Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia in northwestern Spain, is one of Europe's most significant pilgrimage destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city serves as the final destination of the legendary Camino de Santiago, where pilgrims from around the world arrive after walking hundreds of kilometers to reach the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, believed to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle. The historic old town is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, with granite stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful arcaded squares that create an atmosphere of timeless spirituality and cultural richness. Beyond its religious significance, Santiago de Compostela is a vibrant university city that perfectly blends its sacred heritage with contemporary Galician culture. The city offers exceptional cuisine featuring fresh seafood, world-class wines, and traditional dishes like pulpo a la gallega, while its lively student population ensures a dynamic nightlife and cultural scene. Visitors can explore magnificent Romanesque and Gothic architecture, discover hidden plazas and gardens, and experience the unique Galician culture with its Celtic influences, making Santiago a captivating destination for both pilgrims and cultural travelers.

Top Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela

Cathedral and Pilgrimage Sites Tour

Visit the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of Europe's most important pilgrimage destinations and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Explore the Pórtico de la Gloria, attend the famous botafumeiro ceremony, and visit the tomb of Saint James. Many tours also include other significant religious sites and explain the history of the Camino de Santiago.

Booking Tip: Book cathedral tours in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage season (May-September). Prices typically range from €15-30 per person. Look for tours that include skip-the-line access and explain the religious and historical significance. The botafumeiro ceremony occurs on specific dates, so check the cathedral schedule.

Camino de Santiago Walking Experience

Experience a portion of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, even if you haven't walked the entire path. Many tours offer day walks on the final sections leading into Santiago, allowing you to understand the pilgrimage experience and enjoy the beautiful Galician countryside. You'll walk through traditional villages, forests, and historic sites while learning about the Camino's 1,000-year history.

Booking Tip: Half-day Camino experiences cost €25-50 per person and include transportation back to Santiago. Book with operators who provide walking sticks, route maps, and historical context. Best times are April-October for weather, though spring and fall offer fewer crowds and more authentic experiences.

Galician Food and Wine Tasting

Discover Galicia's exceptional culinary traditions through guided food tours that showcase local specialties like pulpo a la gallega (Galician octopus), empanadas, and fresh seafood. Many tours include visits to traditional markets, tapas bars, and wine cellars to sample renowned Galician wines like Albariño and Ribeiro while learning about the region's unique gastronomic culture.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost €40-80 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include 4-6 food stops with wine pairings. Look for small group sizes (8-12 people) and guides who can explain Galician culinary traditions. Evening tours often provide better atmosphere in local taverns.

Historic Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Santiago's UNESCO World Heritage old town through guided walking tours that reveal hidden squares, medieval streets, and architectural treasures beyond the famous cathedral. Discover the University of Santiago, beautiful monasteries, traditional markets, and charming plazas while learning about the city's history, legends, and daily life through centuries of pilgrimage.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost €10-25 per person for 2-3 hours. Free walking tours are available but expect to tip €5-10. Book tours that cover both major monuments and hidden gems, with guides who speak your language fluently. Morning tours often have better lighting for photos.

Rías Baixas Wine Region Day Trip

Take a day trip to the nearby Rías Baixas wine region, famous for producing Spain's finest Albariño white wines. Tours typically include visits to 2-3 wineries with tastings, scenic drives through vineyard landscapes, and stops in charming coastal towns. You'll learn about Galician winemaking traditions while enjoying beautiful views of vineyards, rivers, and the Atlantic coast.

Booking Tip: Full-day wine tours cost €60-120 per person including transportation and tastings. Book small group tours (6-16 people) that visit family-owned wineries for more personal experiences. Tours run year-round but harvest season (September-October) offers special insights into winemaking processes.

Getting There

Santiago de Compostela is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) is located 12km from the city center and receives direct flights from major European cities, as well as domestic flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and other Spanish cities. The airport bus (Line 6A) runs every 30 minutes to the city center for €3. By train, Santiago is connected to Madrid (5.5 hours), Barcelona (8 hours), and other major Spanish cities via Renfe's long-distance services. The train station is a 15-minute walk from the old town. By car, Santiago is accessible via the A-6 and AP-9 highways, though parking in the historic center is limited and expensive.

Getting Around

Santiago de Compostela's compact historic center is best explored on foot, as most major attractions are within walking distance of each other. The old town is largely pedestrianized, making walking both pleasant and necessary. For longer distances, the city has an efficient bus network operated by Tralusa, with single tickets costing €1.30 and day passes available for €4.50. Taxis are readily available and useful for reaching accommodations outside the center or traveling to the airport. Many visitors rent bicycles, though the hilly terrain and cobblestone streets can be challenging. The city is very walkable, and most pilgrims and tourists find that everything they need is within a comfortable walking radius.

Where to Stay

Historic Old Town

New Town (Ensanche)

Near the Cathedral

University Area

Concheiros

San Lázaro

Food & Dining

Santiago de Compostela offers exceptional dining that showcases Galicia's outstanding culinary traditions, particularly its world-renowned seafood and unique regional specialties. The old town is filled with traditional pulperías serving pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), marisquerías offering fresh shellfish and seafood, and cozy tavernas where you can try empanadas gallegas, lacón con grelos, and other local dishes. The Rúa do Franco and surrounding streets form the heart of the dining scene, with everything from casual tapas bars to upscale restaurants. Don't miss trying local wines, especially Albariño and Ribeiro, which pair perfectly with the seafood. The city also has excellent markets like Mercado de Abastos where you can sample local products, and many restaurants cater to the international palates of pilgrims while maintaining authentic Galician flavors.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Santiago de Compostela is during late spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Summer (July-August) is the busiest time due to pilgrimage season and vacation travel, with warm temperatures but frequent rain showers typical of Galicia's oceanic climate. Winter (November-March) can be quite wet and cool, but offers a more authentic local experience with fewer tourists, lower prices, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying hearty Galician cuisine and local culture. Keep in mind that Santiago experiences rain year-round, so pack accordingly regardless of when you visit.

Insider Tips

Attend the Pilgrim's Mass at noon in the cathedral to witness the botafumeiro ceremony (on select dates) and receive the spiritual atmosphere that defines Santiago

Visit the Mercado de Abastos in the morning to see local vendors selling fresh Galician produce, and try samples of local cheeses, seafood, and other specialties

Explore beyond the main tourist areas by wandering through the Alameda Park for beautiful city views and discovering quiet neighborhoods like San Pedro where locals live and work

Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela