If you are looking for things to do in Santiago de Compostela, you will not be disappointed by this historic city in Spain. Santiago de Compostela is famous for being the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, but it also has many other attractions to offer. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela, from its stunning cathedral and old town to its museums and parks. Whether you are interested in culture, history, nature or gastronomy, you will find something to enjoy in this beautiful city. Here are some of the things to do in Santiago de Compostela and the best tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela that you should not miss.
Looking for things to do in Santiago de Compostela? Discover the best tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela:
- Plaza del Obradoiro: The main square of the city, where the cathedral and other historic buildings are located.
- Casco histórico de Santiago de Compostela: The UNESCO-listed Old Town, full of narrow streets, charming squares and ancient monuments.
- Botafumeiro: The famous giant incense burner that swings across the cathedral during special ceremonies.
- Hostal de los Reyes Católicos: A former royal hospital turned into a luxurious hotel, with a beautiful Plateresque facade and four cloisters.
- Pórtico de la Gloria: The stunning Romanesque portal of the cathedral, carved with scenes from the Apocalypse and the figure of Saint James.
- Convento de San Francisco: A 13th-century Franciscan convent with a Gothic church and a museum of sacred art.
- Praza da Quintana de Vivos: A lively square behind the cathedral, where pilgrims gather and celebrate their arrival.
- Palacio de Raxoi: An 18th-century neoclassical palace that houses the city hall and the regional government.
- Catedral de Santiago: The most sacred Christian church in Spain, where the tomb of Saint James the Apostle is venerated.
- Fonte dos Cabalos: A fountain with two bronze horses in the Plaza de Platerías, one of the four squares around the cathedral.
- Museo do Pobo Galego: A museum dedicated to the Galician culture and history, housed in a former convent.
- Parque de la Alameda: A large park with gardens, statues and panoramic views of the Old Town.
- Monasterio de San Martín Pinario: A 16th-century Benedictine monastery with a Baroque facade and a lavish interior.
- Museo de la Catedral: A museum that displays the cathedral’s treasures, such as relics, tapestries and sculptures.
- Mercado de Abastos: The largest market in Galicia, where you can buy fresh produce, seafood and local specialties.
- Colegiata de Santa María la Real del Sar: A 12th-century Romanesque church with an impressive leaning nave and a cloister.
- Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea: A modern art museum designed by Álvaro Siza, with exhibitions of national and international artists.
- Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago: A museum that explores the history and significance of the pilgrimage to Santiago.
- Praza das Praterías: A square with a fountain of four lions and a clock tower, where silversmiths used to work.
- Praza de Cervantes: A historic square named after Miguel de Cervantes, who visited Santiago in 1580.
- Casa da Troia: A museum that recreates the bohemian atmosphere of a student boarding house in the early 20th century.
- Pazo de Xelmírez: A 12th-century palace next to the cathedral, where the archbishop used to live.
- Museo da Colexiata de Sar: A museum that showcases the artistic heritage of the Colegiata de Santa María la Real del Sar.
- Igrexa da Universidade: A 17th-century Baroque church that belongs to the University of Santiago de Compostela.
- Pazo de Fonseca: A 16th-century Renaissance palace that hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
- Igrexa de San Fiz de Solovio: A Romanesque church that was one of the first places where pilgrims arrived in Santiago.
- Museo do Pobo Galego – Pantheon of Illustrious Galicians: A pantheon that honors famous Galicians such as Rosalía de Castro, Alfonso Daniel Rodríguez Castelao and Ramón María del Valle-Inclán.
- Igrexa de San Domingos de Bonaval: A 13th-century Gothic church that was part of a Dominican convent.
- Museo de Arte Sacra: A museum that displays religious artworks from the 12th to the 18th centuries, located in the Convento de San Francisco.
- Igrexa de Santa María Salomé: A 12th-century Romanesque church that is dedicated to the mother of Saint James.
- Igrexa de San Paio de Antealtares: A 17th-century Baroque church that was built on the site of the first chapel where Saint James was buried.
- Igrexa de San Miguel dos Agros: A 12th-century Romanesque church with a Baroque facade and a bell tower.
- Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago – Casa do Cabido: A museum that exhibits archaeological and artistic pieces related to the pilgrimage and the city, located in an 18th-century building.
- Igrexa de Santo Agostiño: A 17th-century Baroque church that was part of an Augustinian convent.
- Igrexa de Santa Clara: A 13th-century Gothic church that was part of a Clarissan convent.
- Museo do Pobo Galego – Convento de Santo Domingo de Bonaval: A museum that occupies the former convent of San Domingos de Bonaval, with collections of ethnography, archaeology and art.
- Igrexa de San Fructuoso: A 12th-century Romanesque church with a Baroque facade and a tower.
- Igrexa de San Martiño Pinario: A 17th-century Baroque church that belongs to the Monasterio de San Martín Pinario.
- Igrexa de San Pedro: A 12th-century Romanesque church with a Baroque facade and a tower, where pilgrims used to enter the city through the Porta do Camiño.
- Igrexa de Santa Susana: A 12th-century Romanesque church with a Baroque facade and a tower, where the patron saint of Santiago is venerated.
If you find this Santiago de Compostela Travel Guide useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends. We would also love to read your comments about Santiago de Compostela if you have been there.