Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Things to do

2 days in Santiago de Compostela

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the cathedral and the Pórtico da Gloria; book the roof tour.
  2. AfternoonWalk the old town and the Mercado de Abastos.
  3. EveningJoin the pilgrims on the Praza do Obradoiro at sunset.

Day 2

Visit Cape Finisterre or the Rías Baixas coast.

What to eat

Pulpo a feira and tarta de Santiago, an almond cake.

Local tips

Make the most of Santiago de Compostela

Beat the crowds

The cathedral square fills with arriving pilgrims around midday. Early morning and late evening are calm.

Best photo spot

The cathedral's baroque facade from the Plaza do Obradoiro, and from the Alameda park at sunset.

Getting there

The airport is about 20 minutes away by bus. The old town is compact and walkable.

Don't miss nearby

Cape Finisterre on the Atlantic coast, once believed to be the end of the world.

Good to know

Pilgrims finish the Camino de Santiago here; the pilgrims' mass is a special moment. It rains a lot in Galicia, so bring a jacket.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Santiago de Compostela

Our most hidden places around Santiago de Compostela: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Santiago de Compostela to take with you.

94 km away
59 km away
79 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Santiago de Compostela

Getting there

  • Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)11 km away
  • Vigo Airport (VGO)70 km away
  • Braga150 km away
  • Porto190 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySpain

Questions

Santiago de Compostela: good to know

Is Santiago de Compostela worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. The granite pilgrim city at the end of the Camino.

How many days do you need in Santiago de Compostela?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Santiago de Compostela?

You can visit all year. The cathedral square fills with arriving pilgrims around midday. Early morning and late evening are calm.

How do you get to Santiago de Compostela?

The nearest airport is Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), about 11 km away. The airport is about 20 minutes away by bus. The old town is compact and walkable.

What is there to see near Santiago de Compostela?

Nearby hidden places include Peneda-Gerês (132 km), Playa de las Catedrales (135 km) and Braga (149 km).

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