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

Should you visit Graz or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. 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 iconic, historic, and religious city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Graz and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Graz. While Graz is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Graz and is popular 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. Graz is well known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. 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 Graz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Graz and Santiago de Compostela.

Graz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Dining out in Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. 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 Graz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Graz and Santiago de Compostela.

Many people head to Graz for the nightlife scene. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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.

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

It's fun to wander around the first-rate old towns in both Graz and Santiago de Compostela.

The old town of Graz is one of the most recognized in the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Is Graz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for hiking. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Santiago de Compostela?

If you're looking to go shopping, Graz and Santiago de Compostela both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Graz is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Graz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Graz 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.

Graz is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Graz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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

Santiago de Compostela is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Graz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Graz 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.

Graz has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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 Graz or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Graz is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Graz on foot is easy. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Graz or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Graz or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Graz than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

The city of Graz offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Graz or Santiago de Compostela?

The historical destination of Graz offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Santiago de Compostela?

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

The historic city of Santiago de Compostela offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Graz or Santiago de Compostela?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Graz 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 Graz or Santiago de Compostela?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Graz or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Graz as well as Santiago de Compostela. The summer months attract visitors to Graz because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Graz is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. In the summer, Graz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Graz is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Graz usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Graz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Graz 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 Graz. In January, Graz is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Graz usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Graz in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

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

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Graz