Things to do in Santiago de Compostela

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A park with a large tree and a bench. In the background, there is a historic building with multiple towers.
A historic cityscape with a prominent cathedral and dense, traditional architecture.
A stone staircase surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered walls.
A spiral staircase with a circular skylight at the top.
A silhouette of a church with a tall spire and a dome against a sunset sky.

Things to do

From Santiago: Rías Baixas Tour +mussel cruise and cellar

From Santiago: Rías Baixas Tour +mussel cruise and cellar

￥8,468
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
From Santiago: Rías Baixas Tour +mussel cruise and cellar
Costa da Morte

Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre, Muxía & Costa da Morte

￥9,369
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre, Muxía & Costa da Morte
Santiago de Compostela Historic Walking Tour in Small Group

Santiago de Compostela Historic Walking Tour in Small Group

￥4,495
per adult
Santiago de Compostela Historic Walking Tour in Small Group
Picture 5 for Activity Old town walking tour with an Official Guide

Old town walking tour with an official guide

￥1,838
per adult
Old town walking tour with an official guide
TOP Santiago de Compostela : Private guided tour with your mobile

TOP Santiago de Compostela : Private guided tour with your mobile

￥901
per adult
TOP Santiago de Compostela : Private guided tour with your mobile
Santiago de Compostela: Pilgrim For a Day

Pilgrim for a Day Sightseeing Tour

￥9,009
per adult
Pilgrim for a Day Sightseeing Tour
Day Trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and Valença

Day Trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and Valença

￥14,775
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Day Trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and Valença
Picture 2 for Activity Santiago Cathedral Guided Tour with Portico de la Gloria

Tour Cathedral of Santiago with Portico de la Gloria

￥6,306
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tour Cathedral of Santiago with Portico de la Gloria
Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour + Pórtico of Glory Option

Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour. Skip the line!

￥4,054
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour. Skip the line!
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Santiago de Compostela must see attractions

1. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is a magnificent blend of architectural styles, with elaborate Baroque and Gothic features embellishing its primarily Romanesque design. Follow the popular Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and visit this last stop, the cathedral dedicated to Spain’s patron saint Santiago (St. James).
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A historic square with a prominent cathedral featuring a tall bell tower and intricate architecture.

2. Obradoiro Square

Obradoiro Square is among the largest squares in Galicia and serves as an important symbol of Santiago de Compostela. The square’s four sides are bordered by historic buildings, each representing a different style of architecture and a different facet of local life. With Santiago Cathedral attracting pilgrims and tourists and open-air events taking place throughout the year, you will always find activities in this magnificent square.
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A historic cathedral with intricate architecture and a crowd of people in front.

3. Mercado de Abastos de Santiago

Visit Mercado de Abastos de Santiago, one of Spain’s most well-known produce markets, with hundreds of stalls loaded with vegetables, seafood, meat, wines and spirits. Although the market is an understandably popular tourist attraction, you’ll see just as many locals shopping as you will visitors. Many of the city’s restaurants and bars source their produce from this market each day.
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A market with various stalls selling fruits, bread, and other goods.

4. San Martino Pinario Monastery

San Martino Pinario Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Galicia and one of the largest religious monuments in Santiago. Find intricate carvings decorating its façade, while its relatively plain interior is dominated by an enormous gilded altarpiece.
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A historic building with a clock tower, surrounded by a plaza with people and cars.

5. Alameda Park

Alameda Park is a large park located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. Designed to resemble the grounds of a grand country estate, the park has more than 90 different types of plants. Join locals at this well-loved place to breathe fresh air and escape the city. The park also hosts lively concerts and performances throughout the year.
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A statue of a man in a suit, surrounded by lush greenery and a pond.

6. Plaza de la Quintana

Plaza de la Quintana is a large, two-level square bordering the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Have a seat at one of the cafés lining the square and listen to street musicians perform or watch students chatting on the grand staircase.
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A historic plaza with ornate architecture, including a grand building with a dome and intricate details.

What to do in Santiago de Compostela

Stay near popular Santiago de Compostela attractions

A historic square with a prominent cathedral featuring a tall bell tower and intricate architecture.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

9.6/10 (1,231 reviews)
This grand Romanesque cathedral marks the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Witness the spectacular Botafumeiro incense burner swing through the nave during special Pilgrim's Masses.
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Where to stay in Santiago de Compostela

Find the best Santiago de Compostela areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santiago de Compostela
Learn more about Santiago de Compostela
A historic cathedral with intricate architecture and a tall bell tower against a clear blue sky.

Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre

Travelers to Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre praise its stunning cathedral. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Plaza de la Quintana and Franco Street.

A modern building with a reflective water feature in front.

San Lazaro

San Lazaro is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Congress and Exposition Center of Galicia and San Lazaro Stadium.

A person with a yellow backpack overlooking a historic cityscape with prominent cathedral spires.

El Ensanche Zona Nuova

Unique features of El Ensanche Zona Nuova include the historic sites and coffeehouses. Make a stop by Galicia Plaza or Plaza Roja while you're exploring the area.

A historic cathedral with intricate architecture, including multiple bell towers and statues.
Photo by Graeme Churchard from Bristol (51.4414, -2.5242), UK
Open Photo by Graeme Churchard from Bristol (51.4414, -2.5242), UK

Santiago de Compostela City Centre

Travelers to Santiago de Compostela City Centre praise its stunning cathedral. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Galicia Plaza and Franco Street.

Santa Marta

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Santa Marta and surrounding area, you can visit Alameda Park and Galicia Plaza.

Popular day trips from Santiago de Compostela

A sunset over a coastal landscape with rocky cliffs and a small island.

Vedra

Frequently asked questions

Is Santiago de Compostela worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Santiago de Compostela is explore Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum. Check this major sight off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's walking trails and family-friendly attractions.
How do I spend a day in Santiago de Compostela?
Start your adventures with a visit to Raxoi Palace and Praia fluvial de Tapia. Then, check out other parts of Santiago de Compostela for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santiago de Compostela?
The top tourist attraction in Santiago de Compostela is Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum, so don't forget to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santiago de Compostela?
You can easily tour popular attractions like Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum, Raxoi Palace and Xelmirez Bishop's Palace with a three-day trip to Santiago de Compostela. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so linger longer and head to Padron.
Is Santiago de Compostela a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Santiago de Compostela, such as Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum and Raxoi Palace, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometers from central Santiago de Compostela is Santiago de Compostela City Centre and Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre is 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Santiago de Compostela with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santiago de Compostela with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Santiago de Compostela for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are loads of things to do in Santiago de Compostela for adults including Franco Street and Casa do Cabildo.
Are there free things to do in Santiago de Compostela?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Santiago de Compostela. If you need inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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