A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Santiago de Compostela vs. San Sebastian for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian? 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 historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than San Sebastian. While San Sebastian is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums & sights, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than San Sebastian 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. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

San Sebastian 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, San Sebastian is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to San Sebastian for the nightlife scene. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Sebastian makes a nice vacation spot. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

San Sebastian is considered a top beach destination. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic 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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Is Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a very kid-friendly city. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit San Sebastian frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

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 San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Is Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

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 Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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 San Sebastian offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian?

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

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

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

One day in Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

The city of San Sebastian offers museums and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian?

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.

The outdoorsy destination of San Sebastian offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in October average around 16°C (61°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Santiago de Compostela is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 11°C (51°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela