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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Bologna, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. 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 and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Sebastian than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than San Sebastian, San Sebastian has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Sebastian is more popular for its resorts and beaches, while Bologna is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Bologna 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. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is San Sebastian different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bologna. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

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

Both San Sebastian and Bologna offer terrific local cuisine and 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.

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

Is San Sebastian or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both San Sebastian and Bologna.

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.

Bologna has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

Is San Sebastian or Bologna Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its resorts. However, Bologna 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.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Bologna Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bologna 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.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Bologna?

Both San Sebastian and Bologna are excellent 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 Bologna. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

Is San Sebastian or Bologna Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Sebastian is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Bologna is a family-friendly city. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Is San Sebastian or Bologna Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bologna is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

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

Both San Sebastian and Bologna are excellent destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bologna. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

Is San Sebastian or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna 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.

Bologna is a great destination for students. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

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

Both San Sebastian and Bologna offer good public transit options.

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

Bologna has some public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is San Sebastian or Bologna a more walkable city?

San Sebastian and Bologna both are excellent 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.

Bologna is a very walkable destination. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Bologna?

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

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Bologna. 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 Bologna. 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 Bologna 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 Bologna.

One day in San Sebastian or Bologna?

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 fun destination of Bologna. 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. 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 Bologna?

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 Bologna. 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.

Five days in San Sebastian or Bologna?

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 culinary destination of Bologna. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 San Sebastian or Bologna?

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 beautiful city of Bologna. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Bologna, 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 Bologna?

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 Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Sebastian is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Sebastian in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Bologna. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and San Sebastian during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In October, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Bologna. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna 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 Bologna. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Bologna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. San Sebastian is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 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 Bologna. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Sebastian in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Bologna. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Bologna. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and San Sebastian