What to See in Santiago de Compostela: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and the final stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It is one of Spain's most important spiritual and architectural cities. The impressive Cathedral, believed to hold the remains of Saint James the Apostle, stands at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Here, granite-paved medieval streets lead past old monasteries, baroque palaces, and lively arcaded plazas. Santiago is also known for its energetic student life, excellent Galician food like pulpo á feira and Albariño wine, and a historic center that is perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace.
Must-see sights: Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Plaza del Obradoiro, Old Town historic streets, Parque da Alameda, Mercado de Abastos
Typical daily budget: €40–60 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: April–June or September–October
Famous for: Cathedral with Saint James relics, Camino de Santiago pilgrimage endpoint, UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, Galician cuisine (pulpo á feira, Albariño wine), baroque architecture
Top tours: Historic Center Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela Free Tour, Tour to Rias Baixas + Boat Trip + Winery
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a masterpiece of Spanish Romanesque architecture and the spiritual center of the city. Construction started in 1075 on the site believed to hold the relics of Saint James, found in the 9th century. The grand baroque Obradoiro façade, added in the 18th century, faces the wide Plaza del Obradoiro, where pilgrims gather after finishing their Camino journey.
Inside, the Pórtico de la Gloria (Portal of Glory) features detailed Romanesque sculptures by Master Mateo from 1188. Pilgrims often place their hands on the Tree of Jesse column, which has been worn smooth by many visitors over the years. The ornate baroque high altar holds the statue of Saint James, which pilgrims embrace after their journey. The cathedral museum lets you visit the cloisters, library, archaeological sites, and take rooftop tours with great city views.
Practical Info: General entrance free; museum and rooftop €12; Pórtico de la Gloria requires a timed ticket; daily Masses at noon draw crowds—arrive early; allow 1–2 hours; photography permitted except during services.
Plaza del Obradoiro is Santiago's main square and marks the end of the Camino de Santiago. The plaza is surrounded by four impressive buildings: the Cathedral's baroque Obradoiro façade, the neoclassical Rajoy Palace (now City Hall), the Renaissance Hostal dos Reis Católicos (now a parador hotel), and the Colegio de San Xerome. Pilgrims often gather here to celebrate finishing their journey, sometimes lying on the granite stones to rest after their long walk.
The Hostal dos Reis Católicos, built in 1499 by order of the Catholic Monarchs, originally served as a hospital for pilgrims and now operates as one of Spain's most luxurious paradores. Its beautiful Renaissance courtyards remain accessible to visitors. The square's name, "Obradoiro" (workshop), refers to the stonemasons' workshops that operated here during the construction of the cathedral.
Practical Info: Free, open 24/7; sunrise and evening offer best lighting for photos; no shops or bars on the square itself, but many nearby; popular for celebrations and people-watching; allow 30–60 minutes.
Santiago's UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of granite-paved medieval streets with historic buildings, hidden squares, and covered arcades. Rúa do Franco and Rúa da Raíña are the main streets, full of restaurants, taverns, and shops in old Galician-style buildings. The stone arcades offer shelter from the region's frequent rain and create unique walkways.
Plaza de Quintana, located behind the cathedral, is a quieter spot compared to the busy Obradoiro. It features elegant baroque façades and a large staircase. The smaller Plaza de Platerías has the cathedral's only remaining Romanesque façade and the detailed Fuente de los Caballos fountain. Across the Old Town, medieval monasteries like San Martiño Pinario, one of Spain's largest, show Santiago's deep monastic history.
Practical Info: Free to explore; bars, restaurants, and shops throughout the area; especially lively in early evening; cobblestone streets—wear comfortable shoes; allow 1–2 hours for leisurely exploration.
Parque da Alameda is Santiago's main park and offers wide views of the cathedral and Old Town. This 19th-century park has tree-lined paths, formal gardens, and the well-known "Dos Marías" statues, which honor two sisters who walked here every day for years. From the park's highest point, you can see postcard-worthy views of the cathedral's towers above the city rooftops.
The park features the Chapel of Santa Susana, botanical gardens, and playgrounds, making it a favorite among local families. When the university is in session, students often meet here between classes, bringing a lively feel to the peaceful gardens. The park also links the Old Town to the newer parts of the city.
Practical Info: Free public park, open daily; best for panoramic city views and photography; benches, shaded paths, and playgrounds; safe at all hours; allow 45–60 minutes for a walk, longer for a relaxing stroll.
Mercado de Abastos is one of Galicia's top food markets, known for its excellent seafood, fresh produce, and local products. The stone building dates back to 1941 and is open every day except Sunday. Vendors sell fresh pulpo (octopus), percebes (gooseneck barnacles), Padrón peppers, tetilla cheese, and other Galician favorites. Some stalls now have counter seating where you can try seafood tapas and local wines.
