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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Sarajevo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Sarajevo, 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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a quaint, historical, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Sebastian and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than San Sebastian. Sarajevo is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is San Sebastian different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo can be an interesting and educational experience. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both San Sebastian and Sarajevo offer world-class 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 Sarajevo have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo Better for Resorts?

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

Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beache. However, Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

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.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

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

Sarajevo has a world-famous historical area. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Sarajevo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Sarajevo?

Both San Sebastian and Sarajevo are great 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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

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

Both San Sebastian and Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo is notable 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.

Public transit in Sarajevo can get you to some places easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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

Is San Sebastian or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Sarajevo?

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

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo. 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.

One day in San Sebastian or Sarajevo?

The city of San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo?

San Sebastian is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

San Sebastian is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Sarajevo. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 Sarajevo?

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Sebastian and Sarajevo, we can see that San Sebastian is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 San Sebastian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Sebastian than you might in Sarajevo.

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 Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and San Sebastian during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Sebastian is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Sarajevo. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Sebastian in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo 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 around the same amount of rain as Sarajevo. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Sarajevo. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, San Sebastian is generally a little warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 8°C (47°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in January than Sarajevo. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

San Sebastian is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In April, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and San Sebastian