NIGHTLIFE IN SAN SEBASTIÁN
San Sebastian is not a prime tourist destination but promotes an alternative tourism such as cultural, gastronomical, etc. that brings classy and well-behaved crowds. Together with a very conservative Basque culture, this results in an absolute safety on the streets, so that one can fully relax and enjoy the night life. Walking distance between attractions and bars and restaurants staying open pass midnight further contribute to the quality.
There are two types of party destinations – bars and clubs: both having similar cocktails and music. The major difference is that clubs are more spacious and stay open until morning in summer season. Be prepared to pay a cover charge there (which normally includes a free drink) or try to come in before 1 am to enter for free. Pop, latin and regatton music plays everywhere, making even the most aesthetic guests dance until sunrise. Below we describe our favorite night spots – choose the one that suits your style or simply go for a bar-hopping to get most out of your night outing in San Sebastian!
ARRAUN COCKTAIL BAR
Lost among the streets of the Old Town, Arraun Bar is different from most of the noisy places in this part of San Sebastian. It is intended for those who want to have a undisturbed conversation, listen to a pleasant music and make a trip to the bright world of cocktail tastes. The owner of the establishment Mikel himself mixes drinks, accompanying the process with the bartender show by masterly handling bottles, glasses, shots and shakers. He is ready to give insights about any cocktail whether it’s a favorite classic or an author’s mix. After spending 15 years traveling around the world, he brought a unique bartender experience from Barcelona, Singapore, Sydney, London and Dubai. So among his ingredients are creamy rum with spices, matcha green tea, gold dust and calvados infused with banana. The menu has 20 house cocktails and pretty much any classic cocktail desired. As in the high cuisine restaurants, Arraun’s house cocktails change frequently to keep astonishing those who think that they have already tried everything.
Address: Angel, 4
Details here
¡Be! Club
Be-club is open seven days a week and music never stops playing here. Every Friday and Sunday there are live concerts and the rest of the days legendary performances of world stars such as classics of the 50s and 60s, the best hits of the 80s and 90s and interesting novelties are projected on the big screen next to the bar. Sometimes DJ even asks guests what kind of concert they would like to see. Live concerts differ from indie and alternative rock to folk and funk performers. Be-club offers great drinks and very friendly service. Unlike other establishments, classic cocktails are mixed until four to five in the morning. Spend an evening with friends listening to a new Basque band or end your night outing here by having the last shot while overlooking the futuristic Kursaal building.
Address: Salamanca, 3
Details here
GU
Gu has a terrace with magnificent views of the bay and a bar with a grand selection of cocktails, which after eleven gradually turns into one of the most popular night clubs in the city and runs until five in the morning. Back in the day, an intellectual techno or a very moderate lounge played here attracting fans of club music in its refined, European version. Nowadays music variation is much broader - you might hear a cheerful regatón and ironic covers on pop hits, to which the whole city starts dancing. Gu’s location is also ideal for events and private parties.
Adress: De Alderdi Eder Parkea, 1
Hours: M: 17:00-1:00, Tue-Th: 17:00-5:00, F/Sat: 17:00-6:30, Sun 17:00-5:00
Music: pop, latin, house
Drinks: 16 signature cocktails, gin tonics
Details: www.gusansebastian.com
MUSEO DEL WHISKY BAR
Whiskey Museum has one of the largest collections of whiskeys in the world (as surprising as it may sound), low-key atmosphere and a charismatic owner - Paul Bordonaba, who entertains guests with jokes, games and mixes cocktails. He got the passion for the whiskey from his father, who began gathering collection in 1964 that has grown to such a grand scale. The bar displays 3,400 bottles among which there is the smallest bottle in the world and 200 bottles available for consumption. Those who drink with a particular zeal, yet could still play a piano located on the ground floor – are awarded a Guest of honor certificate. Even if you are a light drinking, visiting this place is still worth it. It, indeed, feels like in museum here due to the whisky displayed all around the bar in floor to ceiling shelves. You’ll even find a smallest cocktail shaker here that was created by the owner and obtained a world record in The Guinness Book of Records in 1995.
Address: Ave del Boulevard, 5
Hours: M-F: 15:00-3:30, Sat: 17:00-3:30, Sun: closed
Drinks: 200 kinds of whisky, cocktails, gin tonics
Music: piano bar, folk, pop, latin
Details: www.museodelwhisky.com
TAXI
Resisting a taxi and taking a walk back to you place is totally worth it in this city!
