Things to do in Santiago de Compostela

Top Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela, Spain - Santiago de Compostela Attractions

Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela


From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Santiago de Compostela

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • 27philip
    Greenwich, UK46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really attractive cathedral believed by Catholics to be the final resting place of St James. Don’t miss the Portico of Glory, well worth seeing, very impressive with much of the original medieval paintwork still there!
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jan S
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We used Walks in Spain as the tour operator to arrange our pilgrimage on the Camino. We couldn't have been happier! There was a group of seven of us, and we had many questions prior to going on the trip. Paul answered all of them patiently and quickly. We received wonderful maps and guides to help us along the way, including points of interest and recommended places to eat. The accommodations we stayed in were all fantastic, ranging from the simple to the deluxe (we had asked for a variety, and Paul definitely came through). He has relationships with each of the proprietors, and we were welcomed into each location. We met other pilgrims who were also walking using Walks in Spain, and without exception, they all sang its praises. And I don't want to forget to mention the food - magnificent! And Paul was available day and night to help us with any questions along the way. A fantastic and life-changing experience. I definitely recommend walking the Camino, and I also definitely recommend using Walks in Spain. An unforgettable experience!
    Written 13 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sally B
    Winchester, UK8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely place to see all the Camino pilgrims arriving. It was clean and busy! Easy to find you can enter at each end of the square
    Written 27 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, UK179,691 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Botafumeiro is a famous censer in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and hangs from the ceiling just in front of the high altar. The Botafumeiro is one of the largest censers in the world, weighing 80 kg. For certain important religious occasions, it is swung on the rope to dispense incense around the cathedral. We were fortunate enough to see the censer, but not the ceremony.
    Written 21 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rose B
    Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This City is just about the nicest place you could visit. its so clean the people are so friendly . the food was out of this world everywhere we ate. its full of culture and the music everywhere is so beautiful whether you walking down the street or in a pub/ restaurant its everywhere and very good musicians.
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ksufan88
    Wichita, KS5,459 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This monastery is located next to the Santiago Cathedral and was recommended to us by our local guide. The guided tours are supposed to be fantastic (and are the only way to see the cloisters), but are only done in Spanish so we opted to walk around on our own. The baroque altars were fabulous and we were amazed at the three dimensional decorations all around the main altar. Be sure to walk behind the main altar to check out the intricately carved wooden choir stalls. In addition to the baroque church with its many side altars you have access to other areas to view the antique printing presses and the very detailed stamps used to make the book pages. We were so glad we took this tour!
    Written 2 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • melendz
    Houston, TX460 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful urban park in the middle of Santiago de Compostela. There are many tree lined trails, some paved and some gravel. There is a lookout point with a nice view of the Cathedral.
    Written 7 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jbinnacle
    77 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum itself is not that impressive, but the building in which you can see it is. It features a triple-helix staircase that you can climb to get to the different floors, and a fantastic Gothic church.
    Written 3 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve D
    Singapore62 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This iconic hotel is a real treat, and one of the Paradors that helped to make my Camino experience unforgettable. The location right on the plaza in front of the Cathedral makes for a terriffic backdrop and a memorable way to comemorate my completion of the Camino Frances.
    Written 15 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ksufan88
    Wichita, KS5,459 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This intricately carved archway and columns is located at the back of the Santiago Cathedral, but is roped off and cannot be viewed without a separate ticket for a specific time so as to limit the number of visitors. We purchased our ticket at the cathedral museum office and only had to wait about 20 minutes for our time slot. We showed up about 5 minutes early and were allowed in since you have to walk through an exhibit about the sculptor and architect, Mateo, before you reach the carved gate. The museum gave us a brochure that described each set of sculptures which was very helpful.
    Written 2 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dianne A
    Liberty Lake, WA56 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I enjoyed the museum and gained knowledge about the history of the Camino. There was some information about how pilgrims have changed over the years but would have liked a little more in this regard. But definitely worth spending some time here.
    Written 25 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark L
    Evans, GA507 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Make reservations for the tower and the facade. Otherwise the museum is pretty good with lots of old robes and chalices etc to see. tells you about the construction as well
    Written 7 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santiago de Compostela