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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Zagreb?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Zagreb, 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 splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than San Sebastian. Zagreb is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while San Sebastian is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is San Sebastian different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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 Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through San Sebastian, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Zagreb has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is San Sebastian or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both San Sebastian and Zagreb.

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.

Zagreb has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

Is San Sebastian or Zagreb Better for Resorts?

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

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great destination for the beache. However, Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zagreb to see the historical old town. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Zagreb?

Both San Sebastian and Zagreb 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 Zagreb. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is San Sebastian or Zagreb Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is San Sebastian or Zagreb Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit San Sebastian frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

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

Both San Sebastian and Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

Is San Sebastian or Zagreb Better for Students?

San Sebastian and Zagreb are both great 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 Zagreb. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb can get you to some places easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

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

Is San Sebastian or Zagreb a more walkable city?

San Sebastian and Zagreb both are great when exploring on foot.

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.

Zagreb is a very walkable destination. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either San Sebastian or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Sebastian, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

One day in San Sebastian or Zagreb?

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 authentic destination of Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Zagreb?

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 beautiful destination of Zagreb. 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 Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy 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 city of Zagreb. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Sebastian and Zagreb, we can see that San Sebastian is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

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 Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Zagreb?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Zagreb. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

San Sebastian is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Zagreb. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, San Sebastian is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Sebastian in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, San Sebastian often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. In January, San Sebastian is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 8°C (47°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

San Sebastian usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In January, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Zagreb. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and San Sebastian during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and San Sebastian