Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela in 2024

Santiago de Compostela Attractions

Do you live for shopping or fine food? Or maybe you prefer to get familiar with a new city like a real local. When you're in Santiago de Compostela, it doesn't matter what your interests are — this buzzing city offers all the sights and experiences you could ever need.

If you're ready to explore Santiago de Compostela, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly local show you some of the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {105 fun activities in Santiago de Compostela fun activities in Santiago de Compostela} are also worth a look.

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Santiago de Compostela must see attractions

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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Santiago de Compostela Cathedral showing religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral

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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Obradoiro Square featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

3. 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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San Martino Pinario Monastery showing a garden and landscape views

4. 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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Alameda Park which includes a monument, a pond and a park

5. 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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Mercado de Abastos de Santiago which includes markets, street scenes and food

6. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum (Museo de Catedral de Santiago de Compostela) takes visitors on a journey through the fascinating life of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Learn about the 1,000-year-old history of what is considered to be the best example of Romanesque architecture in Spain. Browse magnificent works of art, see exquisite tapestries and understand the significance of the cathedral to European identity.

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Santiago de Compostela Cathedral which includes a fountain and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

Recommended things to do in Santiago de Compostela

Number of things to do	105
Things to do from	$2
Cheapest thing to do	Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour
Top 5 things to do	From Santiago: Finisterre, Muxia & Costa da Morte Excursion Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre, Muxía & Costa da Morte Tour from santaigo to Ribeira sacra with boat trip Vigo Shore Excursion: Small Group Santiago De Compostela Full Day Tour Santiago de Compostela & Valença do Minho - from Porto
Under $25	Stroll Through History in Santiago: Quest Experience Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour Los Templarios y Leyendas del Camino de Santiago Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral, Museum, and Old Town Tour Night Tour Land of Legends and Meigas
With kids	From Santiago: Finisterre, Muxia & Costa da Morte Excursion Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre, Muxía & Costa da Morte Tour from santaigo to Ribeira sacra with boat trip Santiago de Compostela & Valença do Minho - from Porto Excursion to Ribeira Sacra with boat from Santiago de Compostela

What to do in Santiago de Compostela

Free Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela

Some say the best things in life are free. Make sure you explore the following around Santiago de Compostela:

Zona C - This is a non-negotiable stop for culture vultures looking to add an artistic touch to their vacation.

Belvis Park - If you want to turn up the dial on fun during your getaway, this is a good place to start.

Plaza Roja - Tour this landmark and be wowed by its impressive design.

Fountain of the Horses - Soak up some of the historical background of the area through this site.

Toural Square - This thriving spot is a favorite hangout of locals and visitors alike.

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago - Allow some time to have a look at this place of local significance.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - Connect with your spiritual side or simply savor the serene atmosphere at this site of worship.

Alameda Park - If you're into digging around the garden, this attraction will captivate your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela with Kids

There's fun for the whole family no matter where you wander in Santiago de Compostela. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can try together that will make your getaway unforgettable:

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santiago de Compostela? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Santiago de Compostela on a sunny day?

Make the best of a sunny day with fun experiences like a Camino de Santiago: Last 100km of French way 7D - 6N and a Santiago de Compostela Tour from Porto.

What is Santiago de Compostela famous for?

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral lives up to its reputation as an iconic attraction you simply can’t miss.

What should I not miss in Santiago de Compostela?

Make a beeline for Obradoiro Square and Museum of the Galician People, two top sights that attract visitors from all around.

Are there cheap things to do in Santiago de Compostela?

If you’re vacationing on a shoestring budget, think about adding the following bargain experiences to your schedule:

What can you do in Santiago de Compostela for free?

You could leave your wallet in the hotel safe for the day, because these terrific attractions won’t cost you a dime:

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Obradoiro Square
University of Santiago de Compostela
Alameda Park

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

4.5/5(111 reviews)

An important site of pilgrimage, this historic cathedral is considered to be one of Spain’s most extraordinary examples of Romanesque architecture.

Obradoiro Square

5/5(83 reviews)

See some of the city’s most impressive architectural achievements in this handsome public square.

San Martino Pinario Monastery

4.5/5(22 reviews)

Look inside this lovely Baroque monastery, which is home to a collection of valuable paintings, sacred objects and gold works.

University of Santiago de Compostela

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of Santiago de Compostela, during your travels in Santiago de Compostela. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Alameda Park

4.5/5(54 reviews)

Join the locals for an afternoon stroll in this popular city park, the site of interesting monuments and frequent cultural events.

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago

5/5(25 reviews)

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Santiago de Compostela at this exciting market.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Delve deep into the art, history and evolution of one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites and finest religious landmarks.

Plaza de la Quintana

4.5/5(35 reviews)

Santiago de Compostela’s second-largest square is an intriguing place to stop for a coffee and watch people of the city go about their daily activities.

Museum of the Galician People

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Discover Galician culture at this interesting museum, best known for its gorgeous 13th-century spiral staircase.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage elements and religious elements

Santiago de Compostela City Centre

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

Travelers to Santiago de Compostela City Centre praise its stunning cathedral. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Galicia Plaza and Franco Street.

Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre

5/5(146 area reviews)

Travelers to Santiago de Compostela Historic Centre praise its stunning cathedral. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Plaza de la Quintana and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

El Ensanche Zona Nuova

Unique features of El Ensanche Zona Nuova include the historic sites and coffeehouses. Make a stop by Galicia Plaza or Plaza Roja while you're exploring the area.

San Lazaro

4/5(4 area reviews)

San Lazaro is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like San Lazaro Stadium and Congress and Exposition Center of Galicia.

See our Where To Stay guide