Entertainment

In terms of entertainment, Donostia is pretty low-key compared to what larger cities have to offer. During the week, social activity begins in the early evening and finishes around 10p. There is not much nighttime activity on weeknights. This all changes, however, with the arrival of summer. Weekends are different; people from all the surrounding areas, as well as donostiarras (citizens of Donostia), pour into the city's areas of spirited nightlife. The main source of entertainment is txikiteo, or going from bar to bar, in the old quarter. Then people head off to the pubs (pubs in the Spanish context are more like refined cafes), and after that to the discotheques where San Sebastián nightlife really gets going. Pubs have no entrance fee, nor bouncers at the door—unless it is a pub-discotheque. Pubs are crowded with people drinking and dancing (try QQT and El Muro), or drinking and chatting (at La Colchonería and Biarritz), depending on how loud the music is. Most pubs close around 3a, and then everyone migrates to the discotheques (Bataplán, Ku, Discóbolo) and English-style beer joints (Wimbledons, Caledonian) until around 5am. Opening hours are not strictly observed, so in some places you could even arrive or still be there in time for breakfast - in Dover, for instance. Then you can carry on with your day of tourist activities.

The Old Quarter has always been the mainstay of San Sebastian's nightlife. Coming in a distant second are the districts of Reyes Católicos (Boss, El Nido), Sagües (El Muro, La Bodegia), Gros (Kellys) and the central city (Hollywood, Txirula). These areas are all quieter than the old quarter.

Options for gay nightlife are fairly limited, but the best area for gay and lesbian nightlife is in and around Txirula and Reyes Católicos.

In addition to entertainment and gastronomy, Donostia has a wide range of cultural offerings, considering the size of the city. Aside from cinema complexes (Astoria and cines Oscar la Bretxa), the Cultural Trust provides many cultural activities in the Casas de Cultura (cultural centers) (Centro Cultural Jareño), as well as theaters such as teatro Victoria Eugenia, teatro Principal, and Centro Cultural Koldo Mitxelena). Festivals like the Theatre Fair and the Horror Film Festival are some of the events that over the years have acquired a faithful following among visitors to San Sebastián. Nevertheless, the most well-known event is the Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastián (San Sebastián International Film Festival). This is a Category A cultural activity, at the same level as the Cannes or Venice film festivals, and it takes place in September.

Music is represented in San Sebastián above all by the Festival de Jazz. The Auditorio del Kursaal offers a regular program of classical music. The Velódromo de Anoeta (Anoeta cycle track) is the usual venue for rock stars who visit the Basque Country. You can generally only find live music in Etxekalte. During the month of August the Quincena Musical (Fortnight Music Festival) offers opportunities for listening to classical music in many parts of the city.

To be in the city during the celebration of one of the major fiestas would be a real stroke of luck. The Tamborrada, Santo Tomás, Carnavales and Semana Grande are all great times to visit the city. The people's love of partying is really evident at these times.

Children will be happy with walks, swings and the entertainment areas in Illumbe and the Mount Igeldo Amusement Park.

For those who like shopping, the shops in the central city offer a good variety in terms of both quality and quantity. For gamblers, there is a casino (Gran Casino Kursaal) and out of town, the Lasarte Racetrack.

During your visit, look out for the bi-weekly free publication "Donosti Aisia." Here you will find current information about cultural events, sporting events and festivals.