Rafael Moneo's two glass cubes at the mouth of the Urumea river, next to the surf beach of Zurriola in the Gros district.
The Kursaal is San Sebastian's congress and concert centre, a pair of translucent glass cubes designed by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999 where the Urumea river meets the sea. By day the cubes reflect the sky, and at night they glow from within. The building hosts events of the Zinemaldia film festival, the Jazzaldia jazz festival and concerts. In front stretches Zurriola Beach, the city's surf beach, popular with surfers year-round, with a long promenade and a breakwater at its far end. The neighbourhood of Gros behind the beach holds a lively pintxo-bar scene less crowded than the old town. Walking from the old town takes about ten minutes via the Zurriola bridge. The cubes can be seen from the outside at any time; check the Kursaal website for events and the restaurant opening hours before going. Wind and waves can be strong, so bring a jacket.
| Admission | Free to see from outside; events are ticketed |
|---|---|
| Hours | Beach open 24 hours; Kursaal building hours depend on events and the cafe-restaurant; confirm on kursaal.eus |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon for surfers and sunset on the cubes |
| Getting there | Cross the Zurriola bridge from the old town on foot in 10 minutes; Dbus buses serve Gros |
| Address | Zurriola Hiribidea, 1, 20002 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Location
Zurriola Hiribidea, 1, 20002 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3248, -1.9743 View on map
Highlights
- Moneo's glass cubes lit up at night
- Zurriola surf beach and promenade
- Zinemaldia and Jazzaldia venue
- Gros district pintxo bars
Tips for visiting
- Visit around sunset when the cubes change colour.
- Check the Kursaal agenda for concerts and festival events.
- Watch surfers from the promenade rather than swimming near them.
- Eat pintxos in Gros for a less crowded crawl.
- Pack a windproof layer.
When to visit
Late afternoon; festivals in July and September.
Accessibility
The promenade and Kursaal entrances are step-free; the beach access has ramps in the summer season.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Kursaal?
Rafael Moneo; it opened in 1999.
Can visitors go inside?
Public areas open according to events and the cafe; check kursaal.eus.
Is Zurriola good for surfing?
Yes, it is the city's surf beach and has schools offering lessons.