Comparison · Lisbon vs San Sebastián · Portugal / Spain
Lisbon vs San Sebastián
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Lisbon for Pastel de nata, Tram 28 and lower day-to-day costs; choose San Sebastián for Pintxos, La Concha beach and free sights. Lisbon is generally less expensive, and the two are about 788 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 788 km
- Less expensive
- Lisbon
- Best time for Lisbon
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for San Sebastián
- June and September
Side by side
| Lisbon | San Sebastián | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Portugal | Spain |
| Known for | Pastel de nata, Tram 28 and Fado | Pintxos, La Concha beach and Basque cuisine |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | August, 29°C (84°F) | August, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 15°C (59°F) | January, 12°C (54°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 5 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Carcavelos | La Concha |
| Airports | LIS | EAS, BIO, BIQ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Lisbon for…
Pastel de nata, Tram 28 and lower day-to-day costs. Lisbon climbs seven hills above the wide Tagus estuary, a short train ride from Atlantic beaches. The flat Baixa grid, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, links the medieval lanes of Alfama and the castle with Chiado and the bar streets of Bairro Alto, while…
Choose San Sebastián for…
Pintxos, La Concha beach and free sights. San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) wraps around the shell-shaped Bay of La Concha between two green hills, Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo, about 20 km from the French border. The city is small enough to cross on foot in under an hour: the Parte Vieja's grid…
Top sights compared
| # | Lisbon | San Sebastián |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jerónimos Monastery | La Concha beach and promenade |
| 2 | Belém Tower | Parte Vieja pintxo bars |
| 3 | São Jorge Castle | Monte Igueldo funicular and viewpoint |
| 4 | Alfama, the Sé and Santa Luzia | Monte Urgull and Mota Castle |
| 5 | Tram 28 | Peine del Viento |
Food compared
| Lisbon | San Sebastián |
|---|---|
| Custard tart | Gilda |
| Bacalhau à Brás | Hot pintxos cooked to order |
| Grilled sardines | Txuleta |
| Bifana | Burnt Basque cheesecake |
Which is cheaper?
Lisbon is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $180–$320 in San Sebastián (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Lisbon on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 788 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Lisbon or San Sebastián cheaper?
Lisbon is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Lisbon or San Sebastián better for a first trip?
Pick Lisbon for Pastel de nata, Tram 28 and lower day-to-day costs, or San Sebastián for Pintxos, La Concha beach and free sights.
+How far is Lisbon from San Sebastián?
About 788 km in a straight line.