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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana? 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.

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Ljubljana. While Ljubljana 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, food, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Ljubljana 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. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ljubljana and Santiago de Compostela. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital 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.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Santiago de Compostela has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its old town.

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.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for hiking. However, Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ljubljana and Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ljubljana. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana make for a nice place to visit.

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Ljubljana is a good city for couples to visit. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana are very good places 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 budget travelers and backpackers visit Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana are nice places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Ljubljana. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

While Ljubljana offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a city bus system.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana both are very good when exploring 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.

Ljubljana is a very walkable destination. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ljubljana than in Santiago de Compostela. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santiago de Compostela, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Ljubljana. 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.

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The capital city of Ljubljana offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the religious destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The historic destination of Ljubljana offers nightlife and food. This capital city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the religious city of Santiago de Compostela. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ljubljana is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana, we can see that Santiago de Compostela is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana?

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

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 Santiago de Compostela or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Santiago de Compostela during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santiago de Compostela is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 19°C (66°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. In the summer, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Santiago de Compostela is a little warmer than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. In the winter, Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in January than Ljubljana. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Ljubljana and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In April, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 13°C (55°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Santiago de Compostela