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

Should you visit Budapest or San Sebastian?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than San Sebastian. Budapest is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its museums, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Budapest different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

San Sebastian is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Budapest and San Sebastian.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

San Sebastian has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Budapest or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Budapest is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Sebastian makes a nice vacation spot. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Budapest is not a resort destination.

Is Budapest or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is great for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or San Sebastian?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and San Sebastian both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Both Budapest and San Sebastian are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Budapest or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest 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.

Budapest has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Budapest or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Budapest is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or San Sebastian?

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

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

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

One day in Budapest or San Sebastian?

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budapest or San Sebastian?

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

Budapest 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 Budapest or San Sebastian?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Budapest. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Budapest and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Budapest or San Sebastian?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Budapest during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Budapest is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Budapest. In the summer, Budapest often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Budapest is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during autumn. Budapest gets 152 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, Budapest usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Budapest as well as San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Budapest usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

Budapest is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Budapest gets 178 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, Budapest usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 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 Budapest