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

Should you visit Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and hiking, while Hamburg is known for its music. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Hamburg 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 home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Santiago de Compostela on the map. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hamburg and Santiago de Compostela.

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. 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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Music?

Hamburg is terrific for its live music scene. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Hamburg The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. 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.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santiago de Compostela and Hamburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Both Hamburg and Santiago de Compostela are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Santiago de Compostela is a nice destination for couples. 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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Hamburg and Santiago de Compostela are good places to visit for students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg has some very good public transit options. There are trains and buses that make their way around 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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Santiago de Compostela both are great when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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.

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

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

How long in Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela?

The port city of Hamburg offers shopping and museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port 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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela?

The historic destination of Hamburg offers museums and nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's no surprise that live music 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.

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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Hamburg. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hamburg is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 17°C (62°F), 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 Hamburg. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Hamburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Hamburg is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Hamburg gets 101 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. Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Santiago de Compostela. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. In the winter, Hamburg is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hamburg in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Hamburg gets 42 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, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Hamburg is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 8°C (46°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Hamburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Hamburg gets 51 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 Hamburg