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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Florence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Florence, 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 outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than San Sebastian. Florence is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Florence is more touristy than San Sebastian and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is San Sebastian different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is very popular 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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

Both San Sebastian and Florence offer amazing 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 Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is San Sebastian or Florence Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in San Sebastian has something for everybody. 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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is San Sebastian or Florence Better for Resorts?

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

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Florence Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great city for the beache. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

Florence has a world-famous historical area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Florence?

Both San Sebastian and Florence are superb 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is San Sebastian or Florence Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is San Sebastian or Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 San Sebastian or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is San Sebastian or Florence Better for Students?

Florence 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.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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 Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both San Sebastian and Florence 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.

Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is San Sebastian or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. 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 San Sebastian Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Florence?

Both San Sebastian and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in San Sebastian. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Sebastian, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in San Sebastian or Florence?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Florence. 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.

A weekend in San Sebastian or Florence?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Florence?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the artistic destination of Florence. 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.

A week in San Sebastian or Florence?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Florence?

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

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 San Sebastian or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Florence. 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 Florence this time of year.

San Sebastian is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In the summer, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Florence. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian usually gets more rain in July than Florence. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Sebastian in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In October, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Florence. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and San Sebastian during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, San Sebastian is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 8°C (47°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Florence. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in January than Florence. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Florence. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

San Sebastian is cooler than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Florence. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and San Sebastian