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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian

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

Brussels and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than San Sebastian. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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 Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels 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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Brussels or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

San Sebastian is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a good destination for its resorts. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Brussels or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or San Sebastian?

Brussels 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 Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Both Brussels and San Sebastian are great family-friendly destinations.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, San Sebastian is very family-friendly. 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 Brussels or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Brussels and San Sebastian both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

San Sebastian is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Brussels or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and San Sebastian are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Many 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 Brussels or San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels 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.

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

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

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in San Sebastian. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Brussels. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels 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 Brussels.

One day in Brussels or San Sebastian?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

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 Brussels or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 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 Brussels or San Sebastian?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 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 Brussels or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Brussels. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Brussels and San Sebastian, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or San Sebastian?

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

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

In the summer, Brussels is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°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. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

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

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels 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 Brussels can be very cold. Brussels is much colder than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Brussels gets 49 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, Brussels usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or San Sebastian in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Brussels gets 147 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. Brussels usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 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 Brussels