For more than a thousand years, people have walked for weeks to reach one granite square. You can get there by train in an afternoon and still understand why they bothered.
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, a green, rainy corner of northern Spain, and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago. Its old town is small and built almost entirely of granite, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Below you’ll find the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela, from the cathedral and its four squares to the Mercado de Abastos. We also cover the top museums, Alameda Park and the tiny tapas bars of Rúa do Franco. You’ll also get a simple walking itinerary, ideas for day trips and practical tips on getting there and finding a place to stay.
💰 Hospedería San Martín Pinario - Simple rooms in a historic monastery opposite the cathedral.
🏨 Hotel Virxe da Cerca by Pousadas de Compostela - A former Jesuit house with a garden, right by the Mercado de Abastos.
💎 Parador de Santiago - Hostal Reis Catolicos - A five-star former pilgrims’ hospital on Obradoiro Square.
Is Santiago de Compostela worth visiting?
Yes, even if you have no plans to walk the Camino. Santiago is famous as the burial place of St James the Apostle, and the cathedral built over his tomb has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe since the Middle Ages. Today the city mixes that religious history with a lively student atmosphere, as its university is one of the oldest in Spain. On any evening you’ll hear backpacks thudding onto the cobbles, bagpipes under the arches, a reminder of Galicia’s Celtic roots, and students spilling out of bars.
The historic centre is compact and almost entirely pedestrianised, so you can see the highlights on foot without a single bus ride. That makes Santiago ideal for a weekend break or a stop on a wider trip around Galicia. If you can, aim for 2027. It’s a Holy Year, which happens only when 25 July, the feast of Saint James, falls on a Sunday. The city will be busier and more festive than usual.
Top things to do in Santiago de Compostela: the cathedral and its squares
Almost every visit starts at the cathedral, and for good reason. It sits at the heart of the old town and is surrounded by four historic squares, each with a completely different character. Walk around all of them and you’ll have seen the most important buildings in the city in about an hour.
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Work on Santiago de Compostela Cathedral began in 1075, and the building was consecrated in 1211. Behind the Baroque façade you’ll find one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Inside, pilgrims queue to hug the statue of Saint James behind the high altar and then go down to the crypt, where a silver casket holds his relics. Entry to the main nave is free, but wear clothes that cover your shoulders and keep your voice down during services.
The highlight for many visitors is the Pórtico da Gloria, a carved stone doorway finished by Master Mateo in 1188. After a long restoration, its 200 figures once again show traces of their original paint. Visits take place in small timed groups, so book your slot well in advance, especially in summer. A combined ticket usually includes the cathedral museum, with its tapestries, cloister and archaeological remains.
For the best views, join a tour of the cathedral roofs. You walk across the stepped granite slabs high above Obradoiro Square, with the towers on one side and the red roofs of the old town on the other. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in the city and an easy way to understand how the whole complex fits together.
Then there’s the Botafumeiro, the giant censer that swings across the transept on ropes pulled by eight men. It doesn’t fly at every Mass. It’s used on major feast days, such as Easter Sunday, 25 July and Christmas, and at other services when a group pays for it, which happens fairly often. If you see the pews filling up long before the pilgrim Mass, it’s a good sign that the Botafumeiro is about to swing.
Obradoiro Square (Praza do Obradoiro)
Obradoiro Square is the city’s main square and the official finishing line of the Camino. Pilgrims drop their rucksacks on the stones, lie down and stare up at the twin towers of the western façade. Stay for a while, because the mix of tears, hugs and selfies is as much a part of the experience as the historic architecture.
Look around and you’ll see some of the most important buildings in Galicia. Opposite the cathedral stands the neoclassical Raxoi Palace, now the town hall and the seat of the president of the autonomous government. To the north is the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, founded in 1499 by the Catholic Monarchs as a pilgrims’ hospital and now a luxury Parador hotel. The Colegio de San Xerome, part of the university, lines the south side.
