25 Top Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela (2024)
Looking for the Best Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela, Spain?
Santiago de Compostela is an enchanting city that marks the end to the centuries-old pilgrimage called the Camino de Santiago. After finishing my hike along the Camino Francés last year, I spent a couple days in the city and am sharing 25 things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
Key Highlights
Here are a few key highlights of things to do in Santiago de Compostela:
- For a quintessential experience: Attend Pilgrim’s Mass at the cathedral
- To escape into nature: Wander through Alameda Park
- If you want to relax: Get a massage for as little as €30
- For good food: Explore the Mercado de Abastos
- For dessert: Enjoy Tarta de Santiago, an almond cake special to this region
25 Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela
While Santiago de Compostela, Spain may not have as much to do as other bigger cities in Spain, it still offers a large number of activities and attractions. Here’s a list of the 25 top things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
1. Take a Cathedral Rooftop Tour
Allegedly the burial site of the Apostle Saint James, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is absolutely the main attraction in the city. At this cathedral, you can do more than just step foot inside the main chapel. You can take a freaking guided tour of its roofs!
Please note tours are currently only held in Spanish. If you don’t know Spanish, the tour might still be worth it for the views, but you may want to book the one-hour tour from the cathedral website. For pilgrims with passports, you only have to pay €10.
If you know Spanish, you might be interested in some of the other longer, more in depth tours. This guided rooftop tour also covers other parts of the cathedral and the museum for less than $30.
2. Enjoy Food at the Mercado de Abastos
The Mercado de Abastos is a food market and the second most popular attraction after the cathedral when it comes to things to do in Santiago de Compostela. Vendors sell a mix of fresh ingredients and food you can eat onsite. You can even buy fresh seafood and have it cooked for you there.
The seafood is the main star here, but you can find other food and great wine too. The Albariño white wine is a hit and local to the region.
One of the food vendors, Abastos 2.0, is recognized by the Michelin guide for two of its seating areas:
- Abastos 2.0 Barra offers modern tapas and a surprise menu where the staff pick your meal starting at €50. It only has one shared large table, so ideally you’ll want to make a reservation ahead of time.
- Abastos 2.0 Mesas is on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list of more affordable high-value dining. The restaurant focuses on Galician cuisine and high quality local seafood. It’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time.
3. Stroll Through Alameda Park (Parque da Alameda)
This 16th-century park is the oldest and one of the largest parks in the city. It offers spectacular views of the cathedral and houses a number of exotic plant species.
Statues throughout the park pay homage to notable Galicians as well as one of Spain’s most famous writers, Federico García Lorca.
4. Attend Pilgrim’s Mass at the Cathedral
No visit to Santiago de Compostela is complete without attending a pilgrim’s Mass at the cathedral. Pilgrim’s Mass is currently offered at the following times:
- 7:30 a.m.
- 9:30 a.m.
- 12 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m.
Most pilgrims who complete the Camino de Santiago will attend Mass, sometimes multiple times, so I recommend arriving early to get a seat or you may have to stand. Mass is held in Spanish, but it’s still a cool experience that I recommend even if you don’t know the language.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the Botafumeiro, a unique 116-pound (53 kg) swinging incense that takes eight men to operate. On special holidays and by request of certain pilgrims, they will operate the device during Mass, swinging it around and filling the cathedral with a sage-like smell.
If you miss the Botafumeiro during Mass, it’s worth trying to go to another Mass to try to see it if you have the time.
You can also have Mass in English at the chapel in the Pilgrim’s Office. If you choose this option, you should still go to a pilgrim’s Mass at the main cathedral for the unique experience. It’s absolutely a must when it comes to things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
5. Get Drinks at the Parador Hotel Terrace
Even if you don’t plan to stay at the Parador Hotel, it’s worth checking out. Grab a drink at the terrace bar and enjoy the views of the main square by the cathedral.
6. Relax With a Massage
Of course, one of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela is to get a massage. Since the city marks the end to long pilgrimages, there are tons of places to get a massage throughout Santiago de Compostela.
Quintana Massages is in the city center and highly rated. They offer a variety of massage options ranging from €30 to €80.
7. Explore the Old Town
When thinking through things to do in Santiago de Compostela, sometimes planning to have no plans is the best plan. 😉 You’ll definitely want to give yourself time to get lost wandering the charming stone streets of the Old Town.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town has preserved different architectural influences from varying centuries. You’ll find elements from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and later.
If you’d like a guided tour to learn more about the Old Town, here are a few options:
8. Take in the Pilgrims Arriving in Praza do Obradoiro
Sit in Praza do Obradoiro outside of the cathedral and take in the emotion as pilgrims from all over the world complete their journeys. These pilgrims have been hiking anywhere from 7 days to over a month or more. Even if you didn’t hike the Camino de Santiago, it’s cool to see such a special moment happening for so many people.
You’ll often also find live music playing in this plaza. When I first arrived at the end of my Camino, there was a bag piper playing on the edge of the square to welcome pilgrims.
