A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. San Sebastian for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Geneva or San Sebastian?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and San Sebastian. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Geneva is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Geneva travel costs.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See San Sebastian travel costs.

Geneva and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and San Sebastian are about the same size, Geneva has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Geneva is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also well known for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Geneva different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Sebastian and Geneva. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Geneva or San Sebastian?

Geneva is notable for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Geneva can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

Is the Food Better in Geneva or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through San Sebastian, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in San Sebastian know how to have a good time. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a good destination for its resorts. However, Geneva is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Geneva is not a resort destination.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Sebastian for it's beautiful beaches. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Geneva to see the old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or San Sebastian?

Geneva is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in San Sebastian. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian More Beautiful?

Geneva is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, San Sebastian is not a destination known for its beauty.

Geneva is a beautiful place to visit, too. Located on the edge of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, the city is both bustling and beautiful.

San Sebastian is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit San Sebastian frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Geneva and San Sebastian are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

San Sebastian is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Geneva is very popular for its public transit. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Geneva has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

San Sebastian has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Geneva or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Geneva and San Sebastian both are great when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

San Sebastian is a very walkable city. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

For even more information, also check out Is Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva and San Sebastian. In our opinion, San Sebastian has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Sebastian than Geneva. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Geneva. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Sebastian, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Sebastian than Geneva. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Sebastian that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian than Geneva if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Sebastian.

One day in Geneva or San Sebastian?

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Geneva or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Geneva or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the professional big city of Geneva. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Geneva or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Geneva. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of San Sebastian. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and San Sebastian, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or San Sebastian?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Geneva is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

In October, Geneva is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Geneva is much colder than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Geneva during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

In the spring, Geneva is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Geneva usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Geneva