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

Should you visit Stockholm or San Sebastian?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and San Sebastian can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a beautiful, clean, and coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Stockholm and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than San Sebastian. Stockholm is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. Stockholm is well known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Also, Stockholm is famous for Gamla Stan (the old town). San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Sebastian and Stockholm. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stockholm or San Sebastian?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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 Stockholm or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and San Sebastian.

Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

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.

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian Better for Music?

Stockholm is very popular for its live music scene. However, San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Stockholm The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

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

Stockholm is not a resort destination.

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is well known for the beache. However, Stockholm 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.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Stockholm has a world-famous historical area. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or San Sebastian?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Sebastian and Stockholm.

Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

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.

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Stockholm is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Stockholm is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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.

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Stockholm is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Stockholm has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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.

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

San Sebastian is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is well known for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

Stockholm is very popular 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.

Stockholm has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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

Is Stockholm or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm on foot. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

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 Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stockholm and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in San Sebastian. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than San Sebastian. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stockholm, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Stockholm than San Sebastian. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm or San Sebastian?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of San Sebastian. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the live music, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or San Sebastian?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of San Sebastian. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stockholm or San Sebastian?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Sebastian is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or San Sebastian?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and San Sebastian, 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 Stockholm or San Sebastian?

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 Stockholm or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Stockholm is cooler than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as San Sebastian. The autumn months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the autumn, Stockholm is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Stockholm in the winter. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Stockholm during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

Stockholm is much colder than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Stockholm