Weekend in Santiago, Spain: How to Spend 3 Days in Santiago, Spain
Looking for inspiration for a weekend in Santiago? Read our tips below on the things to do in Santiago, Spain plus a sample weekend itinerary, where to stay, how to get around, and best restaurants to try!
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.
Table of Contents
3 Day Weekend Trip Guide to Santiago, Spain
DAY 1 – Weekend Guide to Santiago, Spain
Centro Galego de Arte Contemporanea– On your first day, it is recommended to visit Centro Galego de Arte Contemporanea. Since it’s a contemporary art gallery, visitors would enjoy seeing a lot of artworks that this museum has to offer.
Parque de la Alameda– After spending your day at an art museum, it is advisable to visit a garden. Parque Alameda is the recommended one. It is Santiago de Compostela’s most popular park. In this park, you will see historical monuments and a garden full of trees and shrubs. Such a relaxing way to end your first day.
DAY 2 – Weekend Guide to Santiago, Spain
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Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos– Seeing this magnificent hotel is a must when staying in Santiago de Compostela. This is considered the oldest operating hotel in the world and the most beautiful hotel in Europe. If you got the chance to visit this picturesque 5-star hotel, then don’t miss the chance!
Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela– Traveling to Santiago, Spain won’t be complete if you will not visit Catedral de Santiago de Compostela. It is considered a world heritage site in Galicia, Spain. What makes your trip to this place memorable is because it is also believed as the burial place of Saint James, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles. You could go here by bus.
DAY 3 – Weekend Guide to Santiago, Spain
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Santiago de Compostela. Casco Historico– On your last, don’t forget to go to Casco Antiguo (Old Town). With these streets, you would see cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a perfect place for you to buy some souvenirs before you leave Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Where to Stay in Santiago, Spain
(Prices are subject to change depending on the dates that you preferred. Visit the official website to check more accommodation and price)
Where to Stay in Santiago if you’re a backpacker
This hostel is located in a seminary, a 10-minute walk from Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. Albergue Seminario Menor offers private single rooms and single beds in large mixed dormitories. All rooms have shared bathroom facilities. Guests can prepare food in one of the common rooms, which has microwaves, electric ovens, and some cooking utensils. There are vending machines for drinks and snacks.
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room with a price of €13 per night, including taxes and charges, add €3.50 for breakfast (optional), but with free cancellation.
Albergue SIXTOs no Caminho is located in Santiago de Compostela, 2.5 km from Tourism Office and 1.2 km from Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The accommodation provides a shared lounge, a tour desk and luggage storage for guests. All guest rooms in the hostel are equipped with a coffee machine. All units will provide guests with a microwave. The nearest airport is Santiago de Compostela Airport, 13 km from the accommodation.
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room with a price of €16 per night, including taxes and charges, and it’s non-refundable.
Albergue Monterrey en Santiago
Located in Santiago de Compostela, Albergue Monterrey en Santiago offers free WiFi. Tourism Office is 3 km away and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is 3.6 km from the hostel. The rooms in the hostel are equipped with a coffee machine. The shared bathroom is fitted with a shower. The units include a wardrobe. Santiago de Compostela Airport is 12 km from the property.
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room with a price of €13 per night, including taxes and charges, free cancellation and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
Where to Stay in Santiago if you’re on a budget
Hotel Windsor is located in central Santiago de Compostela, 10 minutes’ walk from Santiago Cathedral. It offers a 24-hour reception and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The rooms at the Windsor feature parquet floors and simple, smart décor. Each one is soundproofed and comes with a private bathroom. The hotel has a bar where you can get a snack or a drink. Room service is also available.
Single Room with a price of €48 per night, including taxes and charges, breakfast, free cancellation and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
Hotel Universal is located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, just a few steps from the old town, the emblematic Cathedral and the main shopping street. It offers free WiFi throughout. Rooms at the Universal Hotel feature satellite TV and a work desk. The private bathrooms include a hairdryer. Buses to the airport leave from a stop just outside the hotel. There are many shops in the surrounding streets, and the city’s main monuments are just 50 m away.
Single Room with a price of €53 per night, including taxes and charges, and it’s non-refundable.
