A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. San Sebastian for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a peaceful, park-filled, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the food and theater.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Sebastian than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Sebastian is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. San Sebastian is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Also, San Sebastian is famous for La Concha Bay. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very popular for its theatre productions. However, San Sebastian is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

San Sebastian is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

San Sebastian has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a resort destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beache. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

San Sebastian is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, San Sebastian is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Sebastian is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stratford-upon-Avon and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Sebastian than in Stratford-upon-Avon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. 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.

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Lots of people come for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, 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.

Many people visit San Sebastian for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

The destination of San Sebastian offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and San Sebastian, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as San Sebastian. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stratford-upon-Avon can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Stratford-upon-Avon