A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Sebastian vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

San Sebastian and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Sebastian. Although San Sebastian and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, San Sebastian has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Sebastian is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than San Sebastian and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also well known for La Concha Bay.

How is San Sebastian different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

San Sebastian is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

San Sebastian is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Sebastian has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to San Sebastian for the nightlife scene. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is great for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

San Sebastian is great for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

San Sebastian and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

San Sebastian is a very kid-friendly city. 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 family-friendly things to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

San Sebastian and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both excellent 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both San Sebastian and Plitvice Lakes National Park are excellent 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

San Sebastian is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

San Sebastian is very popular with students. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Sebastian is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While San Sebastian offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in San Sebastian than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In San Sebastian, you'll find food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the splendid destination of San Sebastian. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the world-famous destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The beautiful city of San Sebastian offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

When is the best time to visit San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, San Sebastian is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 20°C (68°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

San Sebastian is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

San Sebastian usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In October, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and San Sebastian during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plitvice Lakes National Park. In the winter, San Sebastian is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Sebastian in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, San Sebastian often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 12°C (54°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and San Sebastian