Travel and Accommodations in Santiago de Compostela, Spain | Keytours Vacations

Discover Santiago de Compostela's Wonders

Santiago de Compostela is a World Heritage City, pilgrimage destination, cultural capital and example of historical, urban and environmental regeneration, which attracts thousands of visitors due to its singularity. Santiago, the capital of Galicia, is also a center of institutional services, with a privileged location on the Atlantic Axis. The city also has a deep-rooted university tradition, which supplies innovative business initiatives with technological and scientific resources.

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Description

You don't have to be a pilgrim to enjoy the wonderful city of Santiago. Its historic centre is widely accepted as one of the most beautiful old towns in Spain, if not the world, and it is where visitors wish to spend most of their time. Wander through narrow streets among ancient stone buildings and be greeted by history at every turn. Santiago is considered to be one of the spiritual capitals of Christendom, on par almost with Jerusalem and the Vatican. The city has been shaped around the spot where the relics of the disciple James the Great (also known as Santiago) are said to be found in a field almost 1,000 years ago, sparking the religious pilgrimages in the Middle Ages. But Santiago has a modern side to it as well. It is home to over 40,000 students that breathe fresh life into the city, giving it lively nightlife and strong cultural and artistic tones. Add to that hip shopping and an innovative culinary scene, and you have one of northern Spain's most interesting and beautiful destinations.

Useful information

Population:

96,000 (2026)

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Emergency: 112
Police: 091
Ambulace: 061

Opening Hours:

Business hours are usually from 9:30/10am to 8/9pm, Monday to Saturday with a lunch break between 1pm and 2pm. 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.

Do & See

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dining

A Casa da Viña

A Casa da Viña offers an interesting mix of typical regional cuisine and international dishes, including, for example, sushi, as well as wonderful desserts. As the name suggests, they also have a wide selection of local and imported wines from which to choose.

A Curtidoria

A Curtidoria serves top-notch fine dining at reasonable prices, showcasing some of the region's best cuisine and wine culture, as well as international and fusion dishes to match any taste, catering even to vegetarians. At only 100 metres from the cathedral, rice is the protagonist of this restaurant offering the best use of Galician products.

Casa de Xantar O Dezaseis

O Dezaseis is one of Santiago's foremost exponents of traditional Galician cuisine, famous for their superb polbo á grella, grilled octopus. The restaurant's setting is memorable, in a cellar with stone walls, beams and old farm gear decorating the intimate space.

Casa Marcelo

Keep in mind not to have eaten much before you enter Casa Marcelo. The gourmet menu comprises ten dishes that can only be enjoyed fully if you are really hungry. There is an open kitchen which gives you a unique insight to the cuisine.

China Ming

China Ming has over 30 years of experience of serving fresh and authentic Cantonese food, including spring rolls, noodle soup and grilled prawns, using locally sourced produce. It is especially popular among families and students, probably because it offers the traditional dishes of the Asiatic cuisine, but also new meals to enjoy.

La Tagliatella

La Tagliatella has been serving authentic, high quality Italian cuisine in the Santiago area for over 20 years. The menu includes fresh pastas and salads, crispy pizzas and calzoni, and juicy steaks, among many other options. And if you want to enjoy the city after dinner, don't forget that it is located 10 minutes walk from the Cathedral.

Maria Castaña

A good rule of thumb to find the best food in a new city is to find the place most enjoyed by locals. Maria Castaña is that place in Santiago. Closed to the Cathedra, this restaurant will offer you the best octopus prunes and fish on the market, together with a very professional service.

O Curro da Parra

O Curro da Parra is one of the best traditional restaurants in Santiago. The menu features Galician specialities, which means that seafood features prominently, as well as tapas and smaller meals and a perfectly chosen wine list.

Cafes

Café Casino

The appropriately named Café Casino is housed in a former casino whose story dates back to 1873. Since 200 Café Casino represents a public environment, offering an elegant and extremely popular place that serves high-quality coffee and small snacks and desserts, together with a cultural space dedicated to music with a big piano that guests can play.

Café Tertulia

Café Tertulia boasts pleasant indoor and outdoor seating, with a lovely street-side terrace, perfect for people watching and a hot cup of coffee or an evening cocktail. If you are a coffee person, you cannot miss the unique mix coffee + croissant served in this cosy place. Food is exceptional as well.

Café Venecia

Winner of numerous awards and renowned for the quality of its coffee, Café Venecia is a Santiago institution. The menu features some delicious sweets, including the famous pastel de natas, as well as some savoury options.

