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

Should you visit Cardiff or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or San Sebastian?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Sebastian than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than San Sebastian, San Sebastian has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Sebastian is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Also, San Sebastian is famous for La Concha Bay. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Cardiff and San Sebastian.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

San Sebastian is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

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

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

San Sebastian is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or San Sebastian Better for Families?

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

San Sebastian is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Cardiff or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

San Sebastian is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

San Sebastian is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

San Sebastian is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or San Sebastian?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the green destination of Cardiff. 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.

In San Sebastian, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cardiff or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. 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.

In San Sebastian, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Sebastian has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. 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.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or San Sebastian?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Cardiff. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. One reason most visitors come is for the food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Cardiff and San Sebastian, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or San Sebastian?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is cooler than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Cardiff gets 62 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 Cardiff or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cardiff is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff 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.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Cardiff gets 57 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, Cardiff usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is cooler than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Cardiff gets 183 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. Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 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 Cardiff