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

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

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy coastal resort area. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or San Sebastian?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than San Sebastian, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its museums, food, and beaches. Monaco is more touristy than San Sebastian and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Monaco different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Sebastian is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

San Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Monaco or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Monaco 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.

Monaco has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.

Is Monaco or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Monaco 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.

Monaco is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

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 Monaco or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Monaco is very popular for its resorts. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Monaco offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

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.

Is Monaco or San Sebastian Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is well known for the beache. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Monaco has a beach worth visiting. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or San Sebastian?

Monaco 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 Monaco make it a world-class shopping destination. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

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 Monaco or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

San Sebastian is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.

Is Monaco or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Monaco has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.

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 Monaco or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is well known for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Sebastian is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.

Is Monaco or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is well known for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

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.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Monaco and San Sebastian.

You'll find some public transit in Monaco, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system.

While San Sebastian offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Monaco or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Monaco 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 Monaco on foot. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Monaco and San Sebastian. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Monaco. 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 Monaco than San Sebastian. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Monaco 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 Monaco 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 Monaco or San Sebastian?

Monaco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Monaco or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Monaco or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the posh big city of Monaco. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal resort area 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Monaco or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful coastal resort area of Monaco. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of San Sebastian. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco 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.