Are you traveling the Camino de Santiago, or do you simply intend to visit this ancient and historical city? One day in Santiago de Compostela is enough to appreciate its main attractions. Below, you’ll find a list of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela, as well as recommended hotels in case you plan to stay longer. A Bucket List can also help you organize your time in the city.
Best tours in Santiago de Compostela
1. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral and Museum Tour
2. Guided Tour of Santiago de Compostela Historical Center
3. Walking Night Tour of Legends and Meigas (Witches)
Where to stay in Santiago de Compostela
1. Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Catolicos 5*
2. Hotel Compostela 4*
3. San Francisco Hotel Monumento 4*
4. Hotel Rua Villar 3*
5. Nest Style Santiago 3*
6. Albergue Turístico La Credencial Hostel
7. Albergue Santos Hostel
One Day in Santiago de Compostela
Visit the Cathedral
After 33 days of walking the Camino Frances, which I started in Roncesvalles, I finally arrived in Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia. Reaching the plaza in front of the Cathedral was the culmination of the arduous journey along the St. James Way.
The view of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a moment that will forever stay in my memory, and it will do the same for all those who arrive there, whether pilgrims or not.
The construction of the Romanesque cathedral began in 1075. The present-day altar is a magnificent example of Baroque style, and beneath it lies the crypt of Saint James the Apostle.
To fully appreciate the beauty and history of the Cathedral, I recommend booking a Cathedral and Museum Tour without queus. This experience will allow you to delve into its fascinating history, marvel at the magnificent High Altar, and discover the hidden gems of this impressive monument.
Walk through the Plaza del Obradoiro
This is the square in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. When I arrived, I noticed that a section of a building on the Plaza was under renovation. From April to October, you will be amazed by the sight of hundreds of pilgrims arriving before noon and resting or capturing moments with their cameras.
When the Catholic Monarchs, Fernando and Isabel, arrived in Santiago on a pilgrimage in 1488, they commissioned the construction of a hospital to provide assistance to pilgrims who arrived sick and in very poor conditions to the city. It served as a place of rest for them. Today, it has been transformed into a luxurious hotel that enjoys an unbeatable location close to the Cathedral. It’s shown at the right on the above picture.
Take a Leisurely Stroll through the Pedestrian Streets of the Old Town.
One of the amazing things to do in Santiago de Compostela is to walk and explore all the emblematic points that form part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plaza de las Platerias:
This square is located to the south of the Cathedral, facing its only remaining Romanesque facade. In the center of the plaza, the Fountain of the Horses stands, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of the Casa del Cabildo.
In this square, you will find one of the two locations of the Pilgrims Museum, where you can explore the captivating history of the cult of Saint James. The other site of the museum is located on San Miguel Street.
Rua del Villar and Rua Nova:
These pedestrian streets run parallel to each other in the Old Town.
The most notable building on Rua del Villar is Casa del Dean (numbers 1 and 3), which faces the Plaza de las Platerías. The Pilgrim Reception Office is located there. This is where every pilgrim who completes the Camino receives their respective certificate, known as the Compostela.
Rua Nova exists since the 12th century. It houses some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The street’s current appearance reflects its rich past, characterized by charming arcades that grace the entire historic center. Here, you will find the Church of Santa Maria Salome, as well as the main theater of Santiago.
Walking along Rua Nova, as well as other streets in the Historic Center, is a delightful experience. These streets are brimming with cafes and outdoor restaurants, offering a wide range of dining options. You will also come across shops displaying typical products and souvenirs related to the Camino, adding to the unique atmosphere of the area.
You can also book a walking tour to discover the secrets of Santiago’s historic squares and ancient streets around the Cathedral. Visit the Plaza Cervantes, the hidden Torno de las Monjas, the Mercado de Abastos and more.
Book a Historical Center of Santiago de Compostela Guided Tour
Experience a night tour of Meigas
In Galician folklore, a meiga is a woman who possesses extraordinary or magical powers. They are skilled in the arts of the occult, and people often seek them out for spells and enchantments. Additionally, they are highly regarded as healers and hold great respect in their communities. It is believed that some of them can even fly.
