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

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a fun-filled, beautiful, and splendid city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nice and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nice than San Sebastian. Nice is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nice is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Sebastian is more popular for its museums. Nice is more touristy than San Sebastian and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Nice different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Sebastian is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Nice and San Sebastian.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Eat your way through San Sebastian, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Nice or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Nice 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.

Nice is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Nice 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.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

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 Nice or San Sebastian Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

Both Nice and San Sebastian are considered to be high quality beach destinations.

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Many people visit San Sebastian for it's beautiful 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.

Is Nice or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Nice to see the historical old town. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or San Sebastian?

Both Nice and San Sebastian are high quality shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nice or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Nice or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Nice or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Nice?

How long in Nice or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nice and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than in San Sebastian. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Nice or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Nice or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy destination of Nice. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy 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 Nice or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful seaside destination of Nice. 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.

The splendid 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Nice and San Sebastian, we can see that Nice 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice 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 Nice Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nice or San Sebastian?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and 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.

Nice is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nice or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Nice during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the autumn, Nice is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. Nice usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and San Sebastian. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nice is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nice usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nice or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nice as well as San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

Nice is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Nice usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Nice