Café-Bar Paris

Known as much for its delicious home-cooked meals as for its shabby charm, Café-Bar Paris is well loved in the city. The walls are almost crumbling, but that's part of its appeal, effortlessly combining a run-down look with refined cuisine and plenty of ambiance.

Cre Cottê

Cre Cottê is a fantastic creperie and restaurant located on historic Praza da Quintana in a centuries-old building, complete with stone arches, monumental fireplaces and lots of charisma. Besides sweet and savoury crepes, they also offer other meals, such as pasta and meat, as well as a good selection of wines.

Jardín Café Costa Vella

This café, being part of the hotel by the same name, also welcomes non-guests for a relaxing break. Here you can sit down in a beautiful garden surrounded with pleasant views and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a light snack, a cup of coffee, a cup of cappuccino, a cup of latte and so much more.

O Rei Do Bocadillo

This is a very popular place among locals, serving tasty and healthy fast food. A 'bocadillo' in Spain is essentially a sandwich or a baguette, sliced in half, filled with cold cuts, Serrano ham and Spanish Chorizo sausage, among other fillings.

Bars & Nightlife

Chocolate.

Located in the best surroundings offered by the city, Chocolate boasts some of the best drinks in town, with a great selection of still and sparkling wines and expert mixologists preparing fantastic cocktails; gin-based drinks are something of a house speciality.

Embora Bar Musical

As the name suggests, Embora Bar Musical is a bar and live music performance venue with a wide artistic and cultural offering. It also boasts a small but pleasant terrace where guests can enjoy their beer, wine or specialty cocktail.

Fuco Lois

Metres away from the great cathedral you can find this quaint and rustic pub, one of the oldest in the city and famous for its caipirinhas, mojitos and sangria and with a penchant for classic rock, blues and jazz, often featuring live performances.

La Borriquita De Belém

This bar is an absolute must if you want to admire the passage of several generations in it. Opened in 1971, La Borriquita De Belém offers sweet mojitos, caipirinhas and Andalusian wines to sip while enjoying live jazz and Bossa Nova. Some nights there are flamenco performances to heighten the mood even more.

Pub Modus Vivendi

Something of a hidden gem, Pub Modus Vivendi is easy to miss, but worth looking for. Situated in the stables of an XVIII century country house, the atmosphere is very much alive, featuring frequent live music and DJ's. From coffees, teas, infuses, mojitos, fresh beers to special liqueurs, you will find everything you wish for.

Pub Momo

Although it's worth visiting any time of year, summertime is when Pub Momo is at its best, thanks to its beautiful garden terrace, a unique space in the city centre that offers unequalled views. The bar has different areas and ambiences and serves some of the best cocktails in town.

Retablo

Located near the Principar Theatre and the famous Church of Salomé, Retablo is one of Santiago's coolest and most laid-back bars, with ambient neon-lighting in red and blue, occasional live music and guest DJ's, constant enthusiastic crowds and expertly prepared drinks.

Shopping

Centro Comercial As Cancelas

Ideally located between the historic centre and el Ensanche, the city's modern area, Centro Comercial As Cancelas offers prime shopping wherever you are in the city. Shops, restaurants, department stores and everything else you may need can be found here.

El Corte Inglés

Spain’s department store colossus successfully performs the main task of the department store, which is to offer most things to most people. Here you find designer fashion, their own low and medium-priced lines, enormous perfumery and make-up departments, leather goods in all price ranges, toys, children’s clothes, art materials, food and delicatessen, home furnishing devices and garden furniture.

Mango

Whether you are searching for a new flowered dress, a coloured t-shirt or a new pair of trendy jeans, Mango offers everything from sleek work-wear to fabulous cocktail dresses, all at reasonable prices. Match your new outfit with the perfect pair of shoes and accessories, also on offer here.

New Town

El Ensanche, New Town, is a well-defined shopping area in Santiago. It is the central shopping area, located primarily on the streets of Xeneral Pardiñas, Doutor Teixeiro, República de El Salvador, Montero Ríos, Avenido Alfredo Brañas and Prazas Roxa and Galicia.

Sangiovanni Lorenzo

The aim of this amazing store is to highlight the value of handcraft, design and manufacture: every item is created by mixing the techniques and the material of the past and the original ideas of modernity, so that even the shortest experience in this store will be unforgettable.