Quintana Square and the Holy Door
Behind the cathedral, on its eastern side, lies Praza da Quintana, a wide square split into two levels. The lower part was once a cemetery, while the upper part is lined with the plain walls of the convent of San Paio de Antealtares. Students sit on the long flight of steps on sunny days, and buskers often play here in the evening.
This is where you’ll find the Holy Door (Porta Santa), which opens only during Holy Years. The next one begins on 31 December 2026 with an opening ceremony, so Quintana Square will be the focus of celebrations throughout 2027. Come back after dark too. On the corner of the cathedral, the shadow of a pillar falls on the wall in the shape of a pilgrim with a staff, and locals love pointing it out to visitors.
Praterías and Cervantes Square
The smallest of the four squares, Praza das Praterías, takes its name from the silversmiths who once worked here. The Fountain of the Horses stands in the middle, and the southern doorway of the cathedral is the only Romanesque façade that survives in its original form. If you want a souvenir with the scallop shell or the cross of Saint James, silver shops still line the arcades.
A short walk north, past the Azabachería façade, brings you to Cervantes Square. It was once the city’s main market, and today it’s a quieter place for a coffee away from the crowds by the cathedral.
Explore the old town
The real pleasure of Santiago is getting lost in its medieval streets. Three main routes run roughly parallel from the south of the old town towards the cathedral: Rúa do Franco, Rúa do Vilar and Rúa Nova. Between them you’ll find stone arcades that keep you dry when it rains, tiny squares and plenty of historic buildings worth a closer look.
Rúa do Franco and Rúa do Vilar
Rúa do Franco is the street for eating and drinking, together with the neighbouring Rúa da Raíña. Its narrow granite houses are packed with small tapas bars and seafood restaurants, many with octopus and scallops on display in the window. It has a lively atmosphere in the evening, so arrive early or simply stand at the bar like the locals do. Rúa do Vilar, which runs parallel, is calmer, with arcades, bookshops and the tourist office, which is handy if you want a map or an official guide.
A guided walking tour is a good way to start if you only have a short time. A local guide will show you the details you’d otherwise walk past, tell you the legends behind the squares and help you plan the rest of your stay.
San Martiño Pinario Monastery
Just north of the cathedral stands the vast monastery of San Martiño Pinario (San Martín Pinario in Spanish), once one of the richest Benedictine houses in Spain. After El Escorial, it’s the second-largest monastery in the country. Its church is a Baroque showpiece, with a monumental altarpiece and carved walnut choir stalls, and its museum offers a quieter alternative to the cathedral. Part of the building is now a seminary and a guesthouse, so you can even spend the night inside its walls.
San Paio de Antealtares
Facing the cathedral across Quintana Square, the convent of San Paio de Antealtares is one of the oldest religious foundations in the city. Its Baroque church holds the original stone altar from the time of the apostle’s tomb. The nuns here are also known for their almond pastries, which make for a sweet break between sights.
Mercado de Abastos
The Mercado de Abastos has supplied the city with fresh food since 1873, and the current granite halls date from 1941. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, and it’s at its busiest on Saturday mornings. You’ll see stalls piled with goose barnacles, razor clams and spider crabs, alongside cheeses, cured meats, vegetables and bread from local farms.
The best part is that you don’t have to cook what you buy. Some stalls and small bars in the market will prepare fresh seafood for you to eat on the spot, so you can go straight from the fish counter to the table. Go before lunchtime, as most stalls close in the early afternoon.
Museums and contemporary art
When it rains, and in Santiago it often does, the city’s museums come into their own. Several of them are a short walk from the cathedral, and some offer free admission.
Museum of Pilgrimages and of Santiago
The Pilgrimage Museum (Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago) occupies a building on Praza das Praterías. It explains how the cult of Saint James began, why medieval pilgrims set off across Europe and how the city grew around the tomb. It’s a good place to visit before the cathedral, as it puts everything you’ll see there into context.
Museum of the Galician People and Bonaval Park
The Museo do Pobo Galego (Museum of the Galician People) is housed in the former convent of San Domingos de Bonaval, just outside the old town walls. Its collection covers Galicia’s history and traditions, from fishing boats and farm tools to costumes and bagpipes. Don’t miss its famous triple spiral staircase, three intertwined flights of stone steps that lead to different floors.
Next door, the former convent garden and cemetery have been turned into Bonaval Park, a peaceful green space on a hillside. Climb to the top for one of the best views of the cathedral towers, especially in the late afternoon light.
Galician Centre of Contemporary Art (CGAC)
Right beside the convent stands the Galician Centre of Contemporary Art (CGAC), designed by the Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza. The white, angular building opened in 1993 and contrasts sharply with the surrounding granite. Inside you’ll find temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, and admission is free, so it’s easy to pop in even for half an hour.
City of Culture of Galicia
The City of Culture of Galicia (Cidade da Cultura) sits on Mount Gaiás, about 20 minutes from the centre by bus or taxi. This huge complex by the American architect Peter Eisenman was designed to look like a wave of stone sweeping across the hill. It houses a library, an archive and exhibition halls, and the surrounding park offers wide views over Santiago.
Alameda Park
Alameda Park (Parque da Alameda) is the city’s favourite place for a stroll, laid out in the 19th century just south-west of the old town. Its tree-lined paths, ponds and benches make it a perfect spot to rest your feet. Follow the Paseo da Ferradura, the horseshoe-shaped path along the edge of the hill, for one of the classic views of the cathedral rising above the rooftops.
Look out for the colourful sculpture of the Dos Marías, two sisters who walked through the park every day in the mid-20th century. Their bright clothes and rebellious spirit made them local legends, and today their statue is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
The Camino de Santiago: the end of the road
The Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, has led pilgrims to the city since the 9th century, when the tomb of the apostle was discovered. Today it’s more popular than ever. In 2025 the Pilgrim’s Office issued over 530,000 Compostelas, the certificates given to pilgrims who complete the route. The busiest route is the French Way, which crosses northern Spain from the Pyrenees through Navarre, La Rioja and Castile.
Walking the full French Way takes around five weeks, but you don’t need to go that far. To receive the Compostela, you must walk at least the last 100 km or cycle the last 200 km and collect stamps in your pilgrim passport along the way. Many first-timers start in Sarria, about a week’s walk from Santiago. The Pilgrim’s Office, a few minutes from the cathedral, is the final stop, where you show your stamps and collect your certificate.
Even if you’re not a pilgrim, it’s worth watching walkers arrive. Look for the bronze scallop shells set into the pavements, which mark the last stretch of the route through the city.
Galician cuisine: what to eat in Santiago
Galician cuisine is one of the best reasons to visit Santiago. The coast is less than an hour away, so fresh seafood is on every menu. Try pulpo a la gallega, boiled octopus sliced and served on a wooden plate with olive oil, sea salt and paprika. Order some pimientos de Padrón too. Most of these little green peppers are mild, but now and then one is surprisingly hot.
For dessert, the classic is tarta de Santiago, an almond cake dusted with icing sugar and decorated with the cross of Saint James. Wash everything down with a glass of Albariño, a crisp white wine from the Rías Baixas, or Mencía, a red from the inland valleys. If you want to taste a bit of everything, a guided food tour is a fun way to discover the city’s best bars in one evening.
Day trips from Santiago de Compostela
Santiago makes an excellent base for exploring Galicia, with plenty of nearby destinations within easy reach. The most popular day trip goes west to Cape Finisterre and the wild Costa da Morte (Coast of Death). For centuries pilgrims carried on to Finisterre after reaching the cathedral, as the cape was believed to be the end of the known world. The coastal town of Muxía, with its sanctuary right on the rocks, is usually part of the same route.
Other good options include A Coruña, around half an hour away by train, with its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules. You could also head south to the Rías Baixas for seafood, beaches and Albariño vineyards, or inland to the Ribeira Sacra, where boats cruise between steep terraced vineyards. If you’d rather travel independently, car hire gives you the freedom to explore the coast at your own pace.
