The most visited part of Donostia / San Sebastian is without doubt the old town.
Located at the foot of Mount Urgull, sandwiched between the port and the mouth of the Urumea river, it was built after a great fire in 1813. Its streets, full of shops and stores, restaurants, bars and cafes for pintxos (small snacks) and what are known as gastronomic societies (groups of friends who usually drink or eat something together, perhaps comparable to our regulars' table), are usually very busy, no matter what time of year.
In this district are also the two most important places of worship in the city, the Basilica of Santa María del Coro and the Church of San Vicente. You can also visit the Museum of San Telmo, housed in an old monastery, and the Plaza de Constitución square. The same area is also where most of the city's festivities and events take place. The colorful facades with painted numbers on each balcony remind us that it was once a bullfighting arena.
The streets of the old town were once surrounded by a city wall, but only until modern times.
The San Sebastián Tourist Information Office organizes all kinds of guided tours.