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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Bergen, 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Sebastian. Although San Sebastian and Bergen are both popular with visitors, San Sebastian has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Sebastian is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Bergen is known for its historical sights and small town charm. San Sebastian is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also home to La Concha Bay. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is San Sebastian different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergen 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 Bergen?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both San Sebastian and Bergen.

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 Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

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

For foodies, San Sebastian is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is San Sebastian or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is San Sebastian or Bergen Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a popular place for its resorts. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Bergen Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is notable for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

San Sebastian is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Bergen to see the old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Bergen?

Both San Sebastian and Bergen are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is San Sebastian or Bergen Better for Families?

San Sebastian and Bergen are both very good destinations for the whole family.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bergen. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Is San Sebastian or Bergen Better for Couples?

San Sebastian and Bergen are both very good to visit as a couple.

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.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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

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

San Sebastian is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is San Sebastian or Bergen Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen 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 Bergen can get you to some places easily. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is San Sebastian or Bergen a more walkable city?

San Sebastian and Bergen both are very good 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.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Sebastian and Bergen. In our opinion, San Sebastian has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Sebastian than Bergen. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Sebastian, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Bergen. 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 Bergen. 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 Bergen 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 Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bergen. 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.

A weekend in San Sebastian or Bergen?

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. 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 Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Bergen. 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 Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of San Sebastian. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Bergen. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between San Sebastian and Bergen, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, San Sebastian is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Sebastian in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, San Sebastian usually receives less rain than Bergen. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and San Sebastian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, San Sebastian is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen 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 less rain in October than Bergen. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Bergen. The winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. San Sebastian is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bergen. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Bergen. The beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, San Sebastian is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Sebastian in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Bergen. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and San Sebastian