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

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

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Porto. While Porto is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Porto attracts visitors for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Porto and 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. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Santiago de Compostela from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Porto 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, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Porto and Santiago de Compostela.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Santiago de Compostela offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is Porto or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for hiking. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Porto is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Santiago de Compostela is a good port 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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto 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 Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto 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.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Porto and Santiago de Compostela are great when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable port 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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Porto or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Santiago de Compostela?

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela?

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. This port city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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 Porto or Santiago de Compostela?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Porto. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Santiago de Compostela?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities 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 the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°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 Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In October, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Porto gets 184 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. It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

Porto is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Porto gets 124 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Porto 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 the spring, Porto is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 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 Porto