A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a peaceful, park-filled, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the food and theater.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions and small town charm. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon 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. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Stratford-upon-Avon draw crowds from around the world. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Santiago de Compostela has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Santiago de Compostela offers plenty to see. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Santiago de Compostela are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Santiago de Compostela is a good town 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santiago de Compostela is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. In our opinion, Santiago de Compostela has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santiago de Compostela than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's no surprise that theater 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.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. 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.

The destination of Santiago de Compostela offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. It's no surprise that theater is why people visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Santiago de Compostela. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Santiago de Compostela. The museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Stratford-upon-Avon