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

Should you visit San Sebastian or La Spezia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or La Spezia, 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 beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

San Sebastian and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or La Spezia?

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

How is San Sebastian different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Sebastian is a good destination for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.

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

San Sebastian is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through San Sebastian, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

San Sebastian has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, La Spezia 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.

La Spezia is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beache. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Many people visit San Sebastian for it's beautiful 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.

La Spezia is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to La Spezia to see the old town. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or La Spezia?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

San Sebastian is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia Better for Couples?

San Sebastian and La Spezia are both great 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.

La Spezia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both San Sebastian and La Spezia are great 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 La Spezia. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

La Spezia is not popular with students.

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

Both San Sebastian and La Spezia 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.

La Spezia has some public transit options. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is San Sebastian or La Spezia a more walkable city?

San Sebastian and La Spezia both are great 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.

La Spezia is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

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

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or La Spezia?

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

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than La Spezia. 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 La Spezia. 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 La Spezia 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 La Spezia?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of San Sebastian. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of San Sebastian. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the splendid city of San Sebastian. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the convenient destination of La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?

San Sebastian is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the town of La Spezia. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or La Spezia?

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