Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The district of Gros, just east across the river from the Old Town, offers a distinct Cali-
fornian vibe. Literally a dump a few years ago (gross indeed), today it has a surfing scene
on Zurriola Beach (popular with students and German tourists) and a futuristic conference
center (described next). Long-term plans call for a new promenade that will arc over the
water and under Monte Ulía.
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Kursaal Conference Center and Kubo Gallery
These two Lego-like boxes (just east and across the river from the Old Town, in Gros)
mark the spot of what was once a grand casino, torn down by Franco to discourage
gambling. Many locals wanted to rebuild it as it once was, in a similar style to the turn-of-
the-20th-century buildings in the Centro, but—in an effort to keep up with the postmod-
erntrendsinBilbao—city leadersoptedinsteadforRafaelMoneo'sstrikingcontemporary
design. The complex is supposed to resemble the angular rocks that make up the town's
breakwater. The Kursaal houses a theater, conference facilities, some gift shops and travel
agencies, a restaurant, and the Kubo Gallery. The gallery, located in a small cube furthest
from the river, offers temporary exhibits by international artists and promotes contempor-
ary Basque artists. Each exhibit is complemented bya 10-minute video that plays continu-
ously in the gallery theater.
Cost and Hours:
Free, Kubo Gallery open Tue-Sun 11:30-13:30 & 17:00-21:00,
closed Mon, tel. 943-012-400,
www.sala-kubo-aretoa.com
.
(€1 = about $1.30, country code: 34)
Rates in San Sebastián fluctuate with the season. When you see a range of prices in these
listings, the top end is for summer (roughly July-Sept), and the low end is for the shoulder
season(May-JuneandOct);outsideofthesetimes,you'llpayevenless.Sincebreakfastis
often not included, I've recommended some good options elsewhere in town (see “Eating
in San Sebastián,” later).
In or near the Old Town
$$$ Hotel Parma
is a business-class place with 27 fine rooms and family-run attention to
detail and service. It stands stately on the edge of the Old Town, away from the bar-scene
noise, and overlooks the river and a surfing beach (Sb-€69-102, windowless interior Db-
€101-154, view Db-€122-169, breakfast-€11, air-con, modern lounge, free Wi-Fi, Paseo
