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

Should you visit Hamburg 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 Hamburg and San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or San Sebastian?

Both San Sebastian and Hamburg have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Hamburg is more popular for its museums, music, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is known for its food, resorts, and beaches. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. San Sebastian is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Hamburg different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks 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 Hamburg or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hamburg and San Sebastian.

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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.

Is Hamburg or San Sebastian Better for Music?

Hamburg is very popular for its live music scene. However, San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Hamburg The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

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

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Hamburg is not a resort destination.

Is Hamburg or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is well known for the beach. However, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or San Sebastian?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Sebastian and Hamburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Hamburg or San Sebastian Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or San Sebastian.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Hamburg or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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

San Sebastian is well known for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Hamburg or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is well known for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg can get you to some places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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

Is Hamburg or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Hamburg and San Sebastian both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

San Sebastian is very walkable. 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 Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or San Sebastian?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historic destination of Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the cultural destination of Hamburg. This port 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 Hamburg or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Hamburg. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, 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 Hamburg and San Sebastian, we can see that Hamburg 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 Hamburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hamburg 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 Hamburg Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or San Sebastian?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and San Sebastian. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hamburg is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 17°C (62°F), 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 Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hamburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Sebastian. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hamburg or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Hamburg is much colder than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or San Sebastian in the Winter?

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

Hamburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hamburg is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hamburg in January average around 0°C (33°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Hamburg gets 42 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, Hamburg usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hamburg or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Hamburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

In April, Hamburg is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 8°C (46°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Hamburg often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Hamburg gets 161 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. Hamburg usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 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 Hamburg