15 Best Things To Do in Santiago, Spain
Are you planning to travel to Santiago, Spain soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Santiago with suggested tours!
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It is the home of the famous Camino de Santiago or the ‘Way of Saint James’ in English. It is a popular pilgrimage that leads you to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great. A lot of people follow their routes to retreat for their spiritual growth. However, you can also go hiking or cycling in this spiritual area. Organized tour groups are also available in case you’re interested in going to this place.
Of course, aside from the Camino de Santiago, Santiago also has a lot of beautiful and magnificent places that you should discover. Let’s all take a look at the places and things that you should try when you visit this wonderful city in Spain.
Table of Contents
15 Things that you should do and visit in Santiago, Spain
1. Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela is a world heritage site in Galicia, Spain. It is believed to be the burial place of Saint James the Great, the apostle of Jesus Christ. Upon visiting this Catedral, you’d see a combination of the original Romanesque structure, then later added Gothic and baroque flourishes. It was constructed between 1075 until 1211.
Suggested Tour: Finisterre Day Trip from Santiago de Compostela
2. Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos (or Hostal dos Reis Catolicos)
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Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos is not your ordinary 5-star hotel. It was constructed in 1486 as Religious works. It serves as a lodging place for pilgrims on their way to Camino de Santiago. To continue its purpose, it was renovated and now known as the luxurious hotel ‘Parador de Santiago’. It’s also considered as the oldest operating hotel in the world and the most beautiful hotel in Europe. Imagine seeing this stunning hotel as you visit Santiago.
3. Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
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One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This street has a lot of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Travelers will surely enjoy walking in this place as they look at the awesome structure of unique buildings around the area.
4. Parque Alameda
Parque Alameda or Alameda Park is Santiagos’ most popular park. It’s a 16th-century park that has historical monuments and a garden that features a lot of ornamental trees and shrubs. Furthermore, you won’t get bored as you stroll around this beautiful garden as you will see different monuments and plenty of statues.
5. Centro Galego de Arte Contemporanea
Centro Galego de Arte Contemporanea is a contemporary art gallery in Santiago de Compostela. You’d definitely enjoy seeing a number of contemporary arts. The building itself also has a magnificent architecture. Visitors won’t surely get bored as they walk through this place full of stunning arts.
6. Casa do Cabildo
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Casa do Cabildo is a historic house in Galicia, Spain. It was built in 1758, in a baroque style that will make the visitors stunned. The building is also open to the public when there’s an art exhibition. So if you get lucky enough and there’s an art exhibit during your trip, don’t miss the chance!
7. Museo del Pueblo Gallego
Museo del Pueblo Gallego opened in 1976. It features Galician’s culture and their relationship with the sea, the land and each other. In the exhibit, visitors would also see the evolution of Galician people, from prehistory through the modern-day.
8. Cidade da Cultura de Galicia
Cidade da Cultura de Galicia or the City of Culture of Galicia is a cultural building in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Peter Eisenman designed it. The building itself is such a beautiful sight to see! It also looks like rolling hills. You shouldn’t miss this one.
9. Colegiata de Santa Maria la Real de Sar
Colegiata de Santa Maria la Real de Sar or the Church of Santa Maria a Real de Sar is a church located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It is a typical Romanesque Church, the interior of the church will make you stunned as it is illuminated by a rose window. It also has a peaceful garden that you really make you feel relaxed.
10. Camino de Santiago
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Camino de Santiago is a famous pilgrimage in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. You can go hiking or cycling here. Pilgrims go on for a walk with the goal of reaching the Saint’s tomb in Santiago. However, walking through this path would take you a long time, at least 30 days to be exact.
Suggested Tour: Camino de Santiago 100 km 7-Day Hike
11. Finisterre and Coast of Death
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A tour that you’d surely enjoy. Enjoy breathtaking views, explore Galicia’s Atlantic coast, and learn the region’s history with an informative guide. You’d also be able to go to the end of the world (according to Christopher Colombus), so this trip would be a really memorable experience for you!
Suggested Tour: Finisterre, Muxía and Coast of Death: Full-Day Cultural Tour
12. San Domingos de Bonaval Park
A peaceful park with gardens, views of nearby landmarks, and ruins of an old cemetery. San Domingos de Bonaval Park is perfect for a family or friends getaway trip, you can go picnic as there are a lot of picnic areas, or you can just simply walk around and explore this beautiful park.
13. Monasterio e Iglesia de San Pelayo
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This magnificent baroque decorated church can be a perfect place for you to relax and unwind. It’s very peaceful and quiet. The interior was designed to impress Catholic worshippers with their beauty. Get to learn more about the history of this monastery.
14. Praza da Inmaculada
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Praza da Inmaculada has areally great location. It’s the space between the Cathedral and the Monastery San Martino Pinario. It is close to everything and lots of market stalls around. Because of that, this place is the one that you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Santiago, Spain.
15. Monasterio de San Martin Pinario
It is the second-largest monastery in Spain and one of the largest building complexes in Europe as well. The original design of the church dates back to the 12th century but only little remains of the original building as it has been largely renovated since the 16th century.
16. Find accommodation in Santiago, Spain
These are the possible things you can do in Santiago, Spain. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Santiago.
How to go to Santiago, Spain from the UK
Via Ryanair: (one way)
*From London Stansted to Santiago Airport
Ticket Price: £45.53
Via Easyjet: (one way)
*From London Gatwick to Santiago Airport
Ticket Price: £57.47
* Prices are subject to change.
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About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.