15 Things to do in Santiago de Compostela

Known for being the burial site of the apostle St. James and the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, Santiago de Compostela is a dream destination for both cultural enthusiasts, pilgrims, and travelers searching for spiritual adventures.

Santiago de Compostela is usually filled with thousands of pilgrims who have walked a long way to reach it, and it offers an impressive atmosphere, enhanced by its beautiful architecture, museums, and cathedrals, as well as the colorful local bars and cafeterias. Whether you plan to adventure onto one of the Caminos or only want to see the city where the remains of St. James are buried, check out these things to do in Santiago de Compostela.

The Best Things to do in Santiago de Compostela

This is my list of favorite places:

  1. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
  2. Catedralicio Museum
  3. Old Town
  4. Museo da Peregrinaciones – Pilgrims Museum
  5. Casa da Troia Museum
  6. The Monastery of San Martiño Pinario
  7. The Eugenio Granell Foundation
  8. Parque de la Alameda
  9. San Domingos de Bonaval Park
  10. Eat Sea Food
  11. Local Beverages
  12. San Francisco Convent
  13. Hostal dos Reis Catolicos
  14. Mercado de AbastosFiestas del Apostol Santiago
  15. Plaza del Obradoiro

1. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

inside Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

There is no doubt that your first stop should be the imposing Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the place where, as already mentioned, Saint James is believed to be buried. Admire its mesmerizing Romanesque structure and the later Gothic and Baroque elements, and see the city from above during one of the guided rooftop tours available daily.

Although I am not religious, I find peace in churches of all faiths. At the end of my hikes along the Camino de Santiago, I have taken time to sit quietly and think about my journey – a lot can come up.

2. Catedralicio Museum

Cathedral museum
If history is your passion, and you want to understand the history of this charming city, besides visiting the Cathedral, you should also check out the Catedralicio Museum, which is located inside it. The museum is also a delight for art lovers who can admire the interesting collection of tapestries and paintings.

The museum is open all year. Between April and October, the opening times are 9 am to 8 pm, and during the winter, from 10 am to 8 pm. The cost of admission is €6. Guided tours are available.

3. Old Town

Santiago de Compostela City Scape

If you love walking, exploring the Old Town, known as Zona Vella, should be on your must-do list. The whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so expect to be amazed by its beautifully arranged streets, bustling square, impressive arches and monuments, old buildings, colorful cafes, and traditional restaurants. In addition, this is also a great area for the night owls who want to experience the party scene of the city.

However, to get some great photos, you must be up early or lucky with a bright sunny day in the offseason. During the summer, the city is always busy.

4. Museo da Peregrinaciones – Pilgrims Museum

Pilgrims Museum

The Museo da Peregrinacions is dedicated to pilgrimage, and visiting it is mandatory, especially if you have walked to Santiago as a pilgrim. This incredible place will allow you to explore the phenomenon of Santiago more deeply and learn about the city, the cathedral, the pilgrimage, and, of course, the apostle himself. In addition, from the third floor, you can admire a lovely view of the cathedral’s towers.

5. Casa da Troia Museum

Casa da Troia Museum Santiago

If you plan your arrival during the summer or Easter Week (the Semana Santa), add the Casa da Troia Museum to your must-see list. During the rest of the year, this charming museum is closed. The building used to be a boarding house for university students in the 19th century, and it inspired Alejandro Perez Lugin to write his famous novel La Casa de la Troya. Now, it allows visitors to glimpse how university life was in the past.

6. The Monastery of San Martiño Pinario

The Monastery of San Martiño Pinario

Another incredible site Santiago offers history lovers is the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario. Founded in the ninth century when a group of Benedictine monks learned about the discovery of St. James’ remains and decided to settle in Santiago, the church is considered one of the most beautiful representations of baroque architecture in the country.

7. The Eugenio Granell Foundation

The Eugenio Granell Foundation

If you love art, you can’t miss visiting the Eugenio Granell Foundation and admire an amazing collection of the Spanish-born surrealist painter, as well as works of art signed by famous artists like Cruzeiro Seixas, Copley, or the famous Miro. There are also great temporary exhibitions, theatre plays and workshops waiting for art enthusiasts from all over the world.

8. Parque de la Alameda

Parque de la Alameda

Galicia is famous among Spanish people for its parks, and one of the most beautiful ones is Parque de la Alameda. With its breathtaking green areas, imposing oaks, eucalyptus trees, and palms, as well as ponds, sculptures, and charming alleys filled with cheerful people. The park is a great stop for every visitor who wants to take in a breath of fresh air. But what you will probably love most are the views of the Cathedral, which make this park a meeting point for romantic locals and travelers alike.