México PR is located in central Santiago de Compostela, just 500 m from the Train Station. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TV, and a private bathroom. The rooms at México PR feature simple, modern décor with parquet floors. Each one comes with a safe and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The property has a 24-hour reception, allowing you greater flexibility during your stay. Laundry, car rental and luggage storage services are available on site. There are many shops in the streets around the property.
Double or Twin Room with a price of €48 per night, including taxes and charges, add €5.50 for breakfast (optional), free cancellation.
Where to Stay in Santiago if you want Luxury
Located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, this hotel is set in a historic building in the famous Plaza de Galicia, a UNESCO heritage site. It offers a buffet breakfast and a bar-cafeteria. Hotel Compostela features a beautiful façade and a modern interior design with attractive wooden furniture and modern lighting. The air-conditioned rooms feature wooden floors and soft organic colors. They include free Wi-Fi, a satellite TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The bar-cafeteria serves a complete buffet breakfast which includes juices, fresh fruit, cold meats and an assortment of pastries. Gluten-free products are also served. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and artisan shops within walking distance. Public parking is possible nearby at an extra cost.
Double Room Single Use with a price of €114 per night, including taxes and charges, and it’s non-refundable.
Hesperia Santiago Peregrino is located 15 minutes’ walk from Santiago Cathedral and Obradoiro Square. It offers a large 3-tiered garden with a seasonal outdoor pool and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. The rooms at the Peregrino feature satellite TV and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Rooms have views of the city or the gardens. The hotel’s Buffet Al Punto restaurant offers a healthy AntiOx breakfast, as well as fresh and natural meals for lunch and dinner. Other facilities at the Hesperia Santiago Peregrino include a fitness center and 6 function rooms. The nearest airport is Santiago de Compostela Airport, 15 km from the hotel.
Standard Double or Twin Room with a price of €149 per night, including taxes and charges, add €11.90 for breakfast, and it’s non-refundable.
Parador de Santiago- Hostal Reis Catolicos
Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Catolicos is set in a beautiful 15th-century building next to Santiago’s famous cathedral. This impressive property features rooms with four-poster beds and free Wi-Fi. Once a lodging for pilgrims, the Parador maintains many of the building’s original features including vaulted ceilings, stone archways, and tapestries. Each spacious room offers classic décor and has satellite TV and a private bathroom. The Reis Catolicos is set on Plaza de Obradoiro and features 4 impressive cloisters. It has a number of lounge areas for guests to relax in. The hotel’s 2 restaurants feature exposed stone walls and candelabras. The Reis Catolicos is located within Santiago de Compostela’s picturesque old town. The city’s railway station is just 1 km away.
Standard Double Room with a price of €227 per night, including taxes and charges, breakfast, but it’s non-refundable.
List of restaurants that you can try while in Santiago, Spain
Bodegon Os Concheiros Pulperia
Bodegon Os Concheiros Pulperia serves Spanish cuisine. You’d definitely enjoy their pulpo, pimientas, and jamón.
Operating hours: 12:00pm-4:00pm and 7:00pm-12:00am (Monday-Saturday)
Address: Rua Berlin 3, 15703, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Casa Marcelo is a fine place for a delicious meal. You’d definitely enjoy fusion food in this restaurant that you would never imagine.
Operating hours: 1:30pm-3:45pm and 8:30pm-11:30pm (Tuesday-Saturday)
Address: Rua Hortas 1, 15705, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Restaurante Enxebre offers Spanish and European cuisines. You would enjoy a pretty view of the plaza while eating the food that you ordered.
Operating hours: 12:00pm-11:30pm (Sunday-Saturday)
Address: Praza Obradoiro 1, 15705, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
O Dezaseis offers European and Spanish cuisine. Food is always market-fresh, especially their octopus. It’s a must-try! Enjoy eating nice food and a great atmosphere.
Operating hours: 2:00pm-4:00pm and 8:30pm-12:00am (Monday-Saturday)
Address: Rua de San Pedro 16, 15703, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
A Taberna do Bispo serves local food, seafood, Mediterranean, European and Spanish cuisine. You’d enjoy feasting their tapas dish. A must-visit restaurant.
Operating hours: 11:00am-1:00am (Sunday-Saturday)
Address: Calle del Franco 37 B, 15702, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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.