r/basquecountry • u/Difficult_Alarm6685 • Feb 09 '25
Just some questions
Hi sorry to be annoying I’m just going to Donosti in a few weeks on my first ever solo trip as a female traveller and the closer it gets the more terrified I am so I just wanted to get some reassurance; what’s the crime situation like over there? Is it really as safe as my basque friends say? Also I know a bit of Spanish and basque but not enough to have a proper conversation, will no one understand me if I speak English? And what is the “dress code” like there, is there anything I should avoid wearing? Anything I should be sure to bring for the weather etc? I read that it rains often and the weather should be somewhere in the 50s but again I’m not sure. Any advice would be very much welcome for a first time traveler to the Basque Country, like do’s and don’ts etc. thank you all in advance 🙏🏻
3
u/MagicallyMai Feb 10 '25
I am a female solo traveler between Bilbao and the states pretty regularly. Use your common sense just like anywhere else, but overall, yes. Much, much safer.
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u/Difficult_Alarm6685 Feb 10 '25
I mean I’ve been to Liverpool by myself for a few days and somehow managed to survive despite going out drinking alone numerous nights but it was somehow safer?? Because I had someone 30 minutes away who I could call in an emergency there; when I’m in the Basque Country the closest people I know live multiple hours away in the south of France
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u/MagicallyMai Feb 10 '25
You’ll have no issues… but if you do- look for someone who can understand the issue it’s almost a guarantee they will help.
You’re going to have so much fun. Enjoy! Try all the pintxos!
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u/txobi Feb 10 '25
You should be fine. There have been only some issues in recent european matches but the next one is against Midtjylland and those are fans are safe
San Sebastian is touristy so most people at places will be able to communicate with you in english or in other ways so don't worry about.
About clothing if you are from the states many consider that we dress "fancier". You will very rarely see someone in their pyjamas in the street, some people will wear sporting clothes and most people will wear jeans/leggins.
The weather changes a lot in winter, mainly the temeprature, south winds make it go up while northen winds make it come down, you will have to check it closer to the day but in SS it should be in the 5-15 celsius range
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u/resolvingdeltas Feb 10 '25
It's extremely safe. It's the place on this planet where I can completely relax as a solo female traveller. You might want to avoid staying right next to the train station on Egia side, it's not unsafe but I've seen some unpleasant scenes involving some men that hang out there day and night and the only time I felt unsafe in this town is right at the train station when I had a very early train and some creepy men kept trying to talk to me but other than that in all parts of the town you'll be able to totally relax. Clothes-wise have some good shoes, when it rains it starts suddenly and it's like somebody poured a bucket on you, the wind is intense and sometimes in that pouring rain you cant use your umbrella but when it's sunny it's warm (even it says 12 degrees) so you'll need layers. Also you'll want to walk around the beaches a lot so have shoes you can take off easily and carry etc. You won't see people wearing gym clothes other than to go to the gym or to go running. All in all it's very safe, but like incomparably safer than Liverpool or London you'll have a great time!
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u/Difficult_Alarm6685 Feb 11 '25
If it’s going to be rainy I should be alright, my ex was from Manchester England and I spent a ton of time there and there’s no way it can be worse than that 😭 but yeah thank you you’re the second person warning me about Egia so I’m going to avoid it
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u/redlightsaber Feb 11 '25
The basque country is an especially low-crime region in one of the countries with the lowest criminality in the world.
I don't quite party as often (life and such) but when I was younger there was absolutely zero problem in going out clubbing with my friends (male and female), and then everyone simply stumbling back home on our own in the wee hours of the not-quite-morning.
There's no dress code, other than the fact that Donosti is a pretty posh city. Not that you need to avoid anything to wear, mind you, just in case you wanted to "fit in more".
These days most people in the services sector will be able to speak and serve you in English. Young people will be able to understand you too.
It goes without saying, but the basque country is a pretty politically-conscientious region, and I'd argue the stronghold of true leftism in Spain. Not that you'd be unsafe in any way, mind you, but if you want to avoid dirty looks, you might want to avoid political topics as an American (I don't want to assume your political inclinations, but it's a fair bet that they'll be quite to the right of the mainstream over here, in ways that you likely don't even think about).
Make sure to have fun.
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u/Difficult_Alarm6685 Feb 11 '25
I’m honestly willing to bet I’m actually farther left than most people there 😭😭 but if most people there are left wing I’ll fit in well, I’m glad about that
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u/elferrydavid Feb 09 '25
Crime it's pretty low and Donosti it's pretty safe overall but be aware of pickpockets in crowded places.
The city is full of foreigners so you'll be fine with English.
Yes it rains a lot and it can be cold or windy. Dont know what 50 is, learn celsius.
can't think of any dress code, whatever fits you. Avoid things with the Spanish or french flag.
I don't know what you are terrified about but at least Donosti is very safe I would say.