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Santiago de Compostela

TRAVEL GUIDE

Santiago de Compostela

Our travel guide, discover the city 100%

One of the things that makes Galicia famous is undoubtedly its gastronomy: who doesn’t know Galician seafood?

Quality meat and the best seafood in the world…

Traditional Galician dishes:

  • Pulpo a feira – octopus with paprika and olive oil served on a traditional wooden plate. A good octopus eater knows that savoring the octopus is just as important as dipping a piece of good Galician bread in the oil left on the plate;
  • Churrasco – Grilled meat par excellence – pork and beef, seasoned with the famous chimichurri sauce;
  • Fish;
  • Seafood;
  • Empanada – found in all the city’s bakeries. You can find it with meat, cod, tuna, octopus, etc.
  • Raxo – pork marinated with garlic, parsley and olive oil.
  • Zorza – pork marinated with garlic, paprika and olive oil.

Our selection of restaurants:

  • Pulpería Os Concheiros – for octopus a feira and enjoy a typically Galician atmosphere
  • Restaurante Entrerruas – Almost hidden in one of the narrowest streets in the city, you’ll fall in love with its small patio and its warm, friendly customer service.
  • Bar Coruña – Known for its incredible calamari sandwich…
  • Fogar de Santiso – 100% organic Galician produce
  • Mariscomania – in the Plaza de Abastos. Buy your seafood and they’ll cook it for you for just 6 euros per person.

Welcome to Santiago de Compostela! This historic Galician city, famous for being the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, is a place steeped in history, culture, and beauty. Here’s a list of the top attractions you can’t miss during your visit:

1. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral: Undoubtedly the heart of the city. This impressive cathedral, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the Portico of Glory and the tomb of the Apostle Saint James, which attracts thousands of pilgrims each year.

2. Obradoiro Square: This iconic square is the perfect place to admire the cathedral from different angles. Surrounded by historic buildings, such as the Raxoi Palace and the Hotel de los Reyes Católicos, it is an ideal meeting point to soak up the city’s atmosphere.

3. Alameda Park: This beautiful park offers spectacular views of the cathedral and the Old Town. It’s a perfect place to stroll, relax, and enjoy nature. You’ll also find sculptures and gardens that further enhance the surroundings.

4. Old Town: Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where you’ll find picturesque squares, craft shops, and cozy cafes. Don’t forget to visit Plaza de la Quintana and Plaza de la Inmaculada.

5. Museum of the Galician People: Located in the former convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Galician culture and traditions. Here you can explore exhibits on Galician history, music, and crafts.

6. Market: This market is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the local cuisine. Here you’ll find fresh produce, such as seafood, cheeses, and cured meats, as well as bars where you can sample typical Galician tapas.

7. Monastery of San Martín Pinario: This impressive Baroque monastery is a place of great historical and architectural interest. Its church and cloister are true gems worth a visit.

8. Calle del Franco: Known for its bars and restaurants, this street is perfect for enjoying the nightlife and sampling delicious Galician cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some Galician-style octopus or an empanada.

9. Galician Center for Contemporary Art (CGAC): This museum, designed by architect Álvaro Siza, houses a collection of Galician and international contemporary art. It’s an interesting space for modern art lovers.

10. Pazo de Fonseca: This former university palace is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. It currently houses the University of Santiago and is a perfect place to stroll and enjoy its garden.

Santiago de Compostela is a city that combines history, culture, and a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy your visit and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this unique destination!

Santiago is a small city, and parking can sometimes be difficult, especially if you’re new to the city.
Here are some tips for free parking, or almost free parking in Santiago de Compostela, so you can get to the city center without worrying about parking:

  • South Campus: – The University area offers plenty of parking. Leaving your car on campus all morning or afternoon costs approximately €1. Tickets can be issued from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. See on Google Maps.
  • San Clemente hourly parking: – it’s right next to the center, it’s usually busy but if you find a spot there it will be very convenient. It will cost you around €2 for 2 hours. See on Google Maps.
  • Plaza de Galicia Parking: – central parking just a few meters from the cathedral. You can use the app, very useful and also economical. You register and pay through the app directly with your card. Download it here for Android and by clicking here for iOS
  • Streets in the new area: – You can find parking on the main streets of the new area of ​​Santiago (near Plaza de Galicia, etc.), but you have to take into account that the entire area has a forced rotation every 2 hours, so it will depend on how long you want to be in Santiago;
  • Free Parking in Santa Marta: – If you are going to be there all day and don’t feel like paying for parking, a good option is the Santa Marta parking lot, open and free, and from there you can take a city bus for €1 and go up to the center. View in Google Maps.
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