To say that Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful place would be a vast understatement. Located in the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela offers not only breathtaking architecture adorning every street like its gothic cathedrals but also sweeping plazas bursting with a rich, eclectic history. There are also plenty of things to do in the Galician city since Santiago de Compostela’s very well-connected to other major cities in the region.

Additionally, the city is chock-filled with enough monuments, restaurants, and shops to make your head spin. For foodies, Galicia is renowned for its gastronomic scene as well as superb regional wines. Prepare to get lost wandering through Compostela’s winding, almost maze-like streets. Better yet, why not stumble upon a charming taberna serving the freshest seafood or a street market filled with bargain-price local wares?

Whether you go to Santiago de Compostela for the food, the culture, or the scenery, you can rest assured that you’ll be met by friendly locals, a reliable transportation system, and an adventure lying around every corner. If you want to know the top things to do or the best places to eat in the city, this guide has got you covered!

HISTORY AND LEGENDS

From Jesus to Judea

Becoming the Patron Saint of Spain

PLACES TO SEE

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

FINAL THOUGHTS

History and Legends

Most people might be familiar with Santiago de Compostela since it’s the last destination along Saint James’ Way (aka El Camino de Santiago) of pilgrimage fame. It’s a trek of over 90 km that stretches from southern France to northwest Spain, detailing the route supposedly taken by Saint James’ followers who transported his body to its final resting place.

From Jesus to Judea

If you’ve never heard of Saint James, then you might be surprised to learn that he was one of the OG apostles from Jesus’ crew way. Let’s rewind James’ story back to around 30 AD when the Messiah was just starting out and the soon-to-be saint was in the first round of apostles to be recruited.

After Jesus' death, Apostle James bounced back and went on to spread the gospel for 14 more years until facing his own untimely demise by the order of King Herod of Judea. King Herod was a Jewish king who was afraid of the rising Christian minority and demanded that James be beheaded to deter his influence in the Jewish-Christian community.

However, the murder ended up having the opposite effect, catapulting James into martyrdom. Currently, Saint James is the only apostle to have his sacrifice referenced in the New Testament, marking him as the first of the twelve to be persecuted for his faith. His remains (headed included) were then thought to be transported by his followers in a stone boat across the Mediterranean Sea to Hispania, the then-name for the Iberian peninsula, before being lost to time for nearly a millennium.

It wasn’t until the 9th century when the remains were once again discovered by the Bishop Theodemir of Iria, resulting in the first-ever pilgrimage to the area by King Alfonso II of Asturias in 842. He then ordered a tomb to be built to commemorate the saint, officially marking it as a place of deep, religious significance from then on.

becoming the Patron Saint of Spain

Among the many titles Saint James would collect before and after his death (like James the Greater, the Patron of Pilgrims and Laborers, James Matamoros), he would also eventually become the Patron Spain of Spain as his legend continued to grow.

For instance, his Spanish nickname, “The Killer of the Moors,” came after the saint’s supposed appearance atop a white horse holding a white flag during the legendary Battle of Clavijo, 800 years after his death. The apparition apparently inspired the outnumbered Christian Spanish army enough to lead them to defeat over 5000 invading Moorish soldiers after the Arabic conquest of the Iberian peninsula began in 711 AD.

Although the legitimacy of this mythical battle has long been argued by most historians, that didn’t stop the story from becoming larger than life for the next couple of hundred years. Thanks to the steady influx of travelers pouring into the region since the 9the century, Saint James became synonymous with the symbol of Spain.

Even back in the Middle Ages, pilgrims were drawn to the area (then dubbed as Santiago de Compostela) and arrived in mass and on foot to gain religious enlightenment by walking the same forest trails and mountain paths as countless others before them. If they could make the journey to this historic city even then, what’s stopping you?

Places to visit

Now thousands of travelers visit Santiago de Compostela every year so don’t be surprised if you see people wearing hiking gear also bumbling around as you explore. There are plenty of exquisite sights to see all around the city, which is thankfully just small enough that you can get anywhere on foot within a few minutes.

The center of the city is undoubtedly Plaza de Galicia, where you can catch the bus to and from the airport in front of the Hotel Universal. Just go down the road a bit in nearly any direction from there and you’re bound to stumble upon a historical monument that is just as beautiful as it is famous, like:

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - This gorgeous gothic cathedral was named for the city’s patron saint and was constructed in 1211 to commemorate the discovery of Saint James’ remains. Marvel at the splendor of the cathedral’s detailed architecture (can you spot the astronaut?) while strolling around Praza do Obradoiro right in the city center and then head inside to check out its digs.

Address: Praza do Obradoiro

Monastery of San Martiño Pinario - This 10th-century Catholic monastery started off as an oratory that was demolished in the 9th century at the best of King Alfonso III. In the oratory’s place, they constructed what would become the second-largest monastery in Spain and the most prominent monastery in Galicia. Its power and wealth allowed it to be completely redone in the 16th century in a mix of renaissance, baroque and neoclassical elements. Since the Middle Ages, the monastery has remained a place of religious significance until now.

