Travel Budget for San Sebastian Visit San Sebastian on a Budget or Travel in Style

San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain
Europe / Spain / North Spain / Basque Country /
Jump to  down-arrow

San Sebastian is a beautiful city known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to San Sebastian that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to San Sebastian?

You should plan to spend around $123 (€113) per day on your vacation in San Sebastian. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $60 (€55) on meals
  • $14 (€13) on local transportation
  • $88 (€81) on hotels

A one week trip to San Sebastian for two people costs, on average, $1,724 (€1,582). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $123
    €113
  • One Week Per person
    $862
    €791
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,724
    €1,582
  • One Month Per person
    $3,694
    €3,390
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,724
    €1,582
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,448
    €3,164
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,389
    €6,780
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Sebastian cost?

A one week trip to San Sebastian usually costs around $862 (€791) for one person and $1,724 (€1,582) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to San Sebastian on average costs around $1,724 (€1,582) for one person and $3,448 (€3,164) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in San Sebastian will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to San Sebastian on average costs around $3,694 (€3,390) for one person and $7,389 (€6,780) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is San Sebastian expensive to visit?

San Sebastian is a terrific city that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

San Sebastian can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $49 (€45) per day, mid-range travelers spend $124 (€113) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $315 (€289) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Sebastian.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, San Sebastian is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Sebastian Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to San Sebastian?

The average San Sebastian trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Sebastian travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Sebastian cost?

San Sebastian on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$17
(€16) 		$44
(€40) 		$114
(€104)
Local Transportation 1 $6
(€5.19) 		$14
(€13) 		$35
(€32)
Food 2 $24
(€22) 		$60
(€55) 		$152
(€139)
Entertainment 1 $13
(€12) 		$35
(€32) 		$92
(€85)
Alcohol 2 $5-14
(€4-13) 		$11-32
(€10-30) 		$22-67
(€21-62)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to San Sebastian, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $49 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, San Sebastian features plenty of hostels, including A Room In The City Hostel, Koba Hostel, and Surfing Etxea. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. Food is also a highlight for all types of visitors to San Sebastian, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience the delicious cuisine.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to San Sebastian to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $124 per person, per day.

There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in San Sebastian. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Hotel Villa Soro is a great choice for kids, and Hotel Leku Eder is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our San Sebastian hotel costs guide.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $315 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the city will demand a higher price range. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as San Sebastian Top Pintxos Private Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in San Sebastian

The price of hotels in San Sebastian can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $207, while peak summer season averages can reach $386. Prices range from $105 to $731, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in San Sebastian for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $88 (€81). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $44 (€40) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $44
    €40
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $88
    €81

Hotels in San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in San Sebastian? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in San Sebastian

The average hotel room price in San Sebastian based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $207 in the low season and $386 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Sebastian include:

  • Hotel Villa Soro starting at $201
  • Lasala Plaza Hotel starting at $200
  • Room Mate Gorka starting at $191
  • Hotel Arima starting at $151
  • Hotel Astoria7 starting at $112
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in San Sebastian

San Sebastian's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the city, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.

If you're headed to San Sebastian with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.

Exploring San Sebastian by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in San Sebastian

The public transit in San Sebastian is quite good and serves many major spots. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus. Public transportation is a great money-saving choice if it's accessible to where you're headed. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available in town.

Visitors who like to explore on foot will enjoy their time here. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $14 (€13) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Sebastian. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Sebastian is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $14
    €13

Transportation Tips

If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport for $263 details
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao for $263 details
  • San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer for $268 details

Recommended Services


Flights to San Sebastian
How much does it cost to go to San Sebastian? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in San Sebastian
The price of renting a car in San Sebastian will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in San Sebastian

Don't miss the chance to experience the world-class cuisine in San Sebastian. Spend some time at local dining spots to taste their renowned dishes. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in San Sebastian can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Sebastian is $60 (€55) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $60
    €55

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Sebastian is around $60 (€55) per person, with previous travelers spending from $24 to $152. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in San Sebastian are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $18
  • Lunch: $9 to $24
  • Dinner: $18 to $42
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $9

The cuisine of San Sebastián is highly influenced by Basque country, the name given to the region near the Atlantic border of Spain and France. This kind of food consists of items like meats and fish grilled over hot coals, marmitako and lamb stews, cod, Tolosa bean dishes, paprikas from Lekeitio, Idiazabal sheep's cheese, txakoli sparkling wine, and Basque cider. The most popular in San Sebastián is pintxos (Basque tapas), which are small plates served hot or cold usually at a bar. Most pintxos cost €2-3 and come in a variety of options. Visiting a pintxos bar is an easy way to sample through the flavors of Basque culture. Another interesting specialty of the region is The Kalimotxo-a drink made with 50% wine and 50% Coca-Cola. Most restaurants are located in the Old Town area of the city.

Food in San Sebastian

Food & Dining Tips

When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.

Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.

Having a water bottle can help you save on drinks and do your part for the environment.

Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.

If you want to experience the culture in San Sebastian, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian for $209 details
  • Farmers Market visit and Pintxos & Local Cooking Class for $209 details
  • Basque cuisine cooking class for $140 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in San Sebastian?

Food and meal prices in San Sebastian, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.


