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

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

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto than San Sebastian. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Porto is very popular for its museums, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and shopping. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Porto different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto 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 Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Both Porto and San Sebastian offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Sebastian is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Porto or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Porto and San Sebastian.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

San Sebastian offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Porto or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

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

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Porto or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great city for its beaches. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or San Sebastian Better for Families?

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

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

San Sebastian is a very kid-friendly port 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.

Is Porto or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Both Porto and San Sebastian are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Porto or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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.

Is Porto or San Sebastian Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and San Sebastian are excellent places to visit.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto 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 Porto can get you to some places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Porto or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Porto and San Sebastian are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

San Sebastian is a very walkable port 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.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Porto?

How long in Porto or San Sebastian?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than San Sebastian 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 Porto.

One day in Porto or San Sebastian?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 shopping and museums that this splendid destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Porto or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or San Sebastian?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city 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.

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. Lots of people come for the food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful port city of Porto. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, 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 Porto and San Sebastian, we can see that Porto 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or San Sebastian?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Porto is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Porto is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Sebastian. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 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 Porto