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

Should you visit Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Salzburg and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Salzburg. While Salzburg 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, nightlife, and hiking, while Salzburg is known for its music, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Santiago de Compostela 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 home to the Cathedral of Santiago.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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

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

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Santiago de Compostela. 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 Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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 Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Music?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

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

Salzburg and Santiago de Compostela both have fantastic historical old towns that attract visitors.

Salzburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

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.

Is Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

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.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg make it a world-class shopping destination. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is a very kid-friendly city. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Salzburg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Salzburg and Santiago de Compostela are very good destinations for backpackers.

Salzburg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Salzburg. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg has some very good public transit options. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Santiago de Compostela both are very good when exploring on foot.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

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

How long in Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

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

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

One day in Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela?

The quaint city of Salzburg offers shopping and museums. 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.

The city of Santiago de Compostela offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela?

The cultural destination of Salzburg offers museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. 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 popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Salzburg. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), 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. In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, 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.

Salzburg is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Salzburg gets 108 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. Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Salzburg 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 Salzburg can be very cold. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Salzburg gets 44 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, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In April, Salzburg is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Salzburg 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 Salzburg