Santiago de Compostela is one of the great pilgrimage cities of the world. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have walked here to the tomb of the apostle Saint James. The capital of Galicia, with about 100,000 inhabitants, has an old town of granite listed by UNESCO, full of churches, convents, arcaded streets and lively taverns.
Why visit Santiago de Compostela
Even if you do not walk the Camino, arriving in the Praza do Obradoiro and watching pilgrims celebrate in front of the cathedral is unforgettable. Add a university atmosphere, excellent food and easy trips to the Galician coast.
Top things to do in Santiago de Compostela
The cathedral
A Romanesque masterpiece with a baroque façade, the Pórtico de la Gloria and the tomb of Saint James in the crypt. On certain days the giant censer, the Botafumeiro, swings across the nave. Guided visits also take you onto the rooftops.
The Praza do Obradoiro
The great square in front of the cathedral, surrounded by the town hall, the college of San Xerome and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, a former pilgrims’ hospital that is now a hotel.
The old town
Walk the arcaded Rúa do Vilar and Rúa Nova, and the squares of Quintana and Praterías, all around the cathedral.
The Mercado de Abastos
The city’s food market, full of Galician seafood, cheese and vegetables. Some stalls will cook what you buy.
San Martiño Pinario
One of Spain’s largest monasteries, with a dramatic baroque church and altarpieces.
The Alameda park
A park on a hill with one of the best views of the cathedral’s towers, especially at sunset.
The Camino de Santiago
Pilgrims who walk at least the last 100 km (or cycle 200 km) can collect the Compostela certificate at the Pilgrim’s Office. The French Way, the Portuguese Way and the Northern Way all end here.
Best time to visit Santiago de Compostela
May, June and September combine mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest months, especially around 25 July, the feast of Saint James. It rains often, especially in winter, so bring an umbrella.
Getting to and around Santiago de Compostela
Santiago airport is about 12 km from the centre, with buses to the city. Trains link Santiago with A Coruña, Vigo and, by high speed, Madrid. The old town is small and pedestrian: explore it on foot.
What to eat in Santiago de Compostela
Pulpo á feira, pimientos de Padrón, empanada, tetilla cheese, tarta de Santiago (almond cake decorated with the cross of Saint James) and a glass of Albariño.
Santiago de Compostela FAQ
When does the Botafumeiro swing?
On major feast days and at some special masses. The schedule changes, so check with the cathedral before your visit.
Do you need to be a pilgrim to enjoy Santiago?
No. The city is worth a visit for its monuments, food and atmosphere, and is easy to reach by plane or train.