The market offers a glimpse of Galician food culture and the key ingredients used in local cooking. Mornings are the busiest, as locals shop for their daily meals. Nearby streets have both traditional shops and modern gastrobars, so the food experience continues outside the market.
Practical Info: Open Monday–Saturday 7:00am–3:00pm; closed Sundays; free entrance; vendors accept cash and card; arrive early for freshest produce and liveliest atmosphere; food stalls serve prepared meals; allow 30–60 minutes.
Santiago and Galicia are known for their unique food, especially seafood, quality meats, and special local products. Pulpo á feira (octopus with paprika and olive oil) is the region's most famous dish and is usually served on wooden plates. Other highlights include percebes (gooseneck barnacles), vieiras (scallops), and zamburiñas (small scallops) from the Atlantic coast.
Empanada gallega—savory pies filled with tuna, cod, or meat—make perfect portable meals that sustained pilgrims for centuries. Pimientos de Padrón (small green peppers fried and salted) accompany most meals with the famous warning "os pimentos de Padrón, uns pican e outros non" (some are hot, some are not). Tarta de Santiago, an almond cake marked with the Cross of Saint James, provides the traditional dessert. Albariño wine from nearby Rías Baixas perfectly complements seafood dishes.
Historic Center Santiago de Compostela Tour (2 hours): This tour starts at Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of Hostal Parador de los Reyes Católicos (look for the RED umbrella). It takes you through the main streets and squares of the historic center. Tours leave daily at 11:00am, with extra 5:00pm tours during busy seasons. You'll learn about local history, hear cultural stories, and get tips on where to eat and what to do.
Santiago de Compostela Free Tour — Duration: 2 hours. Comprehensive walking tour covering Santiago's essential monuments and neighborhoods, including the Cathedral, Parque da Alameda, and Plaza de las Platerías. English and Spanish language options available.
Tour to Rias Baixas + Boat Trip + Winery — Full-day excursion from Santiago exploring the stunning Rías Baixas coastal region. Includes scenic boat cruise through the fjord-like inlets, mussel tasting on board, and a visit to an Albariño winery for wine tasting. Discover charming fishing villages and dramatic landscapes along the Galician coastline.
Explore more tours in Santiago de Compostela.
Getting There: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) offers direct flights to major European cities, including London, Paris, and Frankfurt. From the airport, bus line 6A reaches the city center in 30 minutes. RENFE trains link Santiago to Madrid (5.5 hours), Barcelona, and northern Spanish cities. ALSA buses serve destinations throughout Galicia and beyond.
Getting Around: The compact historic center is entirely walkable, with most attractions within 10-15 minutes of Plaza del Obradoiro. City buses serve outer neighborhoods and the university campus. Taxis are readily available but rarely necessary for sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds than summer. July 25 (Feast of Saint James) brings major celebrations, but very crowded conditions and higher prices. Winter remains mild but quite rainy, so waterproof clothing is required. Holy Years (when July 25 falls on Sunday) attract exceptional numbers of pilgrims—the next occurs in 2027.
Where to Stay: The Old Town provides atmospheric accommodation in converted historic buildings with easy access to all major sights. Neighborhoods near Parque da Alameda offer quieter options while remaining walkable to the center. Budget travelers find hostels concentrated around the cathedral area serving Camino pilgrims.
Budget: Santiago remains affordable compared to larger Spanish cities. Budget daily costs run €40-60, including hostel accommodation, market meals, and free activities. Mid-range travelers spend €80-120 for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and paid attractions. Pilgrim menus (menú del peregrino) at €10-12 offer excellent value three-course meals throughout the Old Town.
How many days are needed in Santiago de Compostela?
Two days are enough to see the cathedral, Old Town, the main plazas, and the market while enjoying Galician cuisine at a relaxed pace. Add a third day for the Rías Baixas coastal excursion or day trips to nearby destinations.
Is Santiago de Compostela worth visiting if not doing the Camino?
Absolutely. The stunning cathedral, beautifully preserved medieval center, exceptional food scene, and rich cultural heritage make Santiago compelling regardless of pilgrimage interest.
What is the best free tour in Santiago de Compostela?
The Historic Center tour departing from Plaza del Obradoiro provides comprehensive coverage of the Old Town's main attractions, history, and practical recommendations in 2 hours.
What language is spoken in Santiago de Compostela?
Both Spanish and Galician are official languages, with most locals bilingual. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, though less commonly than in Barcelona or Madrid.
Can you visit the Cathedral of Santiago for free?
