of the Urumea River, it offers beautiful views of the Kursaal through its large bay windows. On the program: soul and jazzy music on Fridays, classics from the 50-60's or hits from the 80-90's on Saturday nights... In summer, we open a little earlier to take the vermut from 12.30 pm!

In the heart of old San Sebastian, the Teatro Principal (main theatre), inaugurated in 1843, is the oldest theatre in the city. Rebuilt around 1930, this classical building houses a varied programme of theatre (often in Euskera), dance and music. It is also home to several film festivals, including Dock of the Bay (a music documentary festival) and the Fantastic and Terror Film Week. To buy online tickets to his shows or concerts, go to donostiakultura.eus

Since its creation in 1988, this concert hall has been the epicentre of San Sebastián's underground culture. Located in the Egia district, an area undergoing major changes since the opening of the Tabakalera cultural centre, the Bukowski honours emerging artists as well as established names. In a beautiful setting with a vintage feel - the place also functions as a café during the day - the mythical Bukowski hosts concerts and DJ sets in a variety of styles, from rock to house, including punk, mambo and garage music.

This small bar attracts a lot of people thanks to its privileged location facing the port and its high quality musical program. As soon as there is a ray of sunshine, we settle down on the terrace or on the stairs that climb up to Mount Urgull to enjoy the panorama. The boss, Imanol Basterra, selects good local beers, such as those from Basqueland and Gora, and takes care of the musical programming. He often deejays from soul and ska to more pop-rock sounds as the night progresses.