  • Dinner for 2
    €55
  • Lunch for 2
    €10
  • Lunch for 2
    €31


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Sebastian

The reason people visit San Sebastian is clear, as it offers food, nightlife, beaches, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Sebastian typically cost an average of $35 (€32) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $35
    €32

Being a coastal city, some of San Sebastián's most beautiful sights are its beaches. La Concha, the city's most popular beach, and Ondarreta, lie in the crescent of the city. Both are nestled upon long stretches of soft sands set against gentle turquoise waters-perfect for a day of sunbathing or swimming. Zurriola Beach is another hot spot popular with the younger crowd, especially for surfing.

Set behind the beaches, the city holds an old world allure of its own, with beautiful architecture and monuments dotted throughout. The heart of San Sebastián is home to many enchanting churches like Buen Pastor Cathedral and historical gems in the old town like the Basilica of Santa Maria, the San Vicente Church, and the Plaza de la Constitucion, an old bullring converted into a public courtyard to relax and absorb the atmosphere.

Yet still, behind the city and the beaches, San Sebastián is surrounded by the grand presence of nearby mountains. They stand as a colossal backdrop to the city, but are accessible with many sights and activities to engage in from above. Each mountain has its specialty-Monte Urgell with a giant statue of Christ and views of the surrounding beaches, Monte Igueldo with its own amusement park, and Monte Ulia with gorgeous views and ruins of the past.



A city of beaches, San Sebastián has anything you could want in seaside activities. Whether you want to be active with water sports or prefer to relax the day away on the sand, the coastal stretches of the city with glittering waves offer opportunities to satisfy any beach bum for days. And then there are the mountains, full of prospects for hiking, climbing, and exploring. You might come across some old ruins or follow a trail that opens to sweeping views of the coastline. Monte Urgell even has an Aquarium full of marine life and research, while Monte Igueldo houses an amusement park with a roller coaster that looks over beaches, cliffs, and the city itself.

Back down in San Sebastián, the city is also host to many festivals throughout the year, some of which include dFeria festival of theatre and dance, Heineken Jazz Festival in July with about a hundred concerts, as well as the San Sebastián International Film Festival in late Septemeber which showcases over 200 international films. Also along the lines of entertainment, the Kursaal, with its translucent crystal structure, has become an icon of the city as the venue for the Film Festival and other concerts ranging from classical to contemporary pop and rock. The Victoria Eugenia Theatre has been another important cultural stage since 1912 and is very popular for musicals and plays throughout the year.

Some of the top museums in the city include the San Telmo Museo which is the oldest displaying history and art of the Basque country, Tabakalera which houses avant-garde and contemporary displays across many media, and the Arteko Gallery which displays the contemporary artwork of young foreign and national artists.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beaches in San SebastianMany visitors come to San Sebastian to relax at the beach. 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.

Shopping:
Shopping in San SebastianYou won't want to miss out on the shopping here. 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.

A nice way to explore destinations in San Sebastian is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • San Sebastian Lunch Time Pintxo Tour with Wine for $156 details
  • French Coast: Bayonne, Biarritz, San Juan de Luz - Private Tour for $274 details
  • San Sebastian Private Sailing Tour for $267 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in San Sebastian?

A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in San Sebastian are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    €6.00


Nightlife Budget in San Sebastian

With its fun and active nightlife, San Sebastian attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $22 (€20) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in San Sebastian per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $22
    €20

Nightlife in San Sebastian

Nightlife Tips

While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.

When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in San Sebastian. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. For $188 details
  • Devour San Sebastian Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening) for $138 details
  • Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian for $145 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Jun 17, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for San Sebastian

  • During summer, the city can get really crowded, and prices go up significantly. To avoid the crowds and save some money, it's best to visit during the shoulder seasons or low season.
  • Opting for a slower travel pace can help you keep your budget in check while enjoying the scenic beauty. If you overbook your days with activities, you'll find yourself spending more. But taking your time often results in lower costs and a more fulfilling experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • When traveling with young kids, opting for a private vehicle or taxi is likely on your agenda. It's often easier to avoid the headaches of public transportation, though it may cost you a little extra.
Related Articles
Best Hostels in San Sebastian, Spain for Surfers, Solo Travellers, and BackpackersBilbaoVitoria-GasteizHondarribiaPamplonaLogrono
Traveling in San Sebastian
San Sebastian San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.



Neighborhoods & Around

San Sebastián has four main hubs of activity. The lively Parte Vieja (or old town) lies across the neck of Monte Urgull, the bay's eastern headland, and is where the most popular pintxo bars and cheap lodgings can be found. South of the Parte Vieja is the commercial and shopping district, called the Área Romántica. This area is laid out in a grid of late-19th-century buildings that extend from behind Playa de la Concha to the banks of Río Urumea. On the east side of the river is the district of Gros, which exists in a more peaceful state away from the busyness on the west side. It has a more relaxed ambience and is home to the surfing beach of Playa de Gros. And finally, at the opposite western end of the city is Playa de Ondarreta, a very high-class district known as a millionaires' belt due to its extravagant holiday homes.

More Related Articles
EzcarayMadridBarcelonaGran CanariaValenciaSeville

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs


All Countries
Tour Search

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.