If you’re planning a trip to northern Spain and wondering what to do in Santiago de Compostela, this guide has you covered. From the iconic cathedral that marks the end of the Camino de Santiago to hidden plazas and local food markets, you’ll find something to love in this small city.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know much about Santiago de Compostela aside from the fact that it was declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Whether you’re just stopping through or staying a few days, here are the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela, plus where to stay, how to get there, and a few insider tips I wish I had before arriving.
DISCLOSURE: When you make a purchase through the links on any of our articles, it helps keep our site running at no additional cost to you. We really appreciate your support!
Quick Picks for Santiago de Compostela
Just here for the highlights? These are the top things to see, eat, and do in Santiago if you’re short on time or just want the greatest hits.
- Must-See: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (obviously)
- Favorite Hidden Gem: Parque da Alameda views
- Best Meal: Cascara Cafe for coffee & brunch, and Marie Miner for dinner.
- Cutest Street: Rúa do Franco
- Best Souvenir: Hand-painted ceramic scallop shells
- Stay Here: San Francisco Hotel Monumento (steps away from the cathedral)
How to Get to Santiago de Compostela
Getting to Santiago is easier than you think, even if you’re not walking the Camino.
You can fly directly into Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), which has connections to Madrid, Barcelona, and several European cities. From the airport, it’s just a 20-minute bus or taxi ride to the city center.
If you’re coming by train, Renfe runs high-speed services from major Spanish cities like Madrid, A Coruña, and Vigo. The train station is about a 15-minute walk from the old town.
However, keep in mind that it might not be easy to walk into the city center if you have luggage. To take a taxi, simply walk outside the train station and you’ll find a taxi stand. We tried getting an Uber, but it was going to take over half an hour.
If you’re coming from the US, you’ll likely be flying into Madrid. That is exactly what we did. Then, we took a high-speed train that took around 3.5h hours to get to Santiago de Compostela.
👉 Pro tip: For the best prices when it comes to train tickets, book directly through Renfe, instead of using sites like Trainline (those usually cost more).
Where to Stay in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago is small enough that you’ll want to stay in or near the old town. That way, you’re walking distance to everything—and waking up to cobblestone streets and cathedral bells never gets old.
- San Francisco Hotel Monumento: Beautiful hotel steps away from the cathedral.
- Hotel Pazo de Altamira: Affordable & stylish boutique hotel overlooking the market. Great location, comfy beds, and amazing breakfast.
- Parador de Santiago: If you want to splurge, this former pilgrim’s hospital-turned-luxury hotel is right next to the cathedral. It’s historic, dramatic, and worth it.
- Airbnb/Guesthouses: There are also plenty of charming rentals and B&Bs if you want something more homey or budget-friendly. Look around Rúa do Vilar or Rúa Nova for the best options.
👉 Pro tip: Book hotels in advance. Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination especially during the spring and summer.
Where We Stayed
We waited too long to book, and the hotels in the city centre were either fully booked or too expensive, so we ended up staying a few minutes outside the centre.
We stayed at Hotel Ciudad de Compostela, and we had a good experience; however, they do not have AC.
If you don’t mind the lack of AC (I didn’t), this is a good option for you; it is very affordable and super close to the centre!
Tips for Visiting Santiago de Compostela
A few quick things I wish someone had told me before I got there.
- Pack layers. Galicia is lush and green for a reason: it rains a lot. Even in summer, bring a jacket or a light cardigan. We visited in late June, and even though during the day it was hot, at night and early in the morning it gets a bit chilly.
- Walk around early in the morning. The streets are quiet, the light is beautiful, and you can actually see the cathedral without a crowd.
- Eat at non-Spanish hours. Santiago is a bit more flexible than Madrid or Seville, as many places open earlier for dinner, especially in tourist areas.
- Keep the siesta hours in mind. In Spanish culture, people take a siesta from 2 to 4 pm, so many stores and restaurants close around those hours.
- The scallop shell is the souvenir. It’s the symbol of the Camino and comes in all shapes, colors, and materials. Look for local artists selling hand-painted ones. I was confused to see so many scallp shells!
- Stay only 1 to 2 days. Although really beautiful, Santiago de Compostela is relatively small. You can see the main attractions in one day. We stayed 2 days, and by the second day, we had run out of things to do.
Most Booked Tours & Experiences
Cathedral & Museum Tour: Learn about the cathedral’s history. Its construction began in 1075, so there’s a lot of history behind it.
