San Sebastián

Being on the beach, there is nothing better than after a day of exploring to have a swim and a cerveza (beer) on the sand of Isla de Santa Clara. For a cheap tour of around $20, there is a hop-on hop-off bus that travels right around the city on a double-decker bus -yes, like the ones in London. When looking for somewhere to stay, there are many cheap hostels full of students doing the exact same thing. San Fermin is only about $30 a night. You can go cheaper if you want for $15 a night at Urban House but just remember its $15 for a reason. Olga’s Place is only $22 a night. It is basic but it is done well.

The beaches and sights to see are great. Playa de Gros and Playa de la Concha are some of the best city beaches you can find. Mirando a San Sebastián and Museo Naval are both pretty cool museums if you have time to check them out.

A night of partying typically starts in 'La Parte Vieja', the Old Part, which is a maze of bars, clubs, pubs to suit any taste. Meet with friends between 10 and 11 to enjoy some pinxtos (typical Basque food), and have a few copas (beer, wine, a strong mixed drink, or the famous Basque cider). Illumbe is the biggest after-hours zone in San Sebastian with dozens of clubs staying open until 6 or 7 in the morning. Here there is typically no cover fee meaning that you can go from club to club to see which ones best suit you. Illumbe is about a 15 or 20 minute walk from the Old Part or a 5 Euro cab ride (tip - or a 1.20 Euro bus). For those who don't want to make the trip to Illumbe, San Sebastian's most famous club, Bataplan, is only a 5 minute walk from The Old Part. For those interested in a more alternative scene, the dozen or so bars around the Buen Pastor Cathedral, located next to the Old Part provide a more relaxed ambience with quality lounge music and nicely decorated interiors. El Barrio Gros, located on the other side of the Urumea River, a 5 minute walk from the Old Part features a diverse nightlife with everything from Irish Pubs to Retro bars.