Comparison · Madrid vs San Sebastián · Spain
Madrid 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
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Quick answer
Choose Madrid for Prado Museum, Tapas and lower day-to-day costs; choose San Sebastián for Pintxos, La Concha beach, beaches and free sights. Madrid is generally less expensive, and the two are about 353 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 353 km
- Less expensive
- Madrid
- Best time for Madrid
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for San Sebastián
- June and September
Side by side
| Madrid | San Sebastián | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Spain | Spain |
| Known for | Prado Museum, Tapas and Royal Palace | 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 | July, 32°C (90°F) | August, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 10°C (50°F) | January, 12°C (54°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | La Concha |
| Airports | MAD | EAS, BIO, BIQ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Madrid for…
Prado Museum, Tapas and lower day-to-day costs. Spain's capital sits on a high plateau in the centre of the country, and its great draw is the Paseo del Arte: the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums within a 15-minute walk of each other, beside the Retiro park. The old centre around…
Choose San Sebastián for…
Pintxos, La Concha beach, beaches 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
| # | Madrid | San Sebastián |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prado Museum | La Concha beach and promenade |
| 2 | Reina Sofía Museum | Parte Vieja pintxo bars |
| 3 | Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum | Monte Igueldo funicular and viewpoint |
| 4 | Royal Palace of Madrid | Monte Urgull and Mota Castle |
| 5 | Retiro Park | Peine del Viento |
Food compared
| Madrid | San Sebastián |
|---|---|
| Churros con chocolate | Gilda |
| Calamari sandwich | Hot pintxos cooked to order |
| Cocido madrileño | Txuleta |
| Huevos rotos | Burnt Basque cheesecake |
Which is cheaper?
Madrid 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). Madrid on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Madrid and San Sebastián are about 353 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Madrid and 4 in San Sebastián.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Madrid or San Sebastián cheaper?
Madrid is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Madrid or San Sebastián better for a first trip?
Pick Madrid for Prado Museum, Tapas and lower day-to-day costs, or San Sebastián for Pintxos, La Concha beach, beaches and free sights.
+How far is Madrid from San Sebastián?
About 353 km in a straight line.