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

Should you visit Graz or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian

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

Graz and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Graz than San Sebastian. Graz is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Graz is better known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. Graz is well known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Also, Graz is famous for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Graz different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Graz 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 Graz can be an interesting and educational experience. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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

San Sebastian is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Graz or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Graz and San Sebastian.

Many people head to Graz for the nightlife scene. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

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

Graz is not a resort destination.

Is Graz or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

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

Graz is not a beach destination.

Is Graz or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Graz is very popular for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Graz has a world-famous historical area. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or San Sebastian?

If you're looking to go shopping, Graz and San Sebastian both offer plenty of very good spots.

Graz is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

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 Graz or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Graz or San Sebastian.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Graz is very family-friendly. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

San Sebastian is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Graz or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Graz or San Sebastian Better for Students?

For students, both Graz and San Sebastian are very good places to visit.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

San Sebastian is very popular with students. 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 Graz or San Sebastian Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Graz is notable 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.

Public transit in Graz can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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

Is Graz or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Graz 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 Graz on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Graz?

How long in Graz or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Graz and San Sebastian. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian than Graz 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 Graz or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Graz. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Graz or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Graz. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Graz. 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.

The beautiful city of San Sebastian offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Graz or San Sebastian?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Graz 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 Graz 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 Graz or San Sebastian in the Summer?

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

Graz is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 23°C (73°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 Graz. In the summer, Graz often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually gets more rain in July than San Sebastian. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Graz is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during autumn. Graz gets 139 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, Graz usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Graz gets 58 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 Graz or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Graz as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Graz 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.

Graz can be very cold during winter. In January, Graz is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Graz usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or San Sebastian in the Spring?

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

Graz is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Graz usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Graz gets 158 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, Graz usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Graz gets 52 mm (2 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 Graz