A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Sebastian vs. Turin (Torino) for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit San Sebastian or Turin (Torino)?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Turin (Torino), 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 fun-filled, beautiful, and splendid city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a historic, lively, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Sebastian than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than San Sebastian, San Sebastian has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Sebastian is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Turin (Torino) is known for its museums and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also home to La Concha Bay. Turin (Torino) is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is San Sebastian different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) can be an interesting and educational experience. The city boasts a number of museums including The Egyptian Museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Other landmarks include the Royal Armory, The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud, and Palazzo Madama.

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 Turin (Torino)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Turin (Torino). The region has been credited with being the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. The dishes often use locally made ingredients and there are very diverse flavors and recipes. Local favorites include antipasto misto, risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto), and carne cruda (beef tartare).

Is San Sebastian or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

San Sebastian has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Turin (Torino). There's a good nightlife scene that includes everything from bars to dance clubs. Via Po is one of the city's main bar hopping streets. For a more relaxed night out head to Via Garibaldi which has a number of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Is San Sebastian or Turin (Torino) Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Turin (Torino) 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.

Turin (Torino) is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Turin (Torino) Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is notable for the beach. However, Turin (Torino) 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.

Turin (Torino) is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Turin (Torino)?

San Sebastian is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Turin (Torino). The city has everything from high end shopping to local boutiques. For the best luxury shopping head to Via Roma. Via Garibaldi is another popular pedestrian street that has many shops and restaurants.

Is San Sebastian or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

San Sebastian is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Sebastian is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly city. If the kids need to stretch their legs, head to Valentino Park. For kid-friendly museums, check out The Cinema Museum The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Car. It's also fun to take a ride of the historic tram.

Is San Sebastian or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

San Sebastian and Turin (Torino) are both superb 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.

Turin (Torino) makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With grand squares, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine, couples will enjoy every minute of their trip to Turin. The city is also near the Alps, so outdoor adventure isn't far away.

Is San Sebastian or Turin (Torino) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both San Sebastian and Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino). You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

Is San Sebastian or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

San Sebastian and Turin (Torino) are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Turin (Torino). It's relatively easy to find study abroad opportunities to the area. The city's atmosphere is diverse and fun with many activities that the student population can enjoy.

Is San Sebastian or Turin (Torino) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is operated by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and includes one metro line, nine tram lines, and a number of bus 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 Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Turin (Torino) is somewhat walkable. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Turin (Torino) or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Sebastian and Turin (Torino). In our opinion, San Sebastian has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Sebastian than Turin (Torino). However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

In San Sebastian, you'll find museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Turin (Torino). Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in San Sebastian or Turin (Torino)?

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is 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 Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of San Sebastian. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Turin (Torino). 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Turin (Torino), 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.