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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Bergamo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Bergamo, 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.

San Sebastian

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

Bergamo

Bergamo is a under-rated, historical, and fascinating city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Bergamo?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Sebastian than Bergamo. San Sebastian is bigger than Bergamo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Sebastian is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Bergamo is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Bergamo and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Also, San Sebastian is famous for La Concha Bay. Bergamo is well known for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

How is San Sebastian different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both San Sebastian and Bergamo.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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

San Sebastian is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

San Sebastian has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo Better for Resorts?

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

Bergamo is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is notable for the beache. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Bergamo is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bergamo to see the old town. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Bergamo?

San Sebastian is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

San Sebastian is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo Better for Families?

San Sebastian is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city 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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo Better for Couples?

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

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.

Bergamo is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is a great 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.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

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

Both San Sebastian and Bergamo offer notable public transit options.

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

Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is San Sebastian or Bergamo a more walkable city?

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

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.

Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Bergamo?

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

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

In San Sebastian, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bergamo. 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 San Sebastian or Bergamo?

In San Sebastian, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Sebastian has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergamo. 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 San Sebastian or Bergamo?

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Bergamo. 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 San Sebastian or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. One reason most visitors come is for the food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Bergamo. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Sebastian and Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo 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 San Sebastian Expensive? and Is Bergamo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Bergamo?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Bergamo, 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 San Sebastian or Bergamo?

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 San Sebastian or Bergamo in the Summer?

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

San Sebastian is cooler than Bergamo in the summer. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Bergamo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bergamo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Bergamo during summer. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Bergamo. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bergamo in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, San Sebastian is a little warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Sebastian in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergamo averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, San Sebastian often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun.

Bergamo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in October than Bergamo. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bergamo in the Winter?

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

Bergamo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, San Sebastian is generally much warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 8°C (47°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Bergamo during winter. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Bergamo. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bergamo in the Spring?

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

San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Bergamo in the spring. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Bergamo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Bergamo. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Bergamo. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and San Sebastian