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

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal city. 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.

Helsinki and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or San Sebastian?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Sebastian than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than San Sebastian, San Sebastian has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Sebastian is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Also, San Sebastian is famous for La Concha Bay. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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

San Sebastian is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in San Sebastian have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

San Sebastian has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

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

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Helsinki or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beache. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or San Sebastian?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Helsinki and San Sebastian.

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and San Sebastian are high quality to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and San Sebastian are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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.

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

San Sebastian is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki can get you to some places easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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

Is Helsinki or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in San Sebastian. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Helsinki. 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.

The city of San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the waterfront destination of Helsinki. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Helsinki. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or San Sebastian?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Helsinki for 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.

Helsinki is cooler than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Helsinki 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 Helsinki or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of 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, Helsinki is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki 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 Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or San Sebastian in the Spring?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 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 Helsinki