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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a livable, cultural, and historical port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Sebastian. Although Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian are both popular with visitors, San Sebastian has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Sebastian is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches, while Newcastle upon Tyne is known for its museums and historical sights. San Sebastian is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also home to La Concha Bay. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

San Sebastian is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a resort destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beach. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newcastle upon Tyne to see the historical old town. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

San Sebastian is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in San Sebastian. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian are excellent destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

San Sebastian is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne can get you to some places easily. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian. In our opinion, San Sebastian has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Sebastian than Newcastle upon Tyne. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Lots of people come for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people visit San Sebastian for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The destination of San Sebastian offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as San Sebastian. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than San Sebastian. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 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. It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Sebastian. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newcastle upon Tyne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and San Sebastian. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 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, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Newcastle upon Tyne