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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo? 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 beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Sarajevo. While Sarajevo is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Sarajevo is more popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Sarajevo 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. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. 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.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Santiago de Compostela has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

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

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Santiago de Compostela and Sarajevo.

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.

The old town of Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Santiago de Compostela and Sarajevo both have amazing 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 Sarajevo specifically for its hiking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Santiago de Compostela is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly city. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Santiago de Compostela is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

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

Santiago de Compostela and Sarajevo are superb 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 Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo has some very good public transit options. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santiago de Compostela and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo.

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

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.

The city of Sarajevo offers museums 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 Sarajevo?

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.

The beautiful destination of Sarajevo offers nightlife and food. This 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 Sarajevo?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago de Compostela and Sarajevo, we can see that Santiago de Compostela is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Santiago de Compostela would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago de Compostela than you might in Sarajevo.

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 Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. 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 less sunshine than Sarajevo. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in July than Sarajevo. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Sarajevo and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Sarajevo and Santiago de Compostela during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Santiago de Compostela is generally much warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 11°C (51°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during spring. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Santiago de Compostela