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

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

Auckland

Auckland is a thrill-seeking, cosmopolitan , and adventurous 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Auckland travel costs.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santiago de Compostela travel costs.

Auckland and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Auckland. While Auckland is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Auckland is more popular for its beaches and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Auckland 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. Auckland is well known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

Both Auckland and Santiago de Compostela offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

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 Auckland or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

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

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Auckland or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Auckland is well known for the beach. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Santiago de Compostela can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

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 Auckland or Santiago de Compostela More Beautiful?

Santiago de Compostela is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful place to visit, too. Impressive gardens, detailed architecture, and the iconic cathedral all make this a beautiful city.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Auckland 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.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly city. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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

Auckland and Santiago de Compostela are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Auckland is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international 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.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Auckland and Santiago de Compostela.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Auckland or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options 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.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

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

How long in Auckland or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Auckland or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Auckland 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 Auckland, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Santiago de Compostela offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Auckland or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Auckland or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Santiago de Compostela?

Auckland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Auckland. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Santiago de Compostela is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Santiago de Compostela has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Auckland during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, 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.

Auckland is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Auckland. In the summer, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostelain July. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in January than Santiago de Compostelain July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Santiago de Compostela. The autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping 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 the autumn, Auckland is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.

Auckland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Auckland gets 162 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 April, Auckland usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostelain October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

In July, Auckland is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostelain January. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostelain January. Auckland gets 141 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. Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Santiago de Compostelain January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Auckland is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in April.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Auckland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santiago de Compostelain April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 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 Auckland