Basic cathedral access is free, though entrance to the museum, cloisters, and rooftop costs €12. The Pórtico de la Gloria requires separate timed tickets.
Quick Takeaway
Must-see sights: Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Plaza del Obradoiro, Old Town historic streets, Parque da Alameda, Mercado de Abastos
Typical daily budget: €40–60 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: April–June or September–October
Famous for: Cathedral with Saint James relics, Camino de Santiago pilgrimage endpoint, UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, Galician cuisine (pulpo á feira, Albariño wine), baroque architecture
Top tours: Historic Center Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela Free Tour, Tour to Rias Baixas + Boat Trip + Winery
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a masterpiece of Spanish Romanesque architecture and the spiritual center of the city. Construction started in 1075 on the site believed to hold the relics of Saint James, found in the 9th century. The grand baroque Obradoiro façade, added in the 18th century, faces the wide Plaza del Obradoiro, where pilgrims gather after finishing their Camino journey.
Inside, the Pórtico de la Gloria (Portal of Glory) features detailed Romanesque sculptures by Master Mateo from 1188. Pilgrims often place their hands on the Tree of Jesse column, which has been worn smooth by many visitors over the years. The ornate baroque high altar holds the statue of Saint James, which pilgrims embrace after their journey. The cathedral museum lets you visit the cloisters, library, archaeological sites, and take rooftop tours with great city views.
Practical Info: General entrance free; museum and rooftop €12; Pórtico de la Gloria requires a timed ticket; daily Masses at noon draw crowds—arrive early; allow 1–2 hours; photography permitted except during services.
Plaza del Obradoiro
Plaza del Obradoiro is Santiago's main square and marks the end of the Camino de Santiago. The plaza is surrounded by four impressive buildings: the Cathedral's baroque Obradoiro façade, the neoclassical Rajoy Palace (now City Hall), the Renaissance Hostal dos Reis Católicos (now a parador hotel), and the Colegio de San Xerome. Pilgrims often gather here to celebrate finishing their journey, sometimes lying on the granite stones to rest after their long walk.
The Hostal dos Reis Católicos, built in 1499 by order of the Catholic Monarchs, originally served as a hospital for pilgrims and now operates as one of Spain's most luxurious paradores. Its beautiful Renaissance courtyards remain accessible to visitors. The square's name, "Obradoiro" (workshop), refers to the stonemasons' workshops that operated here during the construction of the cathedral.
Practical Info: Free, open 24/7; sunrise and evening offer best lighting for photos; no shops or bars on the square itself, but many nearby; popular for celebrations and people-watching; allow 30–60 minutes.
Old Town and Historic Streets
Santiago's UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of granite-paved medieval streets with historic buildings, hidden squares, and covered arcades. Rúa do Franco and Rúa da Raíña are the main streets, full of restaurants, taverns, and shops in old Galician-style buildings. The stone arcades offer shelter from the region's frequent rain and create unique walkways.
Plaza de Quintana, located behind the cathedral, is a quieter spot compared to the busy Obradoiro. It features elegant baroque façades and a large staircase. The smaller Plaza de Platerías has the cathedral's only remaining Romanesque façade and the detailed Fuente de los Caballos fountain. Across the Old Town, medieval monasteries like San Martiño Pinario, one of Spain's largest, show Santiago's deep monastic history.
Practical Info: Free to explore; bars, restaurants, and shops throughout the area; especially lively in early evening; cobblestone streets—wear comfortable shoes; allow 1–2 hours for leisurely exploration.
Parque da Alameda
Parque da Alameda is Santiago's main park and offers wide views of the cathedral and Old Town. This 19th-century park has tree-lined paths, formal gardens, and the well-known "Dos Marías" statues, which honor two sisters who walked here every day for years. From the park's highest point, you can see postcard-worthy views of the cathedral's towers above the city rooftops.
The park features the Chapel of Santa Susana, botanical gardens, and playgrounds, making it a favorite among local families. When the university is in session, students often meet here between classes, bringing a lively feel to the peaceful gardens. The park also links the Old Town to the newer parts of the city.
Practical Info: Free public park, open daily; best for panoramic city views and photography; benches, shaded paths, and playgrounds; safe at all hours; allow 45–60 minutes for a walk, longer for a relaxing stroll.
Mercado de Abastos
Mercado de Abastos is one of Galicia's top food markets, known for its excellent seafood, fresh produce, and local products. The stone building dates back to 1941 and is open every day except Sunday. Vendors sell fresh pulpo (octopus), percebes (gooseneck barnacles), Padrón peppers, tetilla cheese, and other Galician favorites. Some stalls now have counter seating where you can try seafood tapas and local wines.
