Things to do in Santiago de Compostela

Activities, attractions and tours

Santiago de Compostela featuring a garden, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Santiago de Compostela featuring a garden, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Santiago de Compostela showing a city and heritage architecture
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela which includes interior views
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Top places to visit

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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Santiago de Compostela Cathedral showing heritage elements, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

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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Obradoiro Square featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

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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Mercado de Abastos de Santiago showing heritage architecture, street scenes and markets

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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5. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum (Museo de Catedral de Santiago de Compostela) takes visitors on a journey through the fascinating life of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Learn about the 1,000-year-old history of what is considered to be the best example of Romanesque architecture in Spain. Browse magnificent works of art, see exquisite tapestries and understand the significance of the cathedral to European identity.
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Santiago de Compostela Cathedral which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

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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What to do in Santiago de Compostela

Popular places to visit

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

4/5(28 reviews)

An important site of pilgrimage, this historic cathedral is considered to be one of Spain’s most extraordinary examples of Romanesque architecture.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Obradoiro Square featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

Obradoiro Square

4.5/5(23 reviews)

See some of the city’s most impressive architectural achievements in this handsome public square.

Obradoiro Square
Mercado de Abastos de Santiago which includes markets, food and street scenes

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Santiago de Compostela at this exciting market.

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago
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University of Santiago de Compostela

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Santiago de Compostela during your travels in Santiago de Compostela. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

University of Santiago de Compostela
San Martino Pinario Monastery which includes a park and landscape views

San Martino Pinario Monastery

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Look inside this lovely Baroque monastery, which is home to a collection of valuable paintings, sacred objects and gold works.

San Martino Pinario Monastery
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral featuring a fountain and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum

5/5(3 reviews)

Delve deep into the art, history and evolution of one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites and finest religious landmarks.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum
Plaza de la Quintana showing a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a castle

Plaza de la Quintana

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Santiago de Compostela’s second-largest square is an intriguing place to stop for a coffee and watch people of the city go about their daily activities.

Plaza de la Quintana
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Galicia Plaza

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Galicia Plaza, a lovely green space in Santiago de Compostela. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Galicia Plaza
Alameda Park which includes a monument, a statue or sculpture and a garden

Alameda Park

4/5(16 reviews)

Join the locals for an afternoon stroll in this popular city park, the site of interesting monuments and frequent cultural events.

Alameda Park

Areas of Santiago de Compostela

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Santiago de Compostela City Centre

4/5(6 area reviews)

Santiago de Compostela City Centre is known for its stunning cathedral, and with sights like Galicia Plaza and Alameda Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela City Centre
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre

5/5(44 area reviews)

Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre is known for its stunning cathedral, and you can see some sights area like Plaza de la Quintana and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum.

Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre
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El Ensanche Zona Nuova

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

El Ensanche Zona Nuova
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Vista Alegre

While there might not be top attractions in Vista Alegre, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Convento de San Francisco de Santiago and San Martino Pinario Monastery.

Vista Alegre
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San Lazaro

5/5(1 area review)

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.

San Lazaro
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Barrio de San Pedro

Though Barrio de San Pedro may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mercado de Abastos de Santiago and Plaza de la Quintana.

Barrio de San Pedro
Pequena fervenza no Bachau

Santa Cristina de Fecha

Francos bridge or "Mouros' bridge" over Tinto river, between the municipalities of Teo and Brión, in Galicia, Spain.

Teo

A view walking the pilgrimage of St James Way towards Santiago de Compostela, Spain

O Pino

Forest in the river Sar, in Bertamiráns, Ames, Galicia, Spain.

Ames

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from central Santiago de Compostela is Santiago de Compostela City Centre and Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre is 0.16 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods, 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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