A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Zaragoza vs. San Sebastian for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Zaragoza or San Sebastian?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a cultural, historical, and compact 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 fun-filled, beautiful, and splendid city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Zaragoza and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zaragoza or San Sebastian?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Sebastian than Zaragoza. While Zaragoza is larger than San Sebastian, San Sebastian has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Sebastian is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Zaragoza is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Zaragoza and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also home to La Concha Bay. Zaragoza is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Zaragoza different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza can be an interesting and educational experience. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

San Sebastian is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Zaragoza or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

San Sebastian has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Zaragoza or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Zaragoza is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Zaragoza is not a resort destination.

Is Zaragoza or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is notable for the beach. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Zaragoza or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Zaragoza is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zaragoza to see the historical old town. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zaragoza or San Sebastian?

Both Zaragoza and San Sebastian are superb shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Zaragoza or San Sebastian Better for Families?

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

San Sebastian is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly city. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Zaragoza or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Zaragoza and San Sebastian are both superb to visit as a couple.

Zaragoza is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is notable for backpackers. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Sebastian is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Zaragoza or San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is a great city to visit as a student. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams around the city.

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

Is Zaragoza or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Zaragoza and San Sebastian both are superb when exploring on foot.

Zaragoza is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable.

San Sebastian is very walkable. 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 Zaragoza Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Zaragoza?

How long in Zaragoza or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zaragoza and San Sebastian. In our opinion, San Sebastian has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Sebastian than Zaragoza. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Zaragoza, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Zaragoza. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The city of San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Zaragoza or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zaragoza. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Zaragoza or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Zaragoza. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Zaragoza or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Zaragoza. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, 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 Zaragoza and San Sebastian, we can see that Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zaragoza or San Sebastian?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Zaragoza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In July, Zaragoza is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Zaragoza average around 26°C (79°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Zaragoza gets 344 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Zaragoza gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zaragoza or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Zaragoza during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene.

Zaragoza is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Zaragoza gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zaragoza usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Zaragoza gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zaragoza or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zaragoza and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Zaragoza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Zaragoza is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zaragoza in January average around 8°C (46°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Zaragoza gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Zaragoza gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zaragoza or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zaragoza as well as San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Zaragoza in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months.

In April, Zaragoza is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Zaragoza average around 15°C (58°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zaragoza this time of the year. In the spring, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Zaragoza gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Zaragoza usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Zaragoza gets 34 mm (1.3 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 Zaragoza