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

Should you visit Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Santiago de Compostela. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, 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 food, hiking, and shopping.

Montpellier and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Montpellier. While Montpellier 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, nightlife, and hiking, while Montpellier is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Montpellier 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. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Santiago de Compostela know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Montpellier and Santiago de Compostela.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

The rich history of Santiago de Compostela can be explored in its historical center. 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 Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Santiago de Compostela are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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 Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great 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 Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Santiago de Compostela are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of 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.

Is Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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 Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Santiago de Compostela both are superb when exploring on foot.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

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

How long in Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

The city of Montpellier offers museums 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela?

The friendly destination of Montpellier offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's also a great beach destination, too. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the inspirational destination of Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela?

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

The historic city of Santiago de Compostela offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°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 Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Montpellier during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Montpellier gets 187 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Santiago de Compostela. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Montpellier is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Montpellier gets 147 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, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 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 Montpellier