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

Should you visit Paris or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Paris or Santiago de Compostela? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. 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's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Santiago de Compostela. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Santiago de Compostela attracts visitors for its historical sights and hiking. Paris is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. 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.

The Eiffel Tower

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

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

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Paris or Santiago de Compostela.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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.

Is Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Theater?

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

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Music?

Paris 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 Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Santiago de Compostela?

Paris 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 Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Christmas?

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

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Santiago de Compostela does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Paris 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, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a 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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

Paris 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 Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Paris and Santiago de Compostela are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Paris or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Santiago de Compostela?

Paris 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.

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic 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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela?

Paris 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.

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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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 Paris or Santiago de Compostela?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-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 Paris and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Santiago de Compostela?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Santiago de Compostela. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the summer, Paris is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In the summer, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Paris gets 127 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, Paris usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. Paris is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Paris gets 62 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. Paris usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Paris is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 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 Paris