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

Should you visit Giverny or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Giverny 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.

Giverny

Giverny is a peaceful, serene, and inspiring town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

San Sebastian

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

Giverny and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Giverny or San Sebastian?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Sebastian than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Sebastian is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Giverny is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than San Sebastian and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. 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 Giverny different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Giverny 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 Giverny can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

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

San Sebastian is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Giverny or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to San Sebastian for the nightlife scene. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

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

Giverny is not a resort destination.

Is Giverny or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is great for the beache. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

San Sebastian is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Giverny or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

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 Giverny or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

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.

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Is Giverny or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Giverny and San Sebastian both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

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

Is Giverny or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or San Sebastian?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the inspiring destination of Giverny. 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 Giverny or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. 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 Giverny or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene destination of Giverny. This town 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 Giverny or San Sebastian?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Giverny. 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 The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure 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 Giverny and San Sebastian, we can see that Giverny 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 Giverny would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Giverny 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 Giverny Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Giverny or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny 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 Giverny 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 Giverny or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Giverny during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Giverny is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 20°C (68°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 Giverny. In the summer, Giverny often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Giverny or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Giverny is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Giverny in October average around 13°C (56°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Giverny usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Giverny gets 127 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, Giverny usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Giverny or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Giverny as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Giverny for the museums 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.

Giverny can be very cold during winter. In January, Giverny is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 5°C (40°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Giverny often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Giverny usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Giverny or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Giverny is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Giverny usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Giverny gets 172 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, Giverny usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 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 Giverny