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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Bordeaux. While Bordeaux 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 & sights, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Bordeaux is more popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is well known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. 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. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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 Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Santiago de Compostela both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

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

How long in Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bordeaux than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Bordeaux offers museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Santiago de Compostela offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela?

The elegant destination of Bordeaux offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela?

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°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 Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bordeaux is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Bordeaux gets 165 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. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bordeaux is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 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. Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 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 Bordeaux