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

Should you visit Lille or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Santiago de Compostela, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Lille and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Lille. While Lille 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, historical sights, and hiking, while Lille is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Lille 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. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

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

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Lille and Santiago de Compostela.

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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 Lille or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its old town. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Santiago de Compostela has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Is Lille or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

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.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Santiago de Compostela?

Lille 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 Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

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 Lille or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Lille or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Lille and Santiago de Compostela are both notable to visit as a couple.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

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

Santiago de Compostela is notable for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Lille is a good city to visit for backpackers. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Is Lille or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

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

Lille 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.

Lille has some very good public transit options. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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 Lille or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Lille 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 Lille on foot is easy. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored 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 Lille Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Lille or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

The city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lille or Santiago de Compostela?

The historic destination of Lille 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lille or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Santiago de Compostela?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the religious destination of Santiago de Compostela. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Santiago de Compostela?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Lille 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 Lille 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 Lille or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lille is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Lille as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lille is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Lille usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Lille 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 Lille or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In January, Lille is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Lille during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

Lille is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Lille