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

Should you visit Beaune or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beaune and Santiago de Compostela. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Beaune

Beaune is a quaint, vineyard-filled, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. 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 food, hiking, and shopping.

Beaune and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Beaune, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Beaune is more popular for its food and small town charm. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Beaune 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. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Beaune 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.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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

Beaune is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Beaune is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

Santiago de Compostela has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Beaune or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Santiago de Compostela know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

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

Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Beaune and Santiago de Compostela.

Beaune has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most recognized in 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.

Is Beaune or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Beaune or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Both Beaune and Santiago de Compostela are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beaune. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

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 Beaune or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Beaune is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Beaune makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Santiago de Compostela is a good town 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 Beaune or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Beaune or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a good destination for students. However, Beaune 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.

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beaune and Santiago de Compostela.

You'll find some public transit in Beaune, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

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 Beaune or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Beaune 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 Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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 Beaune Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Beaune or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beaune or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beaune than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Beaune, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Beaune 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 Beaune or Santiago de Compostela?

The town of Beaune offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Beaune or Santiago de Compostela?

The vineyard-filled destination of Beaune offers nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Beaune or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaune. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Beaune or Santiago de Compostela?

Beaune is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Beaune. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaune or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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 Beaune 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 Beaune or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaune this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Beaune is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 21°C (70°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 Beaune. Beaune usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during summer. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Beaune usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Beaune during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Beaune is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaune in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Beaune gets 121 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. Beaune usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Beaune in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Beaune can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Beaune is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 3°C (38°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Beaune gets 53 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, Beaune usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Beaune for the small town charm during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

Beaune is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Beaune often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Beaune 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 Beaune