Parque Alameda

9. San Domingos de Bonaval Park

San Domingos de Bonaval Park

Another popular park in Santiago de Compostela is San Domingos de Bonaval, known among the locals as ‘Bonaval’. Located on the grounds of a Dominican convent’s old cemetery, this park was designed by Alvaro Siza, a Portuguese architect who made it the public green area that it is today. Besides being a great spot for relaxation, Bonaval is also a must-visit for travellers interested in art and history, as it hosts the Galician Contemporary Art Centre and the Museum of the Galician People.

10. Sea Food

Seafood santiago de compostela

Nobody can leave Santiago without indulging in Galician dishes, especially their most iconic one, the octopus. Known in this area as ‘pulpo á Feira’, because it used to be eaten on market day, and in the rest of Spain as Galician style octopus, this dish will conquer every foodie’s taste buds and heart. I must admit that eating, preferably with friends, is my favorite thing in Santiago de Compostela. Almost everywhere I sit down to have a drink or coffee will sell calamari and I can eat them all day long.

11. Local Beverages

albariño

Whether you are interested in exploring the nightlife in Santiago or are only looking to see the city by day, tasting its local alcoholic beverages should be on your list. Orujo, for instance, is a pomace brandy and is a great drink to have when celebrating the end of your pilgrimage. It is made with what’s left of the grapes after the wine pressing process and is usually distilled with nuts, dried fruits or herbs. And if brandy is not your cup of tea, indulge in a glass of albariño, a tasty Galician white, slightly acidic wine.

12. San Francisco Convent

Convento de San Francisco de santiago

If you want to end your pilgrimage in a special restaurant, San Francisco Convent is your answer. As you imagine, this is a San Franciscan convent, where the Franciscan monks used to live. However, they are now residing in another building, and this one has become a hotel and restaurant. Order the special Pilgrim menu, and let the atmosphere and typical convent dishes offer you an unforgettable experience.

13. Hostal dos Reis Catolicos

Hostal dos Reis Catolicos

Travelers who are interested in a luxurious stay in Santiago should consider booking into the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos. The hotel has been operating since 1486, and it is considered to be the oldest working hotel in the world. This is the best place for tired pilgrims who want to spoil themselves after their long journey. 

14. Mercado de Abastos

For a rural but chic experience, foodies from all over the world are invited to Mercado de Abastos, Santiago’s vibrating food market. Filled with both modern and traditional stalls where farmers sell their products, this place gives visitors the chance to see the harmonious mix of the modern and traditional life in Santiago, while indulging in local delicacies. 

15. Fiestas del Apostol Santiago

Fiestas del Apostol Santiago

If you plan to arrive in Santiago in July, you have the chance to celebrate the Fiestas del Apostol Santiago together with the locals. Expect two weeks of parades and festivities that culminate with the Feast of St James (Día de Santiago) which is on the 25th of July, the same day as Galicia’s national day. So get ready for a fiesta you will not forget.

16. Plaza del Obradoiro

Plaza del Obradoiro

At the heart of Santiago de Compostela is a large pedestrian square called Plaza del Obradoiro. The cathedral forms its east side, and the entire square is situated in what is called Casco Antiguo, which in Spanish means “old town.”

On the other hand, the square’s name translates to “Workshop Square.” As you can already guess, this name originates from the old times when the cathedral was still under construction and many stonemasons were working on it.

Besides the cathedral, this historic Plaza is surrounded by other important landmarks. These include the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the Colegio de San Jerónimo, and the Santiago City Hall (Pazo de Raxoi).

The above are my favorite things to do in Santiago de Compostela. Now it is your turn, let me know in the comments what your favorite things are.

2 thoughts on “15 Things to do in Santiago de Compostela”

  1. The Parador is very overrated. I just now spent a fortune on the worst tiniest hotel room i have ever stayed in. San Francisco Hotel Monumento far superior and reasonable

    Reply
  2. I walked 7 times in many other routes.
    Takes 3 times to finish for Norte routes, therefore 9 times walking to get 7 Certificates.
    It started 2014, And 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 twice and 2019 3 times from New York USA.

    Above 15 things to do in SCQ, very recommendable.
    In addition, there are small Train kind of Bus in front of Cathedral, starting every hour.
    Not expensive and very slow. But many different language explain “what is this” by wire.
    That is very good to take. Additional recommendation.

    Reply

Leave a Comment