A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Santiago de Compostela for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Interlaken 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 Interlaken and Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Interlaken and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Santiago de Compostela is famous 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.

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

Is Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Santiago de Compostela is not a skiing destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Santiago de Compostela from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Santiago de Compostela both to be great destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. 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 Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

You'll find world-class hiking in both Interlaken and Santiago de Compostela.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Known for its hiking, Santiago de Compostela draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Interlaken is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Santiago de Compostela is a good town 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 Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Santiago de Compostela is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken 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.

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

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

How long in Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

The town of Interlaken 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.

With museums and nightlife around the inspirational city of Santiago de Compostela, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela?

The world-class destination of Interlaken offers skiing and food. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santiago de Compostela, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the destination of Interlaken. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Santiago de Compostela. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In October, Interlaken is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Santiago de Compostela. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Interlaken is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Interlaken usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santiago de Compostela. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 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 Interlaken