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

Should you visit Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and San Sebastian can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a friendly, happy, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian

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

Copenhagen and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Copenhagen than San Sebastian. Copenhagen is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its resorts and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Copenhagen and San Sebastian.

Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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.

Is Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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 Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Is Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beache. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Sebastian attract visitors from all over. 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.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Copenhagen to see the historical old town. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen make it a world-class shopping destination. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Copenhagen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen and San Sebastian are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

San Sebastian is a very popular city 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 Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Both Copenhagen and San Sebastian are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Many students visit 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 Copenhagen or San Sebastian Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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

Is Copenhagen or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available 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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

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

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

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Copenhagen. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the splendid city of San Sebastian, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of San Sebastian, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the progressive destination of Copenhagen. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Copenhagen. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, 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 Copenhagen and San Sebastian, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or San Sebastian?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

Copenhagen is much colder than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen