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

Should you visit Basel 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 Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

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

Basel and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Basel. While Basel is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Basel is more popular for its impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Basel and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel 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 Basel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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 Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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

Santiago de Compostela is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Santiago de Compostela has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Santiago de Compostela is revered around the world. 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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is Basel or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel 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.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Santiago de Compostela?

Both Basel and Santiago de Compostela are very good shopping destinations.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Basel is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Basel or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Basel and Santiago de Compostela are both notable to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

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 Basel or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Basel is well known for students. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Basel is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

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

Basel is well known 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.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Basel or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Basel or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Basel or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Basel than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Basel offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this religious destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Santiago de Compostela?

The beautiful destination of Basel offers nightlife and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Santiago de Compostela?

Basel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the inspirational destination of Santiago de Compostela. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Santiago de Compostela?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Basel is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, 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, Basel is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Basel usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Basel gets 70 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 Basel or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Basel 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 Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Basel usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

Basel is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Santiago de Compostela. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 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 Basel