What to do in Santiago de Compostela

Activities, attractions and tours

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.
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Things to do

Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour + Pórtico of Glory Option

Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour. Skip the line!

฿856
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour. Skip the line!
Picture 5 for Activity From Santiago: Excursion to Ribeira Sacra and Ourense

From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Cruise, Monasteries and Ourense

฿2,282
per adult
From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Cruise, Monasteries and Ourense
Picture 4 for Activity Tour Cathedral of Santiago with roofs & Portico de la Gloria

Tour Cathedral of Santiago with Portico, Roofs, and Museum

฿1,864
per adult
Tour Cathedral of Santiago with Portico, Roofs, and Museum
Picture 2 for Activity Santiago Cathedral Guided Tour with Portico de la Gloria

Tour Cathedral of Santiago with Portico de la Gloria

฿1,331
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tour Cathedral of Santiago with Portico de la Gloria
Queimada Experience Show and Tasting at Santiago de Compostela

Queimada Experience Show and Tasting at Santiago de Compostela

฿570
per adult
Queimada Experience Show and Tasting at Santiago de Compostela
Desde Santiago: Tour Rías Baixas con barco y bodega opcional

Desde Santiago: Tour Rías Baixas con barco y bodega opcional

฿1,787
per adult
Desde Santiago: Tour Rías Baixas con barco y bodega opcional
Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral, Museum, and Old Town Tour

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral, Museum, and Old Town Tour

฿1,103
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral, Museum, and Old Town Tour
Picture 1 for Activity Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour

Santiago Cathedral Sightseeing Tour

฿837
per adult
Santiago Cathedral Sightseeing Tour
Desde Santiago: Finisterre, Muxía, Ézaro y Costa da Morte

From Santiago: Finisterre, Muxía, Ézaro & Coast of Death

฿1,978
per adult
From Santiago: Finisterre, Muxía, Ézaro & Coast of Death
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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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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.

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 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

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

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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.

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

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

Santa Marta

While Santa Marta may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Alameda Park and Galicia Plaza.

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.