9. Devour Tarta de Santiago
Tarta de Santiago is an almond cake tied closely with the Camino de Santiago. It can be found all over the city and is a must try when you’re in town. The cake is so special to the region that the European Union gave it Protected Geographical Indication Status.
Some top spots to go for tarta de Santiago include:
10. See Saint James and More at the Cathedral
Outside of Mass, you can come back to the cathedral and see Saint James’ alleged burial site up close. You can even hug his statue—yes, this is a thing! I’m not Catholic myself and don’t know much about the saints, but I did get in line and gave the statue a hug.
You can visit parts of the cathedral for free, but some areas require paying a small fee. The Portico of Glory (Pórtico de la Gloria), for instance, is a must see and requires purchase of a ticket for €10 for pilgrims or €12 for most others.
11. Visit the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago (Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago)
Learn about the Camino de Santiago, other pilgrimages, history of the city, the cathedral, and Saint James at the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago. This museum is a must visit when it comes to things to do in Santiago de Compostela, and I have major regrets for missing it on my last trip.
Descriptions are provided in English, so you can easily take in everything the museum has to offer. As you plan your visit, expect to spend 1-2 hours here.
Admission seems to be free at the moment, but it has previously been advertised as a few euros. Note that backpacks are not allowed inside, but the museum has lockers you can use to store your things for €1.
12. Visit Finisterre and Muxía for the Day
If you’re looking for things to do in Santiago de Compostela that take you outside of the city, I absolutely recommend this Finisterre and Muxía tour. These towns are an important continuation of the Camino de Santiago, and many pilgrims will continue their journeys past Santiago de Compostela and end at one of these coastal towns.
That said, if you don’t have the time for that or aren’t hiking, that doesn’t mean you can’t see these lovely places. Book this day trip from Santiago de Compostela instead for $55.18. You’ll see the two towns as well as other sights, including the point the ancient Romans used to think of as the end of the world.
13. Visit the Colegiata de Santa María la Real de Sar
This small 12th century church is known for its leaning inner columns and walls. Over time, they started to lean to the side, requiring the addition of buttresses outside to hold up the walls and prevent collapse.
14. Enjoy 100 Montaditos
There’s Michelin star dining and then there’s dining where items cost as little as €1! 100 Montaditos falls into the latter camp and is my favorite chain restaurant in Spain.
Every time I visit a city in Spain with a 100 Montaditos, I always go. Montaditos are mini sandwiches, and they have over 100 different delicious kinds for around €1-3 each.
They have beer and tinto de verano (essentially red wine and lemon soda) on tap for around €1-3. The deals here truly can’t be beat!
15. Go for a Stroll in San Domingos de Bonaval Park (Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval)
This lovely park is in the middle of the city located at the remains of an old cemetery and monastery. It has nice green spaces and views of the cathedral.
Of note, this park contains a small statue by Eduardo Chillida, a famous Basque sculptor. If you’ve traveled elsewhere in Spain, you may have seen some of his more famous works, such as the Comb of the Wind (Peine del Viento) in San Sebastián or the Monument to Tolerance (Monumento a la Tolerancia) in Sevilla, Spain.
16. Try Octopus (Pulpo a la Gallega)
No things to do in Santiago de Compostela list is complete without mentioning octopus. Also known as pulpo á feira, this boiled octopus is a signature dish in Galicia and a must try on your viist.
Here are some of the best spots in the city for octopus:
17. Go Out for Tapas
As you look for things to do in Santiago de Compostela, you have to get tapas! You are in Spain after all. Hop from bar to bar trying different bites at each place.
Here are some popular tapas spots to check out:
- A Taberna do Bispo—great seafood and a beautiful modern interior
- Taberna O Gato Negro—classic tapas in a no frills dive bar setting
- Antollos Pinchos e Viños—tapas and pintxos (essentially skewered tapas typically on bread)
- La Tita—tapas with a nice terrace and free tortilla de patatas served when you order a drink
If you’re like me and sometimes feel overwhelmed trying to find the best tapas, I always recommend taking a food tour. Check out this tapas tour for $39.41. A local will guide you to three tapas spots in town and introduce you to some of the best local food.
18. Take a Day Trip to Catedrais Beach, Pancha Island, and Asturias
Explore some of the most beautiful parts of Spain on this day trip around the coast in Galicia and Asturias for $67.56. On the guided tour, you’ll visit Catedrais Beach (aka Playa de Las Catedrales), named one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain by National Geographic.
You’ll also visit an island and two fishing villages around the region. My Spanish host mom from my study abroad program always said Asturias is the most beautiful region of Spain. I’d love to take this tour and see its stunning coastal views and quaint towns.
19. Celebrate Unique Festivals
Santiago de Compostela is home to several special festivals. If you have flexibility on when you visit, it might be worth it to plan your trip for one of these times.
Most notably, the two weeks at the end of July each year are reserved for celebrating Saint James Day on July 25. There are performances, parades, fireworks, and more. It’s the biggest festival in Santiago de Compostela each year and a special experience.
