A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Seville vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Seville and Santiago de Compostela. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Seville

Seville is a beautiful, world-renowned, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and theater.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a iconic, historic, and religious city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Seville and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Seville than Santiago de Compostela. Seville is bigger than Santiago de Compostela, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seville is better known for its theatre productions, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its historical sights and hiking. Seville is well known for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. Also, Seville is famous for the Real Alcázar. Santiago de Compostela is well known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago.

How is Seville different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela and Seville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Seville and Santiago de Compostela.

The museums and tourist attractions in Seville are world-renowned. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Santiago de Compostela on the map. 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.

Is Seville or Santiago de Compostela Better for Theater?

Seville is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seville. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Seville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

Dining out in Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. 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 Seville or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Seville and Santiago de Compostela.

The nightlife in Seville has something for everybody. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

Santiago de Compostela offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its old town. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

Is Seville or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for hiking. However, Seville 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.

Seville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

If you're looking to go shopping, Seville and Santiago de Compostela both offer plenty of superb spots.

Seville is well-known for its shopping. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Seville or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Seville 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.

Seville is a very kid-friendly city. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

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 Seville or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Seville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

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

For backpackers, both Seville and Santiago de Compostela are superb places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Seville. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Seville or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Seville. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

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

Seville and Santiago de Compostela both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Seville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

Santiago de Compostela has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Seville or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Seville and Santiago de Compostela are superb when it comes to walkability.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

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 Seville Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Seville or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Seville than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

Couples should spend more time in Seville than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seville 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 Seville 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 Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Seville offers museums and theater. 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.

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

The world-renowned destination of Seville offers theater and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that museums 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.

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer.

Five days in Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

Seville is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Seville. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. 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 Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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 Seville or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seville as well as Santiago de Compostela. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Seville is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Seville is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seville in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Seville usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Seville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Seville is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 11°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seville usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Seville for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

Seville is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seville usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Seville