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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik? 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 religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Reykjavik. While Reykjavik 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 shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Reykjavik 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. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Santiago de Compostela has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

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

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Santiago de Compostela and Reykjavik both have fantastic trails.

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.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela and Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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 Reykjavik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik?

In either Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Santiago de Compostela because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santiago de Compostela, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

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 city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik?

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 green destination of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking 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.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic 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 Reykjavik. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik?

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.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santiago de Compostela is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In the summer, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Reykjavik and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Reykjavik and Santiago de Compostela during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the winter, Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Santiago de Compostela is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Santiago de Compostela