San Sebastián, Spain 🇪🇸
#411
43.322421, -1.983888
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, is a coastal city located in the Basque Country known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culinary scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 186,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Up to 300 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD, 1 USD ≈ 0.84 EUR |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar, Vodafone, Orange |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular services include N26, Revolut, and local banks like BBVA and CaixaBank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, hotels, and hostels through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb, Vrbo, and local real estate agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Pensión Donostiarra and Albergue juvenil, with dormitory beds starting at €20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Factory Coworking, located in the Gros neighborhood, provides a vibrant space for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Larranaga Coffee, known for its cozy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups and events are organized regularly through platforms like Meetup.com and local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in San Sebastián' offer social gatherings and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now (formerly MyTaxi) and Cabify are popular options for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Donostia Bici and Lime offer bike and scooter rentals across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Concha Beach, a central and accessible location for swimming and sunbathing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Europa and Vueling operate flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iberia and Air France provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The AP-1 and AP-8 highways connect San Sebastián to France and the wider Spanish road network. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San Sebastián Train Station (Estación del Norte) serves regional and national routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The 'TxikTxak' card offers convenient access to buses and trams in the area. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to nearby cities like Bilbao and Pamplona (e.g., EUSKO Tren and ALSA). |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Donostia, providing comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Karma Yoga San Sebastián offers diverse classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit and Centro Deportivo Municipal are popular fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | LavaPlus offers affordable laundry services in the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat is widely used for food delivery across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pintxos, the traditional Basque tapas served in many bars. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Alabak and Aloka offer a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería Oiartzun is famous for its Basque cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de la Bretxa offers local produce and affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.es and local websites for grocery delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Glovo and Carrefour provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Parte Vieja is known for its vibrant nightlife and numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza artesanal La Birra is a local craft brewery with tastings available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bodegas Eizaguirre offers a fantastic selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food markets pop up during festivals, featuring Basque cuisine. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Kinoshita serve excellent Japanese food alongside local options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | La Concha Beach and the Old Town (Parte Vieja) are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | San Telmo Museoa showcases Basque society and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Basilica of Santa María del Coro is a must-visit historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd offers stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The San Sebastián Day Festival in January features parades and traditional music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Parte Vieja is known for its bustling atmosphere and cultural offerings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Victoria Eugenia hosts a range of performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de la Bretxa is notable for local produce and culinary delights. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues such as Dabadaba host live music events regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city features vibrant street art, particularly in the Gros neighborhood. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at Basque Culinary Center provide an immersive culinary experience. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | La Sala offers exhibitions from local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The City Hall is a notable building with beautiful architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city boasts a rich Basque cultural heritage, celebrated through festivals and gastronomy. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Monte Igueldo offers breathtaking views and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Pagoeta Natural Park is great for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The scenic promenade along La Concha provides stunning views for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Monte Urgull offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is nearby for birding enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated beach areas where bonfires are allowed during respectful hours. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local providers offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Techzone provides repair services for electronics in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers offer facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Basque language classes are available through local cultural organizations. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kutxa Kultur is a modern library and cultural center ideal for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Civic centers such as the Koldo Mitxelena are hubs for local community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Aspaldiko offers a venue for board games and social gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Kursaal provides gaming options along with a stunning view of the beach. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = €160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = €128,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment = €228,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment = €168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment = €208,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Spain has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% standard rate for property purchases. |