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

Should you visit Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a quaint, historic, and charming 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

San Sebastian is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Strasbourg and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

Both San Sebastian and Strasbourg have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Strasbourg is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Strasbourg is famous for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Strasbourg different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg can be an interesting and educational experience. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

San Sebastian is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Sebastian has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Strasbourg or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in San Sebastian has something for everybody. 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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Strasbourg or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Strasbourg is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Strasbourg is not a resort destination.

Is Strasbourg or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great city for its beaches. However, Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Is Strasbourg or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

If you're looking to go shopping, Strasbourg and San Sebastian both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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.

Is Strasbourg or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Strasbourg or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Both Strasbourg and San Sebastian are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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.

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

San Sebastian is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

San Sebastian is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Strasbourg or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

San Sebastian is very popular with students. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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

Is Strasbourg or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Strasbourg and San Sebastian are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is 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.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

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

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Sebastian that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian than Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Strasbourg. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the splendid city of San Sebastian, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of San Sebastian, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque destination of Strasbourg. 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.

San Sebastian, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Strasbourg. 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.

San Sebastian is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 Strasbourg and San Sebastian, we can see that Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or San Sebastian?

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 Strasbourg or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Strasbourg during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. In the summer, Strasbourg often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Strasbourg is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Strasbourg or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Strasbourg can get quite cold in the winter. Strasbourg is much colder than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Strasbourg usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

In the spring, Strasbourg is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Strasbourg usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Strasbourg