Address: Praza da Inmaculada, 5

***Pose with As Duas Marias at Alameda Park.***

Alameda Park - The charming park is just a five-minute walk away from the city center and shouldn't be missed out on as it provides the best views in Santiago. Head here on a sunny day to take advantage of the lush scenery of the grounds and its vantage points. Make sure to also catch a glimpse of As Duas Marias, an eye-popping statue made to honor two colorful, local women from the 1950s.

Address: Avenida de Xoán Carlos I

San Francisco of Santiago Convent - Legend has it that this enchanting convent was commissioned by Saint Francis of Assisi on his pilgrimage to Compostela in 1214. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by a local family and requested that the husband build a monastery. When the man replied that he had no resources with which to build, the saint revealed a treasure to him to complete the job.

While the original structure collapsed in the 18th century, with only a few arches surviving, the building’s reconstruction began in 1742 yet not without some local controversy due to the magnitude of the project. It was fantastically redone in both baroque and neoclassical style and features two bell towers along with a statue of Saint Francis.

Address: Rúa do Campiño de San Francisco, 3

Museum of the Galician People - This private museum was founded in 1976 and is situated in the former convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval. For history buffs who would like to learn more about the local culture and history, the various exhibits are a treasure trove. Visit the museum’s vast gallery of exhibits that are dedicated to displaying the most authentic aspects of Galicia’s heritage.

From country living to music, clothes, and architecture, you're sure to learn some interesting historical tidbits. There’s no better collection of Galician artifacts in the world so make a stop here to get some cultural enlightenment.

Address: Costa de San Domingos

***Meander to Monastery of San Paio de Antealtares***

Convent of San Domingo de Bonaval - There is quite a bit of mystery as to how or why this 13th-century convent was founded yet its oldest documented citation was in 1228. The convent would have a storied journey as it would eventually pass into the patronage of the Altamira house by the 15th century before becoming a hospice in the 19th century and a college for the blind and deaf in the 20th century. It was abandoned for a time afterward but was eventually inaugurated as the Municipal Museum in 1963. Take in its gothic facade from the street or head inside to check out its main chapel, tombs, and artwork dedicated to its former patrons.

Address: Costa de San Domingos

City of Culture of Galicia - This cultural complex first opened its doors in 2011 but its construction wasn’t complete until 2013 due to initial budget constraints. The project was overseen by American architect, Peter Eisenman, and currently constitutes six buildings which house a library, an auditorium, a national history museum as well as a congress hall. The architecture is rather unique and avant-garde for the region but certainly worth a visit for interested parties.

Address: Monte Gaiás

Bonaval Park - This rehabilitated green space takes up nearly forty thousand square meters and was once a farm and a cemetery for the San Domingo convent. The recreation area was designed by a Galician architect in collaboration with a Portuguese architect, the latter of whom also designed the Galician Center for Contemporary Art. The park features a medicinal garden, various ruins, copious sculptures by local artists. From its hilltop, the park also offers a beautiful view of the city so come here for sunsets to make the most of it.

Address: Costa de San Domingos, 3

***Make your way to Monastery of San Martiño Pinario***

Monastery of San Paio de Antealtares - This 11th-century monastery was commissioned by Alfonso II to provide housing to Benedictine monks sworn to care for and worship the tomb of Saint James. When the monks left the monastery in 1499, the building became a sanctuary for nuns and was then dedicated to Saint Pelagius, a 10th-century Galician child tortured to death by the Caliph of Andalusia for his Christian faith. The outer facade was redone between the 17th and 18th centuries with both baroque and neoclassical influences. Find the former monastery close to the city center right in Quintana Square.

Address: Rúa de San Paio de Antealtares, 23

Pazo of Fonseca - This educational facility was begun by Archbishop Alonso de Fonseca who transformed his ancestral home in 1544 and eventually the University of Compostela would be founded there. The archbishop’s birthplace was constructed in a Renaissance style and houses a stunning courtyard as well as a gothic chapel. The facilities now function as the General Library of the university and are free to visit so blend in and pretend to be a student for a day as you wander around.

Address: Rúa do Franco, 3

No matter which sites you decided to visit in Santiago de Compostela, you can rest assured each place will be just as picturesque as the last and carry a ton of local historical importance.

Still, all that walking around from place to place just might work up an appetite! Thankfully, you’re in the perfect place as Galicia is one of the gastronomic centers of Spain and there's a heap of places to grab more than a delicious morsel.

Where To Eat & Drink

***Enjoy the terrace at Hotel Costa Vella***

Santiago de Compostela is bursting with bars and other dining venues that are specially catered to any weary traveler who should make their way to the city either on foot or by vehicle. From cheap digs offering tapas to lavish bistros with hidden gardens, there's plenty on offer whether you want to go big without going broke.

