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

Should you visit Salzburg or San Sebastian?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or San Sebastian, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a recognizable, historic, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a fun-filled, beautiful, and splendid city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Salzburg and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or San Sebastian?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Salzburg than San Sebastian. While San Sebastian is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Salzburg is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Sebastian is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Salzburg is more touristy than San Sebastian and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town. San Sebastian is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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

San Sebastian is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Salzburg. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

Is Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for Music?

Salzburg is very popular for its live music scene. However, San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Salzburg Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Sebastian. 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.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is very popular for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Salzburg has a world-famous historical area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or San Sebastian?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg make it a world-class shopping destination. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Salzburg and San Sebastian are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Salzburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Salzburg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Salzburg and San Sebastian are superb destinations for backpackers.

Salzburg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

San Sebastian is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Salzburg or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Salzburg is very popular for students. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Salzburg is a great destination for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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.

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg can get you to some places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Salzburg or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Salzburg and San Sebastian both are superb when exploring on foot.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

San Sebastian is very walkable. 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 Salzburg Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or San Sebastian?

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

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Salzburg. 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 Salzburg than San Sebastian. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salzburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg 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 Salzburg.

One day in Salzburg or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Salzburg. 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.

The city of San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salzburg or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Salzburg or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the cultural destination of Salzburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salzburg or San Sebastian?

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

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In July, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than San Sebastian. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene.

Salzburg is cooler than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months.

In April, Salzburg is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 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 Salzburg