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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. 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 gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Geneva and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Geneva. While Geneva 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, and hiking, while Geneva attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Geneva 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. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Geneva 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.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Santiago de Compostela can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

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

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Santiago de Compostela offers plenty to see. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is Geneva or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Santiago de Compostela?

Geneva 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 Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Santiago de Compostela are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Geneva and Santiago de Compostela both nice destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

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.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options 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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva can take you anywhere. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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 Geneva or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

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

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

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

How long in Geneva or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

Geneva is a big city with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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 Geneva or Santiago de Compostela?

Geneva is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 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 Geneva or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Geneva. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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 inspirational 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Santiago de Compostela?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Geneva 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 Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Geneva is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Geneva gets 61 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 Geneva or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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 October, Geneva is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Geneva gets 127 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. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Geneva is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Geneva gets 62 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, Geneva usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

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

In the spring, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 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 Geneva