Santiago Food Market

The numerous stalls in the traditional food market of Santiago offer a real taste of Galician gastronomy, with fresh produce, seafood, flowers, cheese and much more. Most products come from local producers, and have been supplying homes and restaurants in the area since 1873.

Secretos de Galicia

Since 2012 Secretos de Galicia has offered the best food in the markets of Galicia and Spain. This store provides a huge variety of products which will let you understand the special flavours and colours of this beautiful country, supporting the homemade products and providing the clients the best gourmet experience ever.

Shopping Streets

Important streets, such as Rosalía de Castro, Fernando III el Santo, República Argentina, A Rosa and Santiago de Chile, offer a very attractive shopping range. You can walk around shops of international brands, prestigious Spanish franchises, Galician fashion, food shops and gift shops, just to mention a few.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

The best period to visit Santiago de Compostela is during the summer, especially from June to August, when it is sunny and warm during the day and quite cool at night, and the beginning of September where temperatures are more temperate and the tourist crowds have dissipated.

Passport & Visa

Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Public Transport

The historic city centre of Santiago de Compostela is small and most areas are closed to traffic. A good pair of shoes is therefore best for moving around in the historic town centre. There is also an extensive network of buses in Santiago de Compostela that can connect you to areas further afield. You can buy a single bus ticket, but it is cheaper in the long run to buy a travel card with 10, 20 or 30 trips.

Taxi

When you need a taxi in Santiago de Compostela, the list of choices is quiet long: Taxi Santiago and Taxi en Compostela are two reputable companies in the city. You can also order a taxi on the Uber or PideTaxi apps.

Aeropuerto de Santiago-Rosalía de Castro (SCQ)

Santiago de Compostela Airport is located about 10 kilometres northeast of the city. There are taxis available just outside the terminal, and the ride to the city centre takes approximately 15-20 minutes. You can also take a bus to the central bus station in Santiago. The bus operates from 7am to 11:30pm with departures every half an hour.

Electricity

Spain’s power grid operates at 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, using Type F, Schuko plug, and Type C, Europlug, outlets. Both types accept plugs with two round prongs, common across continental Europe.

Pharmacy

Farmacia Valdés Cabo is currently run by the second generation of the Valdés family: founded in 1924, it became a strong point of reference for the locals but also for the tourists in Santiago. Here you will be able to take fast control of glucose, cholesterol and many other blood parameters seven days a week.

Post Office

Santiago de Compostela is a compact city, with post offices and mailboxes scattered throughout. Stamps can be purchased at estancos, tobacconists that are also easy to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Santiago de Compostela?

The best time to visit Santiago de Compostela is during the late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. These months offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the historic sites and participating in outdoor activities, while avoiding the peak tourist season in July and August.

How many days should I plan to stay in Santiago de Compostela?

A stay of 2 to 3 days in Santiago de Compostela is ideal for first-time visitors. This allows you to explore the main attractions, such as the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the historic Old Town, and the Alameda Park. Additionally, you can take a day trip to nearby destinations like the Rías Baixas or the town of Finisterre.

What are the must-see attractions in Santiago de Compostela?

The must-see attractions in Santiago de Compostela include the iconic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which is the reputed burial site of Saint James. Explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, one of the oldest hotels in the world. Don’t miss the vibrant Mercado de Abastos for a taste of local life and cuisine.

What is the best way to get around Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a compact city, and the best way to get around is on foot. The historic center is pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to easily explore its narrow streets and squares. For longer distances or if you prefer not to walk, the city offers a reliable bus network, and taxis are readily available.

Are there any local festivals or events in Santiago de Compostela?

One of the most significant events in Santiago de Compostela is the Feast of Saint James, celebrated on July 25th. This festival includes religious ceremonies, parades, concerts, and fireworks. Another notable event is the Festival Internacional de Cine, a film festival held in October, showcasing international cinema in various venues across the city.

What traditional foods should I try in Santiago de Compostela?

In Santiago de Compostela, be sure to try traditional Galician dishes such as pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), empanada gallega (savory pie), and pimientos de Padrón (small green peppers). For dessert, indulge in the famous Tarta de Santiago, an almond cake typically marked with the cross of Saint James.

What are some recommended day trips from Santiago de Compostela?

Recommended day trips from Santiago de Compostela include visiting the coastal town of Finisterre, known as the "end of the world," and the Rías Baixas region, famous for its beautiful beaches and Albariño wine. The city of A Coruña, with its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, is also a worthwhile excursion.

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