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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a peaceful, historic, and charming university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. 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 historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Andrews and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Saint Andrews 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. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

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 Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Saint Andrews is a good option for a beach vacation. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its old town. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Santiago de Compostela draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

Both Saint Andrews and Santiago de Compostela are very good shopping destinations.

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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 Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Santiago de Compostela are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Andrews frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Santiago de Compostela is a good university town 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 Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Santiago de Compostela offer notable public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Santiago de Compostela has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Andrews Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. In our opinion, Santiago de Compostela has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santiago de Compostela than Saint Andrews. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Saint Andrews. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

Saint Andrews might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the religious destination of Santiago de Compostela. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

Even though Saint Andrews is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This university town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic destination of Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

Saint Andrews is a fun place to experience. Saint Andrews is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 city of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing 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 Saint Andrews and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. In January, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Saint Andrews during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

Saint Andrews is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 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 Saint Andrews