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

Should you visit Windsor or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Windsor or San Sebastian? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

San Sebastian

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

Windsor and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or San Sebastian?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Sebastian than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Sebastian is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Also, San Sebastian is famous for La Concha Bay.

How is Windsor different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor 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 Windsor can be an interesting and educational experience. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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

San Sebastian is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, San Sebastian is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

San Sebastian is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a popular place for its resorts. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a resort destination.

Is Windsor or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is well known for the beache. However, Windsor is not a beach destination.

San Sebastian is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Windsor or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Windsor to see the old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and San Sebastian make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

San Sebastian is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Windsor or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and San Sebastian.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While San Sebastian offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Windsor or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Windsor and San Sebastian both are very good when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or San Sebastian?

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

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or San Sebastian?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or San Sebastian?

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

In San Sebastian, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Sebastian has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or San Sebastian?

Windsor 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.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or San Sebastian?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. One reason most visitors come is for the food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Windsor and San Sebastian, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Windsor is cooler than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor 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. Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Windsor as well as San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Windsor is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Windsor usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or San Sebastian in the Winter?

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

Windsor can be very cold during winter. In January, Windsor is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Windsor gets 52 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, Windsor usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Windsor during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

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

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Windsor gets 147 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. Windsor usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Windsor