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

Should you visit Paris or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty in Paris as well. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Paris travel costs.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See San Sebastian travel costs.

Paris and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than San Sebastian. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Paris is more touristy than San Sebastian and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is very popular 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout 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 Paris or San Sebastian Better for Theater?

Paris is very popular for its theatre productions. However, San Sebastian is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

San Sebastian is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and San Sebastian.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

San Sebastian has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is Paris or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Paris is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Paris is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

San Sebastian has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Paris or San Sebastian Better for Music?

Paris is very popular for its live music scene. However, San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

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

San Sebastian is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or San Sebastian?

Paris 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 Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or San Sebastian More Beautiful?

Paris is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, San Sebastian is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Paris as well. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.

San Sebastian is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Paris or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Paris is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in San Sebastian. 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.

Is Paris or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Paris is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Paris is very popular for backpackers. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Is Paris or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Paris is very popular for students. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Students come from all over to stay in San Sebastian. 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 Paris or San Sebastian Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris 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.

Paris has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Paris or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Paris and San Sebastian are very good when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Paris?

How long in Paris or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in San Sebastian. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than San Sebastian 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or San Sebastian?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or San Sebastian?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. Lots of people come for the food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or San Sebastian?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or San Sebastian?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris or San Sebastian?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Paris or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Paris is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Paris usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Paris can be very cold during winter. Paris is much colder than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Paris usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the spring, Paris is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Paris usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Paris usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Paris