The Best Travel Guide to Santiago de Compostela (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Santiago de Compostela

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Overview

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Santiago de Compostela The guide was updated: 2024-09-16

Santiago de Compostela has been a centre for culture and scholarship for centuries, most famous for being the end destination of a thousand-year-old pilgrimage: El Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James. Being the capital of the Galician region in north-western Spain, everyday life in Santiago is modern and chic. Awarded recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1985, Santiago de Compostela is a historical gem and one of the most impressive cities in Spain.

Facts

Population:	96,000 ca.
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112 Police: 091 Ambulace: 061
Newspapers:	7 Días El Correo Gallego La Voz de Galicia El Pais
Opening hours:	Business hours are usually 09:30/10.00-20.00/21.00 Mon-Sat with a lunch break beetween 13.00 and 14.00. Some shops do not close during lunch time and others, mainly in the city centre, are also open on Sundays and public holidays during the sales or the Christmas season. Bars, cafés and restaurants are open most of the day, and many restaurants still serve food after midnight.
Tourist information:	Central Tourist Office Santiago de Compostela Rúa do Vilar, 63, Santiago de Compostela +34 981 555 129 info@santiagoturismo.com Winter: 09.00-19.00 Mon-Fri; 09.00-14.00 / 16.00-19.00 Sat-Sun. Summer: 09.00-21.00.

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Section in Santiago de Compostela

This old city in the north east of Spain has a lot to offer. The 40,000 students that live here make the city what it is today, a lively and modern metropolis set among an Old Town teeming with history. Santiago is a unique blend of old and new, with innovative art and culture and a fascinating history of pilgrimage, visible on every corner.

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

The final destination for pilgrims travelling the Camino de Santiago is the Cathedral, with the tomb said to contain the remains of the apostle James. This beautiful Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the region, and for good reason.

Botafumeiro

Botafumeiro

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela has one of the world’s biggest incense burners, used at the pilgrim’s mass held most days at noon. Priests tie the "botafumeiro" censer to ropes at the end of the mass and lift it all the way up to the ceiling with burning incense.

Audio Walks

Audio Walks

Get lost in the maze of stone that is Santiago's old town with a guided tour of the historical centre. Audio Walks are the best way to discover the city at your own pace. You can rent an MP3 player at the tourism office.

Museum of Pilgrimage

Museum of Pilgrimage

The Pilgrimage Museum (Museu das Pergrinacións) offers great insights into the city’s fascinating history. The initial building was known as the "Gothic House", but it was modernised in the 20th century. The meticulous exhibits detail how the city has evolved over the centuries as a consequence of the pilgrimages.

The Alameda Park

The Alameda Park

Parque de la Alameda is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved parks. Relax in the green spaces and enjoy beautiful monuments as well as some of the best views of the historic town centre.

Monastery of San Martiño Pinario

Monastery of San Martiño Pinario

Just opposite the Cathedral you can find the "Hospederia", a 16th century monastery founded by the Benedictines. It is possible to stay at the monastery, or simply enjoy the beautiful architecture, and if you happen to be visiting between Tuesday and Thursday, be sure to join one of the guided tours.

Plaza de Cervantes

Plaza de Cervantes

The small Plaza de Cervantes is one of the most iconic sights in Santiago, dating as far back as the 12th century. It remains a popular meeting point and important centre for city life, surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Galicia Contemporary Art Centre

Galicia Contemporary Art Centre

The Galicia Contemporary Art Centre showcases some of the best modern art exhibits in the region, hosting works by both Galician and international artists, including Moncho Amigo and Knut Asdam, as well as always evolving temporary exhibitions.

City of Culture of Galicia

City of Culture of Galicia

The City of Culture of Galicia is a hub of culture located to the southeast of Santiago de Compostela where you can find numerous stages, exhibits and museums with ever-changing shows, performances and displays of the best of contemporary art and culture in Galicia.

Monte do Gozo

Monte do Gozo

Just outside the city lies Monte do Gozo, the place where pilgrims could first catch a glimpse of their final destination, the spires of the Cathedral. Needless to stay, the views of the city from up here are remarkable, and the significance of the hill makes it an important visit in Santiago.

Museo do Pobo Galego

Museo do Pobo Galego

Museo do Pobo Galego documents the past and present of the Galician people in numerous fine exhibits dedicated to the sea, the land, music, art, architecture and everyday Galician culture.

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago

Get a taste of Galicia at this traditional indoor and outdoor market. Vendors sell all manner of local produce including meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, and wines, as well as flowers.

Monte Pedroso

Monte Pedroso

A granite summit easily reached from Santiago, Monte Pedroso is a popular hiking spot which offers stunning views of the palatial city of Santiago. Keep an eye out for spiral-like engravings close to the Summit, which date back to the Stone and Bronze Ages.

Museo Centro Gaiás

Museo Centro Gaiás

This massive exhibition space is a pleasant 3km walk from the city centre. Its surface area of more than 16,000 square metres facilitates large scale, high-quality exhibitions in a bright and airy space. The Museum is free to enter and there is a cafeteria-restaurant on site.

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