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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb? 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 inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Zagreb. While Zagreb 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, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Zagreb 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. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Santiago de Compostela and Zagreb.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Zagreb has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Zagreb for the nightlife scene. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Santiago de Compostela can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zagreb 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 Zagreb. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santiago de Compostela and Zagreb make for a notable 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.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

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

Santiago de Compostela and Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb Better for Students?

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

Zagreb is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

Zagreb 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.

Zagreb has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

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 Zagreb a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Zagreb both are superb 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.

Zagreb is a very walkable destination. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santiago de Compostela, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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 city of Zagreb offers museums and nightlife. 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 Zagreb?

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 authentic destination of Zagreb 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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 Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the inspirational 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.

Zagreb is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Zagreb. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago de Compostela and Zagreb, we can see that Santiago de Compostela is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

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 Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Zagreb?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Zagreb and Santiago de Compostela during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 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 October than Zagreb. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Zagreb. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. In January, Santiago de Compostela is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 11°C (51°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Santiago de Compostela