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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Urbino?

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

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

Urbino

Urbino is a undiscovered, authentic, and laid back town. 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 Urbino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Urbino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Sebastian. Although San Sebastian and Urbino 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 Urbino is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Urbino and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also home to La Concha Bay. Urbino is popular for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is San Sebastian different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both San Sebastian and Urbino.

San Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Urbino. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

Is the Food Better in San Sebastian or Urbino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in San Sebastian have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is San Sebastian or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is San Sebastian or Urbino Better for Resorts?

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

Urbino is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Urbino Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is great for the beach. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Urbino is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Urbino to see the old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Urbino?

San Sebastian is great for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is San Sebastian or Urbino Better for Families?

San Sebastian is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is San Sebastian or Urbino Better for Couples?

San Sebastian and Urbino 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.

Urbino makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

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

San Sebastian is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is San Sebastian or Urbino Better for Students?

San Sebastian and Urbino are both high quality 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 Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

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

San Sebastian is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino 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 Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is San Sebastian or Urbino a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Urbino or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Urbino?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 historic destination of Urbino. 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 Urbino?

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Urbino. This town 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful town of Urbino. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Urbino?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

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

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

San Sebastian usually gets more rain in July than Urbino. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Urbino in the Autumn?

Both Urbino 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 Urbino in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Urbino. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 16°C (60°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In October, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Urbino. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Urbino in the Winter?

Both Urbino 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 Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Urbino can be very cold during winter. San Sebastian is much warmer than Urbino in the winter. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Urbino in the Spring?

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

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

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Urbino. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Urbino and San Sebastian