Santiago de Compostela is not just the final point of the Camino de Santiago, it is a fantastic place to explore, wandering around its alleys and quaint granite streets. There are also many things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
It is quite pocket-sized too, so make sure you dedicate at least a couple of days to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
As some Galicians say, more than a city, Santiago is a ‘big village’. The city population is just around the 100,000 mark but with nearly 40,000 students settling there for the academic year and thousands of pilgrims walking into town every year, Santiago de Compostela gets a very special mix of people.
Personally, I think Santiago is a great city but I’m obviously biased. I lived in Santiago (or ‘Compostela’) for four years while studying at the city’s University (one of the oldest in Europe by the way, founded in 1495) and the mention of Santiago always gives me a warm exciting feeling.
I still have many great friends living in Santiago. That’s the thing: many of the students arriving in Santiago for four years end up never ever leaving… for such a small place, Santiago can make quite a big impact on people, whether pilgrims, visitors, or students. That is why when you visit it, you will find many things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
10 things to do in Santiago de Compostela
We have picked 10 things to do in Santiago de Compostela that should keep you busy for a couple of days!
1. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
If you have walked all the way to Santiago de Compostela, your first stop is likely to be the Praza do Obradoiro with its imposing Cathedral, where the remains of Saint James are (allegedly) buried.
Of all the things to do in Santiago de Compostela, you must find the time to squeeze in a visit to the famous Cathedral in Santiago.
The cathedral is Santiago’s most famous building with a Romanesque structure and later Gothic and Baroque elements.
At the Cathedral, check out the Pórtico da Gloria (the original Romanesque porch entrance by Mestre Mateo), the Botafumeiro (its giant thurible) and, if you are not scared of heights, take a guided tour of the Cathedral’s rooftop to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Santiago (they run every day from 10 am to 8 pm and it lasts one hour approximately – rooftop tours are currently on hold until restoration is complete).
2. The Old Town
Santiago is divided into two main districts: the Old Town (Zona Vella) and the New Town (Zona Nova).
The Old Town with its winding granite streets, arches, squares, and monuments has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
Here you will find not only Romanesque and baroque churches, museums and some of the oldest University buildings but also many cozy cafes, traditional and contemporary restaurants, interesting shops and some of the best nightlife too!
The New Town isn’t much of a sight, mostly apartment buildings housing the student population, but you will also find shopping areas, good bookshops, as well as restaurants and bars.
3. Alameda Park
Take a breather at the Alameda, Santiago’s most emblematic green space.
Go for a stroll along with the Paseo da Ferradura, get a nice tree-framed view of the Cathedral, sit by the statue of writer Valle Inclán, or take a picture with the statue of ‘As Marías’, the two Fandiño sisters dressed in their colourful outfits.
The sisters used to go for a walk in the Alameda every day at 2 o’clock on the dot.
The Alameda Park is also a central point to many celebrations in Santiago’s busy festival calendar.
4. ‘De Viños’ – Wine trail
Rúa do Franco goes all the way to the Obradoiro Square and takes its name after the French pilgrims that used to follow this street to get to the Cathedral.
With adjacent Raíña, this is the most famous street to go out for a few drinks with friends. Many bars and restaurants along the Franco display their octopus, shellfish, and other Galician delicacies on their windows (vegetarians beware!), and most offer a free bite with each drink: croquettes, tortilla, or even tiger filet (not really tiger meat, by the way).
After a few wines with their bites, you probably won’t need any dinner, but if you are still hungry, you can always order a few dishes to share.
5. Museo das Peregrinacións
After walking to Santiago as a pilgrim, you should probably visit this museum, dedicated to the pilgrimage.
6. San Domingos de Bonaval Park
‘Bonaval’ for short, is another popular park in Santiago de Compostela.
Bonaval sits on the grounds of a Dominican convent’s old cemetery and has been re-invented into a secluded public green space by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza.
Next to Bonaval, you’ll find two of Santiago’s best museums: the CGAC (Galician Contemporary Art Centre) in a modern building also by Siza and the Museum of the Galician People (Museo do Pobo Galego) in the former convent.
Bonaval is loved by visitors and locals, who like to enjoy a good book there or just relax under the shade of the oak grove (carballeira) on a hot day.
7. Mercado de Abastos
Santiago’s food market has a rural chic feel: traditional stores run by ladies from surrounding farms mix with stylish stalls. Modernity and tradition really live in harmony in the Abastos area, with exciting new restaurants also opening their doors in recent years. Here you will find some of Galicia’s best produce.
8. Culture
Santiago has a very active cultural life: from poetry recitals to concerts big and small, galleries, exhibitions, museums, theatre, etc…there is always something to fulfill your cultural ambitions.
Many pubs and cafes also have their own cultural activities so make sure to catch one of these as this is one of the top things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
9. Festas
Festas da Ascensión in May and Festas do Apóstolo in July (celebrating Saint James Day and Galicia’s National Day) are the main celebrations in Santiago, with outdoor concerts and many other events taking place, some of them free of charge.
However, there are many more festivals in and around the different neighbourhoods in Santiago.
Before you travel, check out the Santiago Turismo website, local tourist board, to see what’s coming up in Santiago.
10. Try the octopus
You can’t leave Santiago (or Galicia) without trying the land’s most iconic dish: octopus.
The Galicians call it octopus fair style (‘pulpo á feira’) as it used to be a dish eaten on market day; while Spaniards like to call it octopus Galician style.
Whatever your choice of words, you must try it at least once before you go back home!
As you can see there are many things to do in Santiago so make the most of it!
Although all routes lead to Santiago if you only have a short time to spend on the Camino there are some popular starting points that will allow you to finish in this stunning city: the last section of the Camino Frances, the Camino Ingles, and the last week on the Portuguese Camino are trails to consider.
For more information about the Camino de Santiago or to book your Camino trip, contact our travel specialists on the form below:
