A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela, 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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Amsterdam and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Santiago de Compostela. Amsterdam is bigger than Santiago de Compostela, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and hiking. Amsterdam is well known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Santiago de Compostela is well known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago.

How is Amsterdam different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela and Amsterdam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Santiago de Compostela are among the most recognizable in the world. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Amsterdam is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for Music?

Amsterdam is terrific for its live music scene. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Santiago de Compostela offers plenty to see. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santiago de Compostela draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santiago de Compostela and Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santiago de Compostela. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is terrific for backpackers. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Santiago de Compostela is popular with students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is terrific for its public transit. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Amsterdam can take you anywhere. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

While Santiago de Compostela offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Amsterdam than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Amsterdam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santiago de Compostela, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amsterdam that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Santiago de Compostela 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the inspirational city of Santiago de Compostela. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Santiago de Compostela.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Amsterdam is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Amsterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Amsterdam is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Santiago de Compostela. The winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Santiago de Compostela. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

Amsterdam is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Amsterdam