A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. San Sebastian for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Biarritz or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Biarritz 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or San Sebastian?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Sebastian than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Sebastian is better known for its museums and food, while Biarritz is more popular for its resorts and small town charm. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Also, San Sebastian is famous for La Concha Bay.

How is Biarritz different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Sebastian is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

San Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

San Sebastian is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, San Sebastian is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Biarritz or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Both Biarritz and San Sebastian have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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.

Is Biarritz or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is notable for its resorts. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Is Biarritz or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Biarritz and San Sebastian are very good choices.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or San Sebastian?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Biarritz and San Sebastian.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Biarritz or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or San Sebastian.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

San Sebastian is known to be 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.

Is Biarritz or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and San Sebastian make for a very good place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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.

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

Biarritz and San Sebastian are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

San Sebastian is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Biarritz or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Biarritz and San Sebastian.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in San Sebastian, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Biarritz or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

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

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. 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 Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or San Sebastian?

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

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Biarritz. 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 Biarritz. 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quirky destination of Biarritz. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The city of San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

San Sebastian is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the seaside town of Biarritz. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In the summer, Biarritz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as San Sebastian. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Biarritz is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In October, Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Sebastian. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Biarritz during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, 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.

In January, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 8°C (47°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 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 Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Sebastian. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and San Sebastian. The spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Sebastian. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 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 Biarritz