A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. San Sebastian for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and San Sebastian. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Sebastian. Although Saint-Etienne and San Sebastian are roughly the same size, San Sebastian has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Sebastian is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Saint-Etienne 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. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Saint-Etienne and San Sebastian.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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 Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to San Sebastian for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

San Sebastian is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, San Sebastian is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

San Sebastian is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne and San Sebastian both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint-Etienne and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Sebastian than in Saint-Etienne. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Etienne, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 shopping and museums when visiting the splendid destination of San Sebastian. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint-Etienne. 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 city of San Sebastian. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, 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 Saint-Etienne and San Sebastian, we can see that Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Saint-Etienne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 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. In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as San Sebastian. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 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. In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 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 Saint-Etienne