Tour to Rias Baixas with Boat Trip and Winery: Discover the Rias Baixas, visit beautiful small towns, and enjoy amazing views of the sea.
Finisterre, Muxia & Costa da Morte Excursion: Combine nature and culture on this day trip from Santiago de Compostela to Costa da Morte and Muxia. See lighthouses, traditional villages, waterfalls, and Cape Finisterre on a 7-stop excursion.
24 Best Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela
Alright, now for the good stuff. Here’s everything I loved (and think you will too) in Santiago, from iconic sights to underrated corners of the city.
Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Even if you’re not religious, this cathedral will give you chills. It’s the final stop of the Camino de Santiago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. The baroque façade is breathtaking, and the interior is full of gold, arches, incense, and centuries of history. Try to catch the Botafumeiro, the giant incense thurible, during mass. It’s wild.
If you’d like to attend mass, it is held every day at noon and 7 pm. You’ll also see all the pilgrims arriving after their long hike. There are some coffee shops in the back of the cathedral and it is fun to sit, grab a cup of coffee, and people watch.
One of the most meaningful things to do here is visit the crypt beneath the main altar, where the remains of Saint James the Apostle are said to be buried.
We simply stayed after mass, and people formed a line to walk down the steps and see the remains. It is very quick as there are so many people but you simply need to do it.
This Cathedral and Museum tour dives deep into the history, legends, and art that make this place so special. You’ll explore the cathedral, the museum, and (if you choose the option) the breathtaking Pórtico de la Gloria.
Wander Praza do Obradoiro
This massive square in front of the cathedral is one of the best people-watching spots in the city. Pilgrims arrive here exhausted, musicians play under the arcades, and everyone stops to look up in awe. Just take a moment and soak it all in. There are also a few coffee shops with outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to drink coffee or an Estrella Gallicia beer.
Hop on the Tren Turistico
Right on Praza do Obradoiro, you’ll see a cute train. Those are Santiago de Compostela’s train tours. I highly recommend hoping on one. It takes you through the whole city and you’ll see sights you wouldn’t otherwise. The tour lasts around 45 minutes and it costs only €7 per person.
Go Ceramic Shell Hunting
The scallop shell is the symbol of Santiago and the Camino, and ceramic versions make beautiful souvenirs. Look for local artists who hand-paint theirs, some even customize them with names or dates.
Sip Albariño at a Wine Bar
Galicia’s white wine is light, crisp, and perfect after a day of walking around. Head to O Dezaseis or Taberna O Gato Negro for a cozy vibe and a good glass (or bottle).
Get Lost in the Old Town
Santiago’s old town is so charming. Narrow streets, hidden courtyards, stone buildings… it’s the kind of place where you want to walk around and get lost. Rúa do Franco and Rúa do Vilar are popular, but take the side alleys too!
I love that sometimes you’ll find local bars and restaurants in narrow alleys or dead ends. In that way, it reminds of Venice, with its narrow streets and alleys.
Climb the Cathedral Rooftop (Pazo de Xelmírez Tour)
This is one of the most underrated experiences in Santiago. You can take a guided tour that takes you up to the rooftops of the cathedral, and the views are insane. You get panoramic shots of the city and a totally different perspective of the cathedral towers.
👉 Book the Cathedral & Carraca Tower Roofs Tour
Visit the Mercado de Abastos
This lively market is where locals actually shop. You’ll find fresh seafood, cheeses, meats, and baked goods. Some stands even let you choose your fish and cook it for you on-site. Grab lunch and eat outside with a view of the cathedral dome.
Try Tarta de Santiago
It’s the region’s most famous dessert—an almond cake topped with powdered sugar and a cross of Saint James. Almost every café sells it! Pair it with a café con leche and people-watch from a terrace.
👉 Pro tip: When walking the streets in the old town, many bakeries offer small free tastings of the tarta de Santiago, so keep an eye out.
Walk Through Parque da Alameda
If you want amazing views of the cathedral, come here. This park is just a short walk from the old town and has sculptures, and the most iconic photo spot in Santiago. Sunset here is chef’s kiss.
If you want to do some shopping, a couple of blocks from the Parque da Alameda, you’ll find stores like Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius. and other small boutiques.
Experience the Ritual of Queimada
If you want a taste of Galician folklore, queimada is a must. It’s a traditional Galician drink made from aguardiente, sugar, lemon peel, and coffee beans.
The drink is set on fire while someone recites the conxuro da queimada, a spell meant to ward off evil spirits and witches. It’s such a unique experience.
