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

Should you visit Versailles or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Santiago de Compostela, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums.

Santiago de Compostela

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

Versailles and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Versailles and Santiago de Compostela are roughly the same size, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Santiago de Compostela is famous 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.

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

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

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Versailles or Santiago de Compostela.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Versailles or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Santiago de Compostela has something for everybody. 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Versailles or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santiago de Compostela draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Versailles or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Versailles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Santiago de Compostela is a good palace 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 Versailles or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

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.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles 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.

Versailles has some very good public transit options. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Versailles and Santiago de Compostela are very good when it comes to walkability.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable palace. 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 Versailles Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Versailles or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Versailles 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 Versailles. 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 Versailles. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Versailles 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 Versailles or Santiago de Compostela?

The palace of Versailles offers museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this palace has to offer.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Santiago de Compostela?

The ornate destination of Versailles offers museums. This palace offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santiago de Compostela, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Versailles or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Santiago de Compostela?

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles 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 Versailles 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 Versailles or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Versailles is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 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 Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Versailles gets 126 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, Versailles usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Versailles is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Versailles gets 56 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. Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Santiago de Compostela. The natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Versailles is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 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 Versailles