Kursal bridge night.

@oscaralonso/iStock


Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass with LED lights (the largest such facade in Spain and one of the biggest in the world), the structure, which serves as San Sebastián's cultural and conference centre, was designed to represent two beached rocks. A lively array of musical and cultural events takes place here year-round.

The building is a major landmark and has a great bar and restaurant.

There's a large public car park beneath, which provides handy access to Playa de la Zurriola.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gros attractions

1. Hotel Maria Cristina

0.18 MILES

A wonderful example of belle époque architecture, the Hotel Maria Cristina was designed by Charles Mewes, the architect responsible for the Ritz hotels in…

2. Playa de la Zurriola

0.21 MILES

Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…

3. Plaza de Gipuzkoa

0.29 MILES

It might be called a plaza, but with its duck pond, flower beds and many trees this tiny square is as much a formal garden park as a city plaza. It was…

4. Plaza de Gipuzkoa

0.29 MILES

Designed in 1877 by French landscape artist Pierre Ducasse, who also created the Jardines de Miramar, this little park is one of San Sebastián's loveliest…

5. Iglesia de San Vicente

0.3 MILES

Lording it over the Parte Vieja, this striking church is thought to be the oldest building in San Sebastián. Its origins date to the 12th century, but it…

6. Plaza de la Constitución

0.33 MILES

One of the Basque Country's most attractive city squares, the Plaza de la Constitución was built in 1813 at the heart of the old town on the site of an…

7. San Telmo Museoa

0.33 MILES

One of the best museums in the Basque Country, the San Telmo Museoa has a thought-provoking collection that explores Basque history and culture in all its…

8. Parque de Alderdi Eder

0.41 MILES

One of the most attractive and enjoyable little outdoor spaces in San Sebastián, the Parque de Alderdi Eder is actually more of an elongated plaza shaded…