A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Santiago de Compostela for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit The Hague 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 The Hague and Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a bustling, diverse, and global city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

The Hague and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hague or Santiago de Compostela?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than The Hague. While The Hague is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while The Hague attracts visitors for its music and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than The Hague 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. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is The Hague 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 The Hague. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Santiago de Compostela from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between The Hague and Santiago de Compostela can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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.

Is The Hague or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Both The Hague and Santiago de Compostela have great vibes after the sun sets.

The Hague has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

The people in Santiago de Compostela know how to have a good time. 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 The Hague or Santiago de Compostela Better for Music?

The Hague is well known for its live music scene. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

Is The Hague or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is The Hague or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Santiago de Compostela?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both The Hague and Santiago de Compostela.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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.

Is The Hague or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or Santiago de Compostela.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

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 The Hague or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Both The Hague and Santiago de Compostela are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

The Hague is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

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.

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

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Santiago de Compostela is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is The Hague or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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

The Hague 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.

The Hague has some very good public transit options. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

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 The Hague or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Santiago de Compostela is very walkable. 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.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Santiago de Compostela?

The Hague is a big city with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in The Hague or Santiago de Compostela?

The Hague is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the inspirational destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in The Hague or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic city of Santiago de Compostela. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 The Hague or Santiago de Compostela?

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, The Hague or Santiago de Compostela?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of The Hague 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and The Hague during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, The Hague is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in The Hague in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in The Hague. In the summer, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hague or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Santiago de Compostela. The autumn months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, 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 October, The Hague is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 11°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. The Hague gets 105 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, The Hague usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit The Hague or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Santiago de Compostela. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in The Hague in the winter. The Hague is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. The Hague gets 47 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. The Hague usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hague or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to The Hague for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, The Hague is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in The Hague in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The Hague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during spring. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, The Hague usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. The Hague gets 52 mm (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 The Hague