During a night tour of legends and meigas, you will learn everything about them, their spells, and amulets. As you explore the main monuments of the old town, you will discover all the mysteries and secrets it holds.
Learn about the Holy Company and the rituals to protect oneself from it, or explore the relationship between the Camino de Santiago and the Templars, as well as the game of the goose. And if you’re lucky, you may even encounter the ghost who appears at nightfall at Praza da Quintana.
Where to Eat in Santiago de Compostela
There are plenty of outdoor seating options to eat or relax with a cup of coffee while watching locals and pilgrims pass by.
My favorite place is a charming cafe that I came across while walking through Rua San Paio de Antealtares: A Carrilana. They offer delicious, affordable, and healthy food. Carrilana means “horse carriage.” In ancient times, this was the station for such carriages. Inside, you can catch a glimpse through a glass on the ground of the ancient structure of the place.
O Dezaseis on Rua de San Pedro is also well known for its traditional Galician food.
Casa Marcelo on Rua das Hortas is also acknowledged for its fusion of Galician and Japanese cuisine with Peruvian, Mexican, and Chinese elements. It also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
For dessert, you should definitely try the traditional cake, called Tarta de Santiago. It’s made with almonds and it’s incredibly delicious. I love it so much that I can’t resist having it again and again. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too! So, it’s a great idea to learn how to make it yourself. This way, you can enjoy it whenever you want, even after you return home.
Another great option is to dine at the Mercado de Abastos. A visit to this market is highly recommended, and it is one of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
Where to Stay in Santiago de Compostela
One of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela, whether for pilgrims or tourists, is to stay in the Old Town. Similar to the city of Leon, the historic area surrounding the Cathedral is lively and charming, with its medieval stone buildings, plazas, and narrow streets.
1. High-End Hotels
The Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Catolicos 5*, originally built as a lodging for pilgrims in the 15th century, still preserves its original features, including vaulted ceilings, stone archways, and tapestries. Located on Plaza de Obradoiro, the Reis Catolicos boasts four beautiful cloisters. The hotel’s two restaurants have exposed stone walls and elegant candelabras, adding to its unique charm.
Book your stay at the Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Catolicos here
2. Superior Hotels (4*)
Hotel Compostela is located in the historic Plaza de Galicia. With its central location, you can easily explore Santiago’s attractions on foot, including the cathedral. The hotel boasts a charming façade, modern interior design, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and private bathrooms. The bar-cafeteria serves a diverse buffet breakfast.
Book your stay at the Hotel Compostela here
San Francisco Hotel Monumento is a historic monastery, 500 ft from the Cathedral. Spacious, elegant rooms with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free internet. Gourmet restaurant with fresh produce. Free private parking. Features an indoor pool, non-smoking rooms, and more.
Book your stay at the San Francisco Hotel Monumento here
3. Mid-Range Hotels (3*)
Hotel Rua Villar is located 49 feet from Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in the historic center. Elegant rooms with dark wood decor and free Wi-Fi. This 18th-century house preserves original features, including wooden beams and art by Miró and Tàpies. Rooms feature plasma TVs, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
Book your stay at the Hotel Rua Villar here
Nest Style Santiago is located close to Santiago de Compostela’s old town and Plaza de Galícia Square. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, central heating, and TV. 24-hour reception, safety deposit box, and luggage storage available. Buffet breakfast served from 08:00 to 10:30, lounge with a large TV.
Book your stay at Nest Style Santiago here
4. Hostels
Albergue Turístico La Credencial is conveniently located on the way if you’re walking the Camino, allowing you to stop, drop your pack, and continue on to the Cathedral. It is situated in close proximity to a supermarket and is only a 5-minute walk from the bus station. The albergue offers a fully equipped kitchen, as well as space for bikes and a washing and drying machine. It caters to a diverse range of guests, not only pilgrims.
Book your stay at Albergue Turistico La Credencial here
Albergue Santos is well located at the entrance to Santiago, on Rua Concheiros. It offers convenient amenities such as a supermarket next door and a peaceful atmosphere. The albergue provides a microwave, fridge, washing and drying machines for guests’ convenience. There is also space available to securely store bikes. It is worth noting that Albergue Santos welcomes not only pilgrims but also other types of guests.
