We know that there are thousands of pilgrims who arrive each year to Santiago de Compostela attracted by the Camino de Santiago, by its legend and by that mystical spirit that seems to surround everything Galician. But not everyone takes advantage of their stay in Santiago as they should. And is that this small northern city has many things to offer, in addition, of course, its beautiful cathedral and Galician culture.
Si vas a visit Santiago de CompostelaEither out of devotion to the Camino de Santiago, or because it is a place that you want to see, do not miss these things to do in Santiago. Sure there are many more, but everyone should take advantage of every corner of this beautiful city and all it has to offer.
See the Cathedral inside and out
If there is one thing that you can never miss when visiting Santiago, it is the Cathedral. Seeing it from the outside and inside, visiting the tomb of the apostle and the figure, seeing the impressive botafumeiros, the great organ and the details in every corner without going with guides, just enjoying the moment, is a great experience. Do not miss the store inside and also the Cathedral Museum. In addition, there is the possibility of climbing to the top, where we will have spectacular views of the city. Also seeing the Torre de la Berenguela, the figures of the Pórtico de la Gloria or the Plaza de la Quintana are essential when visiting the cathedral.
Enjoy shopping at the souvenir shops
There are many souvenir shops in the old town area. Many small shops that have become a place to sell souvenirs for the many tourists who walk there after seeing the cathedral and entering it. So do not hesitate to enter them and have fun with the many ideas to take home as souvenirs.
Get lost in the old town
The old area of Santiago de Compostela undoubtedly has a charm hard to match. The stone, the thousands of stories that were lived in it, that authentic touch that we love. Wandering aimlessly through the old town area can lead us to discover beautiful corners, new shops or very interesting things, such as the original street artists.
Try Galician seafood and typical dishes
In the Rua do Franco You will find many restaurants with quite competitive prices to be able to have delicious dishes without spending too much. However, if you want to try its rich seafood, it will be a bit more expensive, although it is undoubtedly another of the recommended experiences. You will have many restaurants to choose from, some more modern in appearance, others more traditional, and among them many tapas bars where you can stop until you decide.
Buy products at the food market
El mercado de abastos It is one of the most visited places in Santiago. And it is that nothing can match the delicious Galician gastronomy, and if we can also find natural and local products in a typical market, this becomes an essential visit. We will see from the most delicious fish in the estuaries to seafood or fruits and some typical delicacies such as Galician cheeses or vegetables.
Enjoy the views at Monte do Gozo
Monte do Gozo is the last stop that is usually made before entering Santiago to enjoy the end of the road. The views of the city are spectacular, and on the mountain we will find one of the pilgrims figures most photographed and famous, and a symbol of the Camino de Santiago. There are facilities there to facilitate the last day of the pilgrims' journey, to regain strength before reaching the Cathedral of Santiago.
Stroll through the Alameda Park
In Santiago there are landscaped areas and greens quite close. One of the most central is the Alameda Park, where they usually have parties. A place to walk quietly and have great views of the cathedral from a small viewpoint. It is also the place to find the figure of the two o'clock, two famous ladies in Santiago, sisters, who always went together and whose clothes were very peculiar.
Enjoy the rain
Although the weather is not good, it is not a problem here, because they say that in Santiago rain is art. Surely you will agree if you walk on a rainy day through its cobbled old town. The sound, the smells and the stamp of this Galician city will conquer you.
Start the route to the end of the world
Many of those who come to the Camino de Santiago still have a long way to go to the end of the world, that is, to Finisterre. It has become a tradition to walk until Cape Finisterre to leave the boots we use on the road there, although not everyone has the strength to do so. Without a doubt reaching what the Romans considered the end of the world is well worth the effort.