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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Venice?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Venice? 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical 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 shopping, museums, and food.

Santiago de Compostela and Venice: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Venice. While Venice is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its food, nightlife, and hiking, while Venice is known for its shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Venice is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Santiago de Compostela and Venice.

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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

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

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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

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

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Santiago de Compostela and Venice.

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 Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Venice Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. 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.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Venice?

Venice 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 Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela and Venice are great 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Venice Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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 Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice is terrific 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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Venice can take you anywhere. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. 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 Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting? and Is Venice Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Venice?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Santiago de Compostela. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santiago de Compostela, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The quaint city of Venice offers museums and food. 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.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Venice?

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The cultural destination of Venice offers food and shopping. 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 Venice?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. 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.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Venice is a fun place to experience. The destination of Venice offers museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Venice?

Venice 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 Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Santiago de Compostela during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Venice, 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 less sunshine than Venice. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Venice. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Santiago de Compostela is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 16°C (61°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Venice. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than Venice. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 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 Venice. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Venice and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Venice. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Santiago de Compostela