Antollos Pinchos e Viños - This tapas bar specializes in Galician cuisine which should be a plus for seafood lovers. Although pinchos (tapas served on slices of bread) originated in the Basque Country, the Galicians also hold their own. They offer a slew of seafood pinchos from tuna to octopus so order a bunch to try or request a typical local dish such as pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus), almejas a la marinera (clams in its own sauce), bacalao al horno (oven-baked cod). The prices are great for the portion sizes so go nuts.

Address: Rúa das Orfas, 25

Bar La Tita - This bar (not be confused with La Otra Tita Bar) has been a favorite haunt of locals for ages and is a staple in the nightlife scene of Santiago. Therefore, don’t be surprised if this place is packed around mealtimes. Snag a seat on the terraza (terrace) if you can to watch the foot traffic go by right from the heart of the city while treating yourself to a nice cold drink.

Every drink you order should automatically come with a tapa on the side but make sure to take a peek at their full menu to check out their tasty grub. Get the raxo con patatas (pork loin with potatoes), empanada de atún (bread stuffed with tuna), or los pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers). You won’t be disappointed.

Address: Rúa Nova, 46

Caña Hueca - This establishment is the perfect location to people-watch and catch some sun as they have a large terrace. They have an extensive menu with very affordable prices that features raciones (full plates) along with various bocadillos (submarine sandwiches). Try the gambas a la gabardina (shrimps in batter), zorza con patatas fritas (pork hash with French fries), or their classic “Caña Hueca” bocadillo, made up of chicken breast, egg, and cheese. Wash everything down with an ice-cold Galician beer and you’ll be as happy as a clam.

Address: Praza da Universidade, 9

Abastos 2.0 - This restaurant is the ultimate destination for seafood in the city, whipping up some of the most authentic Galician dishes in the region. Do yourself a favor and try the merluza en salsa verde (hake in a green sauce) or if you’re feeling brave enough, get the navajas a la plancha (a type of shellfish indigenous to the area that resembles elongated mussels). Make sure to complement your order with a nice white wine from the region, such as Albariño, Ribeiro, or Rias Baixas, for the perfect palette pairing. It’s certainly not the cheapest eatery in the city but you’ll get what you pay for and more when you dine here.

Address: Rúa da Ameas, 13-18 (Praza de Abastos)

La Bodeguilla de San Roque - This restaurant serves one of the largest varieties of tapas in all of Santiago de Compostela as well as breakfast options and a plethora of principal plates. I’d recommend getting the rillettes de pato (duck rillettes) as an appetizer, then the croquetas de pulpo (octopus croquettes) to share, and then the tarta de Santiago (Santiago cake) for dessert. The prices are more than reasonable and they have a vast enough collection of wines and liquors to keep you boozed up until you close out the bar.

Address: Rúa de San Roque, 13

Damajuana - This restaurant has earned its reputation in the city for dishing out some of the best Spanish fusion around. For true foodies that want to take their palette out on an adventure, the ensalada de aguacate y langostinos (avocado and prawns salad) is a must-get or you could go for the costilla al horno con piquillos y chimichurri (oven-roasted ribs with peppers and chimichurri sauce).

My personal favorite was the chipirones con mayonesa de ajo y arroz negro (popcorn squid with garlic mayonnaise and black rice). While the prices aren’t dirt cheap, there is nothing on the menu that will break your bank account.

Address: Rúa da Acibechería, 5

Hotel Costa Vella - The last entry on the list is certainly not the least as this hotel also has one of the most beautiful courtyards in all of Santiago de Compostela. Besides displaying both captivating interior design and impressive outdoor landscaping, the hotel’s restaurant is open to even non-patrons and offers lighter fare such as breakfast options, sandwiches, and loads of soft drinks. Have a seat outside while enjoying one of their herbal tea infusions and then sit back to take in the spectacular view of the garden which includes a fountain. Could there be anything better?

Address: Rúa da Porta da Pena, 17

Final Thoughts

***Stroll outside San Francisco of Santiago Convent***

Santiago de Compostela is a must-see if you’re ever traveling through Galicia as the alluring city boasts not only an intriguing historic but a booming gastronomic scene backdropped by astounding architecture.

Moreover, Compostela is very well-connected to other major cities in the region via multiple transportation systems from trains to public buses. Take the opportunity to organize a day trip to many of the other Galician sights of note such as the Cies Islands off the coast of Vigo, As Catedrais to the north in Ribadeiro or Finisterre, the end of the world.

There’s no shortage of amazing activities to partake in or venues to visit when you travel to this Galician gem so don't hesitate to journey to Santiago de Compostela. Galicia is known for being pretty rainy most of the year but experiences lots of sunny days in summer so try to coordinate your future trip accordingly with the forecast. You’ll be ready for your holiday in Spain faster than you can say, ¡Hola!

May you get lost in the wonder,
M