The market offers a glimpse of Galician food culture and the key ingredients used in local cooking. Mornings are the busiest, as locals shop for their daily meals. Nearby streets have both traditional shops and modern gastrobars, so the food experience continues outside the market.
Practical Info: Open Monday–Saturday 7:00am–3:00pm; closed Sundays; free entrance; vendors accept cash and card; arrive early for freshest produce and liveliest atmosphere; food stalls serve prepared meals; allow 30–60 minutes.
Galician Cuisine
Santiago and Galicia are known for their unique food, especially seafood, quality meats, and special local products. Pulpo á feira (octopus with paprika and olive oil) is the region's most famous dish and is usually served on wooden plates. Other highlights include percebes (gooseneck barnacles), vieiras (scallops), and zamburiñas (small scallops) from the Atlantic coast.
Empanada gallega—savory pies filled with tuna, cod, or meat—make perfect portable meals that sustained pilgrims for centuries. Pimientos de Padrón (small green peppers fried and salted) accompany most meals with the famous warning "os pimentos de Padrón, uns pican e outros non" (some are hot, some are not). Tarta de Santiago, an almond cake marked with the Cross of Saint James, provides the traditional dessert. Albariño wine from nearby Rías Baixas perfectly complements seafood dishes.
Free Walking Tours
Historic Center Santiago de Compostela Tour (2 hours): This tour starts at Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of Hostal Parador de los Reyes Católicos (look for the RED umbrella). It takes you through the main streets and squares of the historic center. Tours leave daily at 11:00am, with extra 5:00pm tours during busy seasons. You'll learn about local history, hear cultural stories, and get tips on where to eat and what to do.
Santiago de Compostela Free Tour — Duration: 2 hours. Comprehensive walking tour covering Santiago's essential monuments and neighborhoods, including the Cathedral, Parque da Alameda, and Plaza de las Platerías. English and Spanish language options available.
Tour to Rias Baixas + Boat Trip + Winery — Full-day excursion from Santiago exploring the stunning Rías Baixas coastal region. Includes scenic boat cruise through the fjord-like inlets, mussel tasting on board, and a visit to an Albariño winery for wine tasting. Discover charming fishing villages and dramatic landscapes along the Galician coastline.
Explore more tours in Santiago de Compostela.
Practical Information
Getting There: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) offers direct flights to major European cities, including London, Paris, and Frankfurt. From the airport, bus line 6A reaches the city center in 30 minutes. RENFE trains link Santiago to Madrid (5.5 hours), Barcelona, and northern Spanish cities. ALSA buses serve destinations throughout Galicia and beyond.
Getting Around: The compact historic center is entirely walkable, with most attractions within 10-15 minutes of Plaza del Obradoiro. City buses serve outer neighborhoods and the university campus. Taxis are readily available but rarely necessary for sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds than summer. July 25 (Feast of Saint James) brings major celebrations, but very crowded conditions and higher prices. Winter remains mild but quite rainy, so waterproof clothing is required. Holy Years (when July 25 falls on Sunday) attract exceptional numbers of pilgrims—the next occurs in 2027.
Where to Stay: The Old Town provides atmospheric accommodation in converted historic buildings with easy access to all major sights. Neighborhoods near Parque da Alameda offer quieter options while remaining walkable to the center. Budget travelers find hostels concentrated around the cathedral area serving Camino pilgrims.
Budget: Santiago remains affordable compared to larger Spanish cities. Budget daily costs run €40-60, including hostel accommodation, market meals, and free activities. Mid-range travelers spend €80-120 for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and paid attractions. Pilgrim menus (menú del peregrino) at €10-12 offer excellent value three-course meals throughout the Old Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed in Santiago de Compostela?
Two days are enough to see the cathedral, Old Town, the main plazas, and the market while enjoying Galician cuisine at a relaxed pace. Add a third day for the Rías Baixas coastal excursion or day trips to nearby destinations.
Is Santiago de Compostela worth visiting if not doing the Camino?
Absolutely. The stunning cathedral, beautifully preserved medieval center, exceptional food scene, and rich cultural heritage make Santiago compelling regardless of pilgrimage interest.
What is the best free tour in Santiago de Compostela?
The Historic Center tour departing from Plaza del Obradoiro provides comprehensive coverage of the Old Town's main attractions, history, and practical recommendations in 2 hours.
What language is spoken in Santiago de Compostela?
Both Spanish and Galician are official languages, with most locals bilingual. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, though less commonly than in Barcelona or Madrid.
Can you visit the Cathedral of Santiago for free?
Basic cathedral access is free, though entrance to the museum, cloisters, and rooftop costs €12. The Pórtico de la Gloria requires separate timed tickets.
