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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Milan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Milan, 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. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Sebastian and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than San Sebastian, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is known for its resorts and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is San Sebastian different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan is notable 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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 Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both San Sebastian and Milan offer first-rate 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 Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is San Sebastian or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

San Sebastian has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is San Sebastian or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for its live music scene. However, San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Milan The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is San Sebastian or Milan Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Milan Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is great for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Sebastian attract visitors from all over. 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.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

Milan has a world-famous historical area. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Milan?

Milan is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is San Sebastian or Milan Better for Families?

San Sebastian is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in San Sebastian. 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is San Sebastian or Milan Better for Couples?

San Sebastian and Milan are both high quality 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.

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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

Both San Sebastian and Milan are high quality 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Is San Sebastian or Milan Better for Students?

Milan 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.

Milan is a great destination for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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

Milan is very popular for its public transit. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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

Is San Sebastian or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Milan?

In either San Sebastian or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than San Sebastian because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Sebastian, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

One day in San Sebastian or Milan?

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. Lots of people come for the food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Milan. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Sebastian is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Sebastian in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. 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 Milan. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian usually gets more rain in July than Milan. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during autumn. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In October, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Milan. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and San Sebastian during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. San Sebastian is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Milan. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 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 Milan. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Milan. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 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 Milan. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and San Sebastian