How many days do you need in Santiago de Compostela?
One full day is enough to see the city’s main attractions, but two days let you enjoy the city at a relaxed pace. With a third day, you can add a trip to Finisterre or the coast. Here’s a simple Santiago de Compostela itinerary to help you plan.
One day in Santiago: a walking itinerary
Start early in Obradoiro Square, when there are fewer crowds, and visit the cathedral and the Pórtico da Gloria. Then walk around the other three squares, Praterías, Quintana and Azabachería, and stop at San Martiño Pinario. Spend the late morning at the Mercado de Abastos and have a seafood lunch there or nearby. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of the Galician People and climb to Bonaval Park for the view. End the day with a stroll in Alameda Park at sunset and tapas on Rúa do Franco.
Two days in Santiago
With a second day, take a tour of the cathedral roofs, visit the Pilgrimage Museum and the CGAC, and spend a few hours at the City of Culture. In the evening, try a guided night tour of the old town, when the floodlit narrow streets feel even more atmospheric. If you’re visiting in July, you might catch the Festivities of Saint James, with concerts and fireworks in Obradoiro Square on the night of 24 July.
When to visit and what is the weather like?
Santiago has mild temperatures year-round, but it’s one of the rainiest cities in Spain. Summer days are usually pleasant, around 22-25°C, while winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. The best time to visit Santiago de Compostela is from April to October. July and August are the busiest months, so May, June, September and early October are great choices if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Whatever the season, pack a light raincoat or an umbrella. Frequent rain is part of the city’s character, and locals say that rain is art in Santiago, as the wet granite shines beautifully. Keep in mind that 2027 is a Holy Year, so book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit then.
See available accommodation in Santiago de Compostela
How to get to Santiago de Compostela?
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport lies about 12 km from the city centre, and regular buses connect it with the old town and the train station in around 30 minutes. From the UK, Ryanair flies from London Stansted, while easyJet and Vueling serve London Gatwick. There are also direct flights from Dublin. Another option is to fly to Porto in Portugal or to A Coruña and continue by bus or train.
Within Spain, the train is the most comfortable choice. High-speed services link Madrid with Santiago in about three and a half hours, and regional trains run to A Coruña, Vigo and Pontevedra. You can compare train and bus tickets online before you go. Once you arrive, you won’t need a car, as the old town is best explored on foot.
Hotels in Santiago de Compostela
Staying in or near the old town means you can walk everywhere and enjoy the squares in the evening, after the day visitors have left. Here are three accommodation options for different budgets, all within a few minutes of the cathedral.
💰 Hospedería San Martín Pinario
This guesthouse occupies part of the San Martiño Pinario monastery, right opposite the north side of the cathedral. The rooms are simple but bright and comfortable, with private bathrooms, and some overlook the monastery’s quiet courtyards. Breakfast and Galician dishes are served in a historic vaulted hall. It’s a great choice if you want to sleep in a centuries-old building in the heart of the old town without paying luxury prices.
🏨 Hotel Virxe da Cerca by Pousadas de Compostela
Set in an 18th-century Jesuit residence on the edge of the old town, this hotel stands just across the street from the Mercado de Abastos. Stone walls and wooden beams give the rooms plenty of character, while a large garden with old trees offers a peaceful spot to relax. The cathedral is about a 10-minute walk away. It suits couples and travellers who want a calm, stylish base close to the market and the city’s best restaurants.
💎 Parador de Santiago - Hostal Reis Catolicos
This luxurious five-star hotel stands on Obradoiro Square, next to the cathedral, in the former royal hospital for pilgrims founded in 1499. Guests can wander through four peaceful cloisters, a Gothic chapel and corridors full of antiques. The restaurant, set in the old stables, serves refined Galician cuisine. It’s the perfect choice for a special occasion or for celebrating the end of your Camino in style.
