A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Sebastian vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit San Sebastian or Pompeii?

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

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

San Sebastian and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Sebastian. Although San Sebastian and Pompeii 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 Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than San Sebastian and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. San Sebastian is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also home to La Concha Bay.

How is San Sebastian different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is very popular 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is San Sebastian or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is San Sebastian or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Pompeii?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is San Sebastian or Pompeii Better for Families?

San Sebastian and Pompeii 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 Pompeii. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is San Sebastian or Pompeii Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

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

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Sebastian. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is San Sebastian or Pompeii Better for Students?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Both San Sebastian and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is San Sebastian or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Pompeii?

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

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

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 museums when visiting the famous destination of Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Pompeii?

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 museums when visiting the iconic destination of Pompeii. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

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 museums around the archeological site of Pompeii. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit San Sebastian or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and San Sebastian during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Sebastian is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Sebastian in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. In the summer, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Pompeii. The autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

In October, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 16°C (60°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Pompeii. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Pompeii. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the museums.

San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in January than Pompeii. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

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

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during spring. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In April, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Pompeii. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and San Sebastian