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About Santiago de Compostela

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In the heart of the Galicia region of Spain lies the city of Santiago de Compostela. Packed with history, culture and tradition, it was once a sacred city with pilgrims flocking from all over Europe.

The monuments and structures in Santiago de Compostela hold religious significance and remain some of the most visited sites. Catedral de Santiago is a centuries-old Christian monument and a spectacular example of a mixture of Gothic, Neoclassical and other architectural styles. Take some time to visit the Catedralicio Museum – located inside the cathedral – to get an understanding of the building’s historical value and see a number of exhibitions featuring tapestries and paintings.

Santiago de Compostela offers a treasure trove of history along with expansive green spaces where you can take in some fresh air and to catch a break from the city. Parque Galeras runs along the Sarela River with lawns providing walking paths, a children’s playground and stunning views of the city. Parque Belvis is another park surrounded by stone walls and is characterised by three labyrinths made from picturesque camellia hedges. Parque Alameda is a 16th-century park presenting fountains, flower gardens and ponds along with sport areas and a playground.

The Old Town of Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO-listed site and is a traditional square with two parallel streets. Lined with quaint boutiques, elegant cafes and restaurants, a walk around this plaza is pleasant and gives off an old-world charm that attracts people from all over the world.

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Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency EUR
Language Spanish
Average weekend price € 69.11 per night
Average weekday price € 70.41 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Points of interest in Santiago de Compostela

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Santiago de Compostela reviews

What other travellers say about Santiago de Compostela

10

A beautiful place full of history and tradition.

26 April 2025

A beautiful place full of history and tradition. A must for those seeking a destination that delivers tradition, history , nature and gastronomy Visit the cathedral and the Old Quarter. Listen to " La Tuna" late in the main square and eat in one of the many restaurants along the old pebbled streets. Just beautiful!

Keith
Keith Spain
10

I really enjoyed all the great places to eat and the shops.

22 April 2025

I really enjoyed all the great places to eat and the shops. Didn’t have enough time to shop as I would have liked. The accommodations were in a great location, primitive but clean, comfortable and fairly priced

Patricia
Patricia
10

A great place to move around for people who are into history...

14 April 2025

A great place to move around for people who are into history, culture and food. I was lucky enough to be in during the market day and what an interesting selection of produce the market has to offer everyone! Abastos 2.0 is definitely worth a visit.

Ellen
Ellen Ireland
10

Santiago de Compostela is the perfect destination for those...

16 March 2025

Santiago de Compostela is the perfect destination for those who want to slow down, be in the moment, and embrace peace and silence. The city is filled with wonderful churches, many of which play soft, relaxing music all day, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that soothes the soul. One of the best things about Santiago is its historic center, which is almost entirely pedestrianized and covered with miles of beautiful arcades. No matter the weather, strolling through these ancient streets is a true pleasure—you can wander for hours, soaking in the history, admiring the stunning stone buildings, and simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the city. The people are genuinely friendly, and the city is filled with pilgrims of all ages, bringing an inspiring sense of journey and purpose. The food is delicious and affordable, the wine is excellent, and the tempting sweets are everywhere—it’s impossible to resist! The only downside is that there are no early morning buses from the city center to the airport, so if you have an early flight, you’ll need to take a taxi, which costs around €26. Also, a heads-up—local buses don’t accept credit cards, and many small shops don’t either. I wasn’t carrying any cash, but I was incredibly lucky to meet a kindhearted couple who generously paid my bus fare from the airport to the city. God bless them! Overall, Santiago de Compostela is a city that invites you to slow down, reflect, and immerse yourself in its peaceful, historic charm. A truly unforgettable place!

Gideon
Gideon United Kingdom
10

If you are into Catholicism and fascinated by 11 century...

21 February 2025

If you are into Catholicism and fascinated by 11 century cathedral this is for you. Santiago de Compostela is the center of Camino de Compostela way from Portugal, Paris . It is amazing to see this town on the north Spain that still standing with this amazing building. Happy I accomplished this in my lifetime.

Dante Ama
Dante Ama United Kingdom
8.0

Loved walking around the old town and the outside of the...

11 January 2025

Loved walking around the old town and the outside of the Cathedral is amazing. We stayed for 3 days and saw everything that we wanted to see. Lots of great places to eat and reasonable prices. It is slightly hilly but that suited us.

Karen
Karen United Kingdom

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