Before you go

Your trip to Santiago de Compostela.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Santiago de Compostela – Galicia Destination Santiago de Compostela and Galícia Capital

How to get there

  • Aeropuerto de Santiago-Rosalía de Castro (SCQ) Lavacolla · 12 km
  • Estación de Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao 1 km
  • Estación de Autobuses de Santiago de Compostela 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before buying. Rosalía de Castro airport is 12 km away, with a bus to the center in about 30 minutes. From Madri, the high-speed train takes about 3h30; from Vigo, about 1 hour; from Corunha, about 30 minutes. The train station is 1 km from the cathedral.

How many days

Two days are enough for the cathedral with the museum and the roofs, the old quarter, the Mercado de Abastos, the Alameda and the Museo do Pobo Galego. With a third day you can include the Cidade da Cultura and an excursion to Finisterra or the Rías Baixas.

When to go

From June to September it usually rains less, and July brings the Feast of the Apostle, with the city crowded. May and October are good to avoid crowds, with more rain. In winter, it rains frequently and it is cold. The cathedral holds pilgrim masses year-round.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The old quarter is pedestrian and is explored on foot, and city buses connect the station, the airport and the Cidade da Cultura. A car is only useful for Finisterra and the rias; parking near the center is difficult.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Santiago de Compostela
  1. Morning
    Cathedral

    Enter the cathedral early, see the Pórtico da Glória by timed visit, the tomb of the apostle and the embrace of the image of Santiago.

  2. Afternoon
    Market and old quarter

    Have lunch near the Mercado de Abastos and walk through the streets do Franco, Nova and Vilar, with granite arcades.

  3. Late afternoon
    Obradoiro

    Late afternoon at the Praza do Obradoiro, watching the pilgrims arrive and the light on the baroque façade.

  4. Evening
    Alameda

    Walk to the Paseo da Ferradura, in the Alameda, to see the cathedral lit up, and have dinner on the Rúa do Franco.

2 days in Santiago de Compostela

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Cathedral and Pórtico

    Cathedral with the Pórtico da Glória and the pilgrim mass, if you want to see the Botafumeiro on days when it is used.

  2. Afternoon
    Mercado de Abastos

    Have lunch at the market, where some counters prepare on the spot what is bought at the stalls.

  3. Late afternoon
    San Martiño Pinario

    Mosteiro de San Martiño Pinario and the plazas of Inmaculada and Quintana.

  4. Evening
    Rúa do Franco

    Octopus and wine in the taverns of Rúa do Franco.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Rooftops

    Guided visit to the cathedral's rooftops, walking on the stone roof.

  2. Afternoon
    Pobo Galego

    Museo do Pobo Galego, with the triple staircase by Domingo de Andrade, and the Bonaval park beside it.

  3. Late afternoon
    Cidade da Cultura

    Bus to Monte Gaiás to see the buildings by Peter Eisenman and the view over the city.

  4. Evening
    Alameda and farewell

    Sunset at Paseo da Ferradura and dinner in the old town.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Santiago airport to the city center?

There are buses from the airport to the old town and the train station in about 30 minutes, with frequent departures. Taxis wait at the terminal exit.

When is the Botafumeiro used?

At masses for religious feasts and on dates set by the cathedral, as well as at ceremonies arranged by groups. There is no guarantee of seeing it on an ordinary day; check the cathedral's calendar.

What is the Compostela?

The certificate issued by the Pilgrim's Office to those who walk at least the last 100 km of the Way, or 200 km by bicycle, with their credential stamped.

Where to eat in Santiago?

On Rúa do Franco and Rúa da Raíña, with taverns serving octopus and seafood, and at the Mercado de Abastos. The Torta de Santiago, made with almonds, is the city's signature dessert.

Is Santiago good to visit if you're not a pilgrim?

Yes. The cathedral, the historic center, the museums, the market and the student nightlife appeal to any traveler.

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