Location: Santiago de Compostela
Top Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Top Restaurants in Santiago de Compostela
Countries
Top 10 Free Things to do in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
If you see nothing else in this World Heritage city, you simply must visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, an awe-inspiring confection of baroque architecture. Once you’ve regained composure, head out on a bicycle to see the rest of this glorious city. Foodies and boozehounds will delight in a guided gastronomy tour, while modernists will enjoy the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.
Restaurants in Santiago de Compostela
1. Camino de Santiago
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,083 reviews
A network of paths leading to a church holding the remains of St. James (Santo Iago), the patron saint of Spain...
Reviewed By davidsJ5671XD
We had booked a self-guided tour on the Portuguese Camino with Walks in Spain for September 2020 having been very happy with the arrangements they made for our 2008 Sarria to Santiago trip. My wife and I are both in our 70’s and have become very anxious with the Coronavirus about travelling. I called Paul to express our concerns expecting to at least forfeit our deposit and was pleasantly surprised when after explaining that we couldn’t rebook for next year he offered to return our deposit. I am impressed with the integrity and professionalism of this company, thank you Paul.
2. Plaza del Obradoiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,327 reviews
Large, pleasant city plaza containing the church of St. James.
Reviewed By VadimM67 - Murmansk, Russia
Local residents joke that the 4 buildings surrounding the square around the perimeter embody the 4 pillars that hold Santiago de Compostela: religion (Cathedral), power (City Hall), tourism (- Parador-Hostal de Los Reyes Catholicos) and education (San Xeronime College). Of course, the main thing on the square is the magnificent West facade of the Cathedral. It is good day and night. Despite its medieval status, this Baroque beauty is relatively recent by historical standards. The facade was completed in 1740 by the architect Fernando de Casas Novoa . There`s Palace Raxoi behind. The City Hall is located here now. St. James in the form of a statue will be found here also. It was believed that his statue helped in the fight against the Moors during the Reconquista. If You look at the North side you can find the former hospital for pilgrims, built by the ideologues of the Reconquista, zealous Catholics and persecutors of Jews and Moors by Queen Isabella of Castile and king Ferdinand of Aragon. The Parador for pilgrims is now here. Finally, the 16th-century College of San Xeronime is located on the South side of the square. In addition to contemplating the Baroque beauty of the Cathedral, interesting performances are played out in the arcades of the city hall in the late afternoon. Perhaps this will be the best end of the day.
3. Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,536 reviews
Reviewed By PilatesLady58 - Norwich, United Kingdom
The cathedral is an incredible building with its impressive baroque facade and is the culmination for some of a long journey along the Camino to reach Santiago. At the moment it’s best viewed from the outside only as there is major restoration work going on for holy year in 2021 when the work will be completed. It’s still worth visiting the cathedral museum which has some interesting artworks on display. You can also access the cloister and get views out over the square by the cathedral to the surrounding countryside. I’m sure it will be amazing when it’s done but currently the interior is literally a building site!
4. Parque de la Alameda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
Reviewed By BuenosAiresFoodie - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Enjoyed strolling through this park on a regular basis and seeing the changing seasons and locals out enjoying the green space. Nice lookouts towards the cathedral and central Santiago.
5. Colegiata del Sar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By Leophant - San Juan, Caribbean
Although it was a wet, rainy afternoon, the unusual church- the inclined columns - made the trek worthwhile
6. Portico de la Gloria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 525 reviews
Reviewed By 378marylinp - Milan, Italy
I just can't leave this church Santiago di completely with seeing and placing my Palm on this wall...
7. Botafumeiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,644 reviews
Reviewed By davidromana - Miami, United States
This Cathedral is monumental, so rich in history, its enormous altar, the Botafumeiro is a huge Incense burner used in the rituals, it is impressive, we are talking about centuries of historic events in this place
8. Convento de San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By CML228 - Poole, United Kingdom
This is a beautifully hotel situated near the cathedral and adjacent to the San Francisco Church where the Pilgrim's mass is held as the Cathedral is being renovated. Staff are delightful, we ate in the dining room , food wasn't amazing but an atmospheric room and an overall good experience. It was lovely to use the heated indoor pool after 6 days walking.
9. San Domingos de Bonaval Park
10. Church of Santa Maria la Real del Sar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By 227ianc - London, United Kingdom
When you walk into the Colegiata de Santa Maria la Real de Sar, you realise why there are massive stone buttresses on the outside. As you stand in the nave, you see that the columns are at various jaunty angles. So bad did the structure of the building move, that it was at one time proposed to be demolished, but fortunately it was consolidated and saved with the addition of the massive buttresses which are now so weathered that they almost look original. The church retains its 12th century Romanesque architecture, with stone capitals carved by Master Mateo who also worked on the Cathedral. The interior and cloister is well worth vising and there is an interesting new museum to visit before you go out to explore the cloister and the church.
