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

Should you visit Zurich or San Sebastian?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and San Sebastian. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

San Sebastian

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

Zurich and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zurich than San Sebastian. Zurich is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zurich is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Zurich different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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 Zurich can be an interesting and educational experience. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National 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 Zurich or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through San Sebastian, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Zurich or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and San Sebastian are great when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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.

Is Zurich or San Sebastian Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for its live music scene. However, San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a good destination for its resorts. However, Zurich 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.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Zurich or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Sebastian for it's beautiful 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.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Zurich has a world-famous historical area. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or San Sebastian?

Zurich 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 Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Both Zurich and San Sebastian are great family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in San Sebastian. 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.

Is Zurich or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Zurich and San Sebastian both great destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich can get you to some places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Zurich or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Zurich and San Sebastian both are great when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or San Sebastian?

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

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

One day in Zurich or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Zurich or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

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 Zurich or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. 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 Zurich or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Zurich. 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 outdoorsy 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and San Sebastian, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or San Sebastian?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zurich is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, 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 Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than San Sebastian. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Zurich is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Zurich gets 120 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. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and San Sebastian. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Zurich gets 55 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, Zurich usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as San Sebastian. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

Zurich is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Zurich usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 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 Zurich