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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Imperia?

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

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

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Sebastian. Although San Sebastian and Imperia 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, beaches, and shopping, while Imperia is known for its impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Imperia 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. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is San Sebastian different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

San Sebastian is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is San Sebastian or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is San Sebastian or Imperia Better for Resorts?

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

Imperia is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Imperia Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is notable for the beach. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Imperia?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is San Sebastian or Imperia Better for Families?

San Sebastian is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly city. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is San Sebastian or Imperia Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

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

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

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is San Sebastian or Imperia Better for Students?

San Sebastian is notable for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

Both San Sebastian and Imperia 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.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is San Sebastian or Imperia a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Sebastian or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in San Sebastian than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Sebastian, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

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

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 authentic destination of Imperia. 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia. 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 Imperia?

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 undiscovered destination of Imperia. This town 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 Imperia?

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 town of Imperia. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Imperia?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia 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 Imperia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, San Sebastian is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Sebastian in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Imperia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during summer. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Imperia. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia 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 Imperia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, San Sebastian is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 16°C (60°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Imperia. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in October than Imperia. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Imperia. 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 Imperia this time of year.

San Sebastian is cooler than Imperia in the winter. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during winter. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 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 Imperia. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Imperia. The beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Sebastian is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Sebastian in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Imperia. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Imperia. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Imperia and San Sebastian