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

Should you visit Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Cardiff and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Cardiff. While Cardiff 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, hiking, and shopping, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Cardiff 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. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Santiago de Compostela can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

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 Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Cardiff and Santiago de Compostela are notable places to visit for students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

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

How long in Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cardiff 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 Cardiff, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Cardiff. 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 Santiago de Compostela than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Cardiff offers museums and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela?

The green destination of Cardiff offers nightlife and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. 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 great place to explore. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°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 Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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, Cardiff is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Cardiff gets 95 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Santiago de Compostela. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Cardiff 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In January, Cardiff is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Cardiff gets 57 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, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 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 Cardiff