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

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Nice and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Nice. While Nice 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 Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. 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 Nice 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 Nice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Resorts?

Nice is terrific for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

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

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most recognized in 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Santiago de Compostela?

Both Nice and Santiago de Compostela are excellent shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Both Nice and Santiago de Compostela are notable to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Santiago de Compostela is a good seaside destination 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 Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Nice or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a city with good options for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city to visit for students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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.

Nice has some very good public transit options. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

How long in Nice or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nice or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nice than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

The quaint seaside destination of Nice offers shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Santiago de Compostela?

The glamourous destination of Nice offers nightlife and food. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Santiago de Compostela is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the inspirational destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Santiago de Compostela?

Nice is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Nice. 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.

The religious city of Santiago de Compostela offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Nice and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Nice 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice 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 Nice Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nice or Santiago de Compostela?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Nice is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Nice as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nice is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Santiago de Compostela. Nice gets 108 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 Nice or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nice is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Nice usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Nice during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Nice is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Nice