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

Should you visit Vienna or San Sebastian?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. 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 beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Vienna and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than San Sebastian. Vienna is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Vienna is more touristy than San Sebastian and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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 Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Sebastian is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Vienna or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or San Sebastian Better for Music?

Vienna 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 Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a resort destination.

Is Vienna or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beache. However, Vienna is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Sebastian. 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.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Vienna or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Vienna has a world-famous historical area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or San Sebastian?

Vienna is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna 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 Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Vienna is very popular for students. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in San Sebastian. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

One day in Vienna or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the classical destination of Vienna. 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.

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.

A weekend in Vienna or San Sebastian?

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

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.

Five days in Vienna or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the classical destination of Vienna. 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.

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.

A week in Vienna or San Sebastian?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the splendid 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or San Sebastian?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vienna as well as San Sebastian. The summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Vienna is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°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. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vienna is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during autumn. Vienna gets 140 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, Vienna usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. In January, Vienna is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Vienna gets 65 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. Vienna usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months.

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

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Vienna gets 202 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, Vienna usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 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 Vienna