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

Should you visit Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Innsbruck and Santiago de Compostela can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a scenic, youthful , and adventurous city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Innsbruck and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Innsbruck. While Innsbruck 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, hiking, and shopping, while Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is well known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Santiago de Compostela is well 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.

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

Is Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is well known for winter skiing. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a skiing destination.

People head to Innsbruck specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Santiago de Compostela is not a skiing destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Innsbruck and Santiago de Compostela offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

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 Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Innsbruck and Santiago de Compostela.

Innsbruck has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Santiago de Compostela has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Both Innsbruck and Santiago de Compostela have terrific historic old towns worth visiting.

Innsbruck has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

The historic old town of Santiago de Compostela is revered around 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.

Is Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Santiago de Compostela visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Innsbruck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

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

Both Innsbruck and Santiago de Compostela are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Innsbruck is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Innsbruck is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas 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 Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Innsbruck and Santiago de Compostela both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it 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 Innsbruck Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Innsbruck than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Innsbruck that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela?

The quaint city of Innsbruck offers food and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela?

The outdoorsy destination of Innsbruck offers skiing and nightlife. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the religious destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Innsbruck. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the religious city of Santiago de Compostela. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela?

Innsbruck is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Innsbruck. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Santiago de Compostela?

Innsbruck has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck 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.