Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Braga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Braga or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Braga or San Sebastian? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Braga or San Sebastian?
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
-
Braga Prices
Portugal PricesSan Sebastian Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBraga €142San Sebastian €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €142, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €113. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Braga and San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBraga €54San Sebastian €40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBraga €108San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Braga and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Braga or San Sebastian? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Braga Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Braga €20San Sebastian €13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Esposende Private Transfer to Porto: $45
- Braga Private Transfer to Porto: $60
- Private Sedan Transfer from Braga or Guimaraes City to Porto City: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $65
- Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $87
- Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $116
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport : $192
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $280
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $280
Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Braga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayBraga €70San Sebastian €55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Authentic Braga Food Tour with Lunch & Local Guide 3 Hours: $106
- Local Heritage Food Tour Gastronomy and Culture of Viana: $154
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2€55
-
Lunch for 2€10
-
Lunch for 2€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $118
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines: $131
- Best Street Food Tour of San Sebastian with a Local Guide: $133
- Basque cuisine cooking class: $155
- Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $155
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town: $165
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $173
- Dinner in a Gastronomic Club in San Sebastian: $190
- Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $196
- Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $232
- San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $256
- Small Group Food Tour: Biarritz, St.Jean de Luz and Hondarribia: $288
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Braga €16San Sebastian €32
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- Braga Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.59
- Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $4.49
- Medieval Guimarães and Legends Exploration Game and Tour: $7.15
- Roman Heritage of Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.16
- Guimaraes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.98
- High Ropes Adventure at Bravaes Kayak Park: $18
- A Guimarães Hidden Gems Walking Tour Experience : $24
- Tree and Slide Adventure in Lamas de Mouro at PNPG: $26
- Private Stand Up Paddle Experience in Vila do Conde: $38
- Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $59
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus Sanctuary: $70
- E-Bike Tour: $72
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Valle de los Caídos Monument€6.00
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- San Sebastián Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.13
- Old Town Exploration Game and Tour: $7.44
- San Sebastian Interactive City Tour: $8.33
- San Sebastian Donostria: Self Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $14
- Sampling San Sebastián's History: A Self Guided Audio Tour : $15
- San Sebastian Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink: $18
- San Sebastian Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour: $19
- Guided tour of San Sebastián: $20
- Tour por el estadio Real Sociedad: $21
- Hondarribia on Bicycle Tour of Nature and Basque Culture: $36
- zumaia sup tours: $39
- San Sebastian Bike Tour: $51
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBraga €21San Sebastian €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Customized Wine Tasting: Your Choices: $30
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $62
- Wine tour at Mosteiro de Tibães with an exclusive wine tasting: $66
- Tour of the Green Wine villages and wine tasting.: $119
- Green Wine Ponte Lima Region-Small Group tour-Lunch,Wine Tastings: $161
- Private Culture and Wine Tourism Tour: $245
Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $130
- San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $132
- Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian : $177
- Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $208
- Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $214
- Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/Lunch, SS: $284
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $286
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $298
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Braga and San Sebastian, we can see that Braga is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Braga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Braga than you might in San Sebastian.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Braga Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Braga or San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Braga and San Sebastian, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Braga or San Sebastian?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Braga or San Sebastian in the Summer?
Both San Sebastian and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Braga is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 21°C (69°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Braga usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBraga 21°C (69°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Braga or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
Both San Sebastian and Braga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.
Braga is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Braga often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBraga 17°C (62°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Braga or San Sebastian in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and San Sebastian. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Braga is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Braga in January average around 10°C (50°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Braga usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Braga usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Sebastian. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBraga 10°C (50°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Braga or San Sebastian in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Braga as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
In April, Braga is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 14°C (56°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In the spring, Braga often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Braga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Braga usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBraga 14°C (56°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Braga
| Braga | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.