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

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

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a iconic, historic, and religious city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

London and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Santiago de Compostela, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Santiago de Compostela is known for its historical sights and hiking. London is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Santiago de Compostela 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.

Big Ben

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

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

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Santiago de Compostela and London.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Santiago de Compostela that are not to be missed. 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.

Is London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Theater?

London is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Santiago de Compostela.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santiago de Compostela makes for a great culinary experience. 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 London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Music?

London 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 London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for hiking. However, London 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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Santiago de Compostela?

London 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 London make it a world-class shopping destination. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Santiago de Compostela does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Santiago de Compostela does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for its Christmas markets. However, Santiago de Compostela does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Santiago de Compostela does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

London 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, London is a very family-friendly destination. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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

London is terrific for backpackers. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

London is terrific 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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options 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 London or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

London 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 London on foot is easy. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

How long in London or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in London or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in London than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Santiago de Compostela 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 London.

One day in London or Santiago de Compostela?

London is a big city with plenty to do. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Santiago de Compostela?

London is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Santiago de Compostela?

London is a fun place to experience. London is a big city with plenty to do. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the inspirational destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, London or Santiago de Compostela?

London has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, 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, London is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), 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. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, 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.

London is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. London gets 107 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, London usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. London 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 London or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and London during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in London in the winter. In the winter, London is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. London gets 52 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. London usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, London is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. London gets 45 mm (1.8 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 London