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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Brussels and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Brussels. While Brussels is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Brussels attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Brussels 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. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Santiago de Compostela that are not to be missed. 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.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Brussels and Santiago de Compostela.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Santiago de Compostela has a huge number of terrific 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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is Brussels or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Santiago de Compostela?

Brussels is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to 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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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

Brussels and Santiago de Compostela are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Many 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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels 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 Brussels can take you anywhere. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Brussels and Santiago de Compostela both are superb when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. 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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Brussels or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

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

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela?

Brussels 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. It's no surprise that shopping 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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Brussels. It's no surprise that shopping 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.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Brussels and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Santiago de Compostela?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Brussels is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Brussels 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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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 October, Brussels is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Brussels gets 114 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. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Brussels 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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

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

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Brussels gets 49 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, Brussels usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Brussels gets 67 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 Brussels or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 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 Brussels