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

Should you visit Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a historic, religious, and surprising city. 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 nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Vilnius. While Vilnius 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, food, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Vilnius is more popular for its impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Vilnius 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. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Santiago de Compostela is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Santiago de Compostela has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela are notable family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly city. 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 Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela both notable destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

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

Both Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela are superb destinations for backpackers.

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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.

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

Both Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela offer notable public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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

Is Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

How long in Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vilnius than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

The city of Vilnius offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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 Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela?

The authentic destination of Vilnius 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.

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 Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. 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 Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Vilnius. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vilnius Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Vilnius or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Santiago de Compostela. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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, Vilnius is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

Vilnius is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Vilnius