The second biggest time of celebration in Santiago de Compostela falls around Ascension Day, typically observed 39 days after Easter. Around this time, there are days of celebrations, including parades, performances, cultural events, and octopus stands in the streets.
Saint John’s Eve and Day (Noche/Día de San Juan) on June 23 and 24 can be another cool time to visit. There is good food, drinks, and even jumping over fires!
20. Experience Michelin Star Dining
Santiago de Compostela has two restaurants with one Michelin star, one of the highest distinctions in fine dining. Visit Casa Marcelo for fusion cuisine or A Tafona for contemporary dining.
While Michelin star dining can often be quite expensive, Casa Marcelo looks reasonable at around €100 per person. I’m adding it to my list for when I finish my next Camino de Santiago!
21. Take in the Beauty of Casa do Cabido and Praza das Praterías
The Casa do Cabido stands right by the cathedral and was built to help essentially decorate the Praza das Praterías cathedral square. It’s smaller than the Praza do Obradoiro but a charming square to visit.
The Casa do Cabido has rotating exhibits inside and is free to enter, so it may be worth a visit depending on the exhibit.
22. Contemporary Art Center of Galicia (Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea)
This free contemporary art museum has over 1,300 pieces, primarily focused on Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American artists. There are rotating exhibits, and the building is a work of art in and of itself.
23. Follow One of the Camino Routes
If you aren’t hiking the Camino, you can still take in some of the experience when visiting Santiago de Compostela if you’d like. Download the Buen Camino app for free, pull up the Camino Francés map, and retrace the steps of thousands of pilgrims before you.
24. Experience Magic for Yourself at the Magic Museum (Museo de Magia Kiko Pastur)
This magic museum is a hidden gem in the city. One ticket costs €10 and includes getting to see a live magician, learning how some common magic tricks are performed, and more.
25. Explore the Beautiful Rías Baixas Region on a Day Trip
Check out this guided Rías Baixas tour, which will take you to one of the most stunning areas of Galicia for $47.29. This wine region is known for one of the most popular wines in Spain, the Albariño.
One of the main highlights of the trip is the optional mussel boat tour. You’ll enjoy mussels and wine while learning about the process for collecting mussels.
Where to Stay in Santiago de Compostela
As you’re thinking about things to do in Santiago de Compostela, you’ll want to consider where to stay. Here are a few options.
Parador Hostal Real de Santiago de Compostela $$$
The Parador in Santiago de Compostela is arguably one of the most special hotels in the city. It sits right on the square with the cathedral and was originally built in the 12th century for pilgrims hiking the Camino de Santiago.
I stayed there myself after hiking the Camino for over 33 days. It was the perfect treat to end my very special journey, and I highly recommend staying there. My booking included a very lovely free breakfast as well.
Hotel Carris Casa De La Troya $$
Hotel Carris Casa De La Troya is right by the cathedral and one of the top tapas spots, Damajuana. The staff here tend to go above and beyond for the guests.
PR Libredón $
This hotel is located right next to the cathedral. It’s a small, but a clean and lovely place to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that might help as you map out your plans and things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
How do I get to Santiago de Compostela?
There are a number of ways to reach Santiago de Compostela depending on where you’re coming from. The city has a fairly large airport with regular flights to other cities in Spain and other major European cities, such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Train is a good option as well. If you’re coming from Madrid, you can hop on a train and get to Santiago de Compostela in around three to four hours.
There’s also a good bus route that runs from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. The bus ride takes three to four hours and is typically very cheap. I personally traveled to Lisbon at the end of my Camino de Santiago so bused to Porto, where I spent the night before continuing on to Lisbon.
How many days should I spend in Santiago de Compostela?
I recommend giving yourself two to three days if possible to see Santiago de Compostela. However, if you plan to use Santiago de Compostela as a base to go on day trips and explore elsewhere in the region, then I would add on extra days.
That said, if you have limited time and are trying to cram a lot into one trip, then spending one day and one night there will give you enough time to hit the highlights.
When is the best month to visit Santiago de Compostela?
I recommend visiting between June and September if possible. Santiago de Compostela can be quite chilly at times, and these months will provide the best weather. For instance, the average high in July is just 79°F (26°C) and low is 57°F (14°C).
These are also some of the more popular months for pilgrims to hike the Camino de Santiago, giving the city an extra bit of magic.
Why is Santiago de Compostela so famous?
Saint James’ remains were allegedly discovered by a hermit in the 9th century not far from Santiago de Compostela and then moved into the city. Since then, Santiago de Compostela has been a destination for pilgrims hiking the Camino de Santiago. To this day, tens of thousands of pilgrims hike the Camino each year, ending in Santiago de Compostela.
Are there Ubers in Santiago de Compostela?
While Uber claims to operate in Santiago de Compostela, it does not at the moment. Fortunately, the city is generally easy to navigate on foot, but if you need vehicle transportation, you’ll need to rely on a regular taxi.
Conclusion: 25 Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela
There you have it! I hope this list of things to do in Santiago de Compostela helps as you map out your activities and plans for your visit this magical city in Galicia.
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