Santander City Centre

Santander
Monumento a Los Raqueros which includes outdoor art, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture
Wander through the picturesque gardens and along the coastal boulevard, enter the vast cathedral and examine the fascinating monuments in the heart of Santander.

Stunning gardens, a lively market and spacious plazas are what characterize the Santander City Center. Overlooking scenic Santander Bay, this central district is full of intriguing monuments, fascinating museums and living history in the form of Cantabrian customs and traditions. Try the “rabas” fried calamari and the paella for an insight into the local flavors.

Further your culinary study at the large and historic Mercado La Esperanza. Enter the market’s eponymous 19th-century building and chat with the friendly vendors occupying stalls serving jams and marmalades alongside all types of cheeses, meats and fish.

Stroll along the quaint alleys of this old town quarter and you’ll soon find the Jardines de Pereda. This enchanting set of gardens displays a range of sculptures and a fountain dedicated to acclaimed female author Concha Espina.

Adjoining the gardens’ eastern side is the Paseo de Pereda, a promenade with excellent views of the sea. Inspect its Monumento a los Raqueros, featuring statues of the children who were forced to work in the harbor. Walk to the western edge of the boulevard to encounter the Centro Botín, which puts on regular art exhibits and events.

Learn about the history of the region at the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria. It displays many of the artifacts excavated from digs in the caves dotted around the area. Get a sense of the religious history of Santander by visiting its churches. Examine the ecclesiastical artworks in the Parroquia Santisimo Cristo, which forms the lower half of Santander Cathedral.

A little southwest of the Magdalena Peninsula, this district incorporates the historic center and the nucleus of the city of Santander. It is a little east of the Pesquero neighborhood and overlooks Santander Bay. Arrive at the Santander railway station and explore the area on foot. You can also fly to the Santander Airport and drive north for 10 minutes to get here.

The Santander City Center showcases the historical highlights and cultural delights of the Cantabria region.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Santander City Centre Hotel Deals

Hostal La Mexicana
Hostal La Mexicana
2 out of 5
Calle de Juan de Herrera, 3, Santander
The price is ¥8,889 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥8,889
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Santander Ferry Terminal and El Sardinero ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (76 reviews)
Cheap hotel in city centre
"I was looking for a cheap one night stay and this was ok for that purpose. The Reception level appears to have been renovated with a pleasant common room. My room was much older with a small but adequate bathroom. Very good value for a short stay"

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023

Hostal La Mexicana
Hotel Bahia
Hotel Bahia
4 out of 5
C/ Cádiz, 22, Santander, Cantabria
The price is ¥12,031 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥12,031
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (996 reviews)
"the room was perfect for the family. Kids had bunker beds but AC wasn’t cooling 👎. Great location!"

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Hotel Bahia
Hotel Silken Coliseum
Hotel Silken Coliseum
4 out of 5
Plaza de los Remedios, 1, Santander, Cantabria
The price is ¥10,221 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥10,221
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (760 reviews)
A great hotel
"Great hotel well located and good cafe bar"

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2024

Hotel Silken Coliseum
Apartamento Reformado en Pleno Centro
Apartamento Reformado en Pleno Centro
Santander
Stay at this apartment in Santander. Enjoy WiFi, a TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Plaza de Canadio and Plaza de Pombo are located nearby. Discover genuine ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Lovely
"Great place. My third time here."

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2024

Apartamento Reformado en Pleno Centro
Hotel Chiqui
Hotel Chiqui
3 out of 5
Avda. Manuel García Lago 9, Santander, Cantabria
The price is ¥13,112 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥13,112
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (664 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

Hotel Chiqui
Hotel Santemar
Hotel Santemar
4 out of 5
C/ Joaquin Costa, 28, Santander, Cantabria
The price is ¥8,912 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥8,912
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (734 reviews)
Lovely hotel in a great location.
"Lovely hotel,a 5 minute walk from the beach and a 10 minute bus ride from the city centre.Our room was spotless and beautifully decorated with a nautical theme.Though we didn't use any of the hotel's facilities, there was an on site gym,disco,bar and restaurant."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2023

Hotel Santemar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Santander City Centre

Monumento a Los Raqueros which includes outdoor art, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture

La Gándara

Notable for its beaches, shopping, and waterfront views, La Gándara is a sought-after destination for many travelers visiting Santander. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Plaza de Canadio or Plaza de Pombo.

La Gándara
This very high statue of a woman looking through a telescope in central Santander is called Into the future

Cabildo de Arriba

The pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Cabildo de Arriba. A stop by Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion or Sotileza Mural might round out your trip.

Cabildo de Arriba
Monumento a Los Raqueros which includes outdoor art, a bay or harbor and a statue or sculpture

Puertochico

The beaches and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Puertochico. A stop by Chico Port or Bay of Biscay might round out your trip.

Puertochico
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Tetuán

Pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Tetuán. Make a stop by top sights like The Cathedral while you're exploring the area.

Tetuán
Cantabria Maritime Museum which includes marine life and interior views

San Martín

Notable for its beaches, shopping, and waterfront views, San Martín is a sought-after destination for many travelers visiting Santander. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Cantabria Maritime Museum or Chico Port.

San Martín
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Castilla-Hermida

Pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Castilla-Hermida. Make a stop by top sights like La Marga Park while you're exploring the area.

Castilla-Hermida

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