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

Should you visit Dijon or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Dijon 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural 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 historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dijon and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Dijon. While Dijon 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 shopping, while Dijon attracts visitors for its food and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Dijon 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. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Dijon specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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

Dijon 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, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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 Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Santiago de Compostela has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is Dijon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Santiago de Compostela is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Dijon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

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

Dijon is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly city. 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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dijon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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

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

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Dijon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Dijon and Santiago de Compostela are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Dijon is a good city to visit for students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Plenty of students 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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Dijon and Santiago de Compostela offer nice public transit options.

Dijon has a few public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Santiago de Compostela has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Dijon or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Santiago de Compostela is very walkable. 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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

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

How long in Dijon or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

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

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic 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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela?

The culinary destination of Dijon 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.

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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. 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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela?

Dijon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Dijon. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the religious 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Dijon and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Dijon 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon 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 Dijon Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Santiago de Compostela?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Dijon 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 Dijon 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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Santiago de Compostela. The summer months attract visitors to Dijon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the summer, Dijon is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dijon in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In Dijon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dijon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during summer. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Santiago de Compostela. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dijon is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 13°C (55°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Dijon gets 121 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. Dijon usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Dijon 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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Dijon. Dijon is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Dijon gets 53 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, Dijon usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Dijon 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 Dijon or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Dijon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dijon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dijon is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dijon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

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