Some restaurants and cultural centers offer queimada demonstrations, especially for groups, but you can also book the queimada experience through GetYourGuide. I had no idea about queimada before arriving in Santiago de Compostela, and by the time I found out, the tour was fully booked. Honestly, it’s my one regret from the trip, it looked like such a unique and magical thing to experience.
Surprisingly, the ritual isn’t as widely advertised around the city as I expected, and I had a hard time finding reliable info on where to see it. If it’s something you’re curious about (which you should be!), I’d definitely book in advance to lock it in.
Explore the Museo do Pobo Galego
This museum is inside a 13th-century convent and does a great job explaining Galician culture—think traditional clothing, architecture, and music. There’s also a beautiful triple spiral staircase that’s worth the visit alone.
Stroll Along Rúa do Franco
This pedestrian street is where everyone goes to eat. Tapas bars, seafood spots, and octopus everywhere. You’ll find everything from casual pinchos to fancier sit-down restaurants. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner or a quick bite & drink.
See the Museum of Pilgrimage
If you’re curious about the Camino de Santiago and all its history, the Museum of Pilgrimage gives you the full picture. It’s inside a former hospital for pilgrims and includes old maps, religious artifacts, and art inspired by the journey.
Visit the Monastery of San Martín Pinario
This giant baroque monastery sits just behind the cathedral and is often overlooked. The interior is stunning. It’s usually not crowded either, which makes it even better.
Shop for Local Crafts
Santiago has lots of artisan shops with handmade jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. Look for stores selling sargadelos pottery or handwoven Galician linen.
We stumbled across a store selling the cutest ceramics. It is called and it is somewhere in the old town. I wish I had bought those crab plates but I had bought enough souvenirs by the time we found it.
Eat Pulpo a la Gallega
Pulpo a la Gallega is a local specialty. It is boiled octopus served with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt. Pulpería Abastos is a the best spot to try it.
To be completley honest, we didn’t like it much. But we gave it a try! You should absolutely enjoy all the fresh seafood in Santiago de Compostela. I tried scallops and razor clams and absolutely loved them! So fresh and delicious!
👉 Pro tip: If you want to try the scallops, order them for lunch, as many places are sell out later in the day! I wanted to try them for dinner and three restaurants were completely sold out.
Attend a Pilgrim’s Mass
Even if you’re not religious, the pilgrim’s mass at the cathedral is a moving experience. It’s held daily at noon and 7 pm and often features the famous Botafumeiro incense swing (though not always, check ahead).
We attended mass, and it was such a great experience for me, even though I am not religious. The Cathedral itself is breathtaking, and the history behind it is very interesting, considering the cathedral’s construction began in 1075… almost a thousand years ago.
I recommend sticking around after mass to really take in the details and snap some photos (since you can’t take any during the service).
If you’re curious about the history, architecture, and symbolism, I highly recommend booking a guided tour of the cathedral and museum. You’ll get way more context than you would just walking through on your own, and the stories behind the artwork and the Pórtico de la Gloria make it even more special.
Catch a Sunset at Monte do Gozo
If you’re up for a walk or a short cab ride, head to Monte do Gozo. It’s the spot where pilgrims get their first glimpse of the cathedral spires, and the view at golden hour is stunning.
Take a Day Trip to A Coruña
If you have an extra day, hop on a train to A Coruña, located just an hour away. It’s a coastal city with Roman history, cute beaches, and great seafood. The Tower of Hercules (an ancient lighthouse) is a highlight.
Enjoy Live Music at Praza da Quintana
At night, this square fills with street performers and live music. Bring a gelato or a glass of Albariño and just hang out.
Visit the Church of San Fiz de Solovio
This tiny church is one of the oldest in Santiago and has a sweet, peaceful energy. It’s tucked into a quiet plaza and often missed by tourists, but definitely worth a peek.
Grab Dinner at Marie Miner
Marie Miner is the perfect restaurant to dine at on your last night. It has a beautiful outdoor area and the food was great! I tried the razor clams, but the fish and the burger are also amazing options—you won’t be dissappointed.
Just Sit and Soak It In
Honestly, one of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela is nothing at all. Grab a bench, a drink, and just be.
It was a bit of a culture shock to us how slow service can be at bars and restaurants. It takes a while for the server to come to you, let alone getting your order and then the bill. We soon learned that lingering and just enjoying the moment is part of Spain’s culture. Don’t fight, just relax, sip your wine, and people watch.
