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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Ljubljana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Ljubljana, 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming capital city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ljubljana than San Sebastian. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ljubljana is very popular for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also well known for The Ljubljana Castle.

How is San Sebastian different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both San Sebastian and Ljubljana.

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 Ljubljana. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

San Sebastian is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is San Sebastian or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a great city for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is San Sebastian or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great city for its beaches. However, Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Ljubljana to see the historical old town. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Ljubljana?

Both San Sebastian and Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is San Sebastian or Ljubljana Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is San Sebastian or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is a great city for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its romantic activities.

San Sebastian is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

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

Both San Sebastian and Ljubljana are superb 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 Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is San Sebastian or Ljubljana Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for students.

San Sebastian is a great city to visit as a student. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Ljubljana is a good city to visit for students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

Both San Sebastian and Ljubljana offer nice public transit options.

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

Ljubljana has some public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is San Sebastian or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

San Sebastian and Ljubljana both are superb 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.

Ljubljana is a very walkable destination. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Ljubljana?

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

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

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 museums when visiting the authentic destination of Ljubljana. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy 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 Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled 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 nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Ljubljana. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This capital 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 Ljubljana?

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 food and shopping around the capital city of Ljubljana. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When comparing the travel costs between San Sebastian and Ljubljana, we can see that San Sebastian 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 Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Ljubljana. The summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In July, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 20°C (68°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. San Sebastian usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

San Sebastian is a little warmer than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

San Sebastian usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In October, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, San Sebastian is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Sebastian in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, San Sebastian often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 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 Ljubljana. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Ljubljana in the Spring?

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

In April, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 12°C (54°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and San Sebastian