Firstly, I think that somewhere as charming as Santiago de Compostela deserves far more than just one day. But as it turned out, Santiago is a well known end point of the famous long-distance walking route, El Camino de Santiago, and therefore many travellers arrive with just that, a day to spare.
From sampling quintessential Galician flavours and the fragrant Albariño wines to exploring the winding old town streets and soaking in rooftop views, we loved our time in Santiago de Compostela. But, for all those that visit the wonderful city without much time to spare, here’s how to spend one perfect day in Santiago de Compostela.
Start with breakfast at Cafe Tertulia
There are some fantastic places to eat in Santiago de Compostela, but we began our days there in the quaint Cafe Tertulia. Combining a wide range of sweet and savoury dishes with excellent coffee, this bustling café is an ideal place to fuel up on a hearty breakfast washed down with a café con leche. Just a five-minute walk from the old town, be sure to enjoy the outdoor terrace which is a great spot for people watching.
Explore the UNESCO protected Casco Historico
After breakfast the next port of call is the winding narrow streets of the Casco Historico. The immaculately well-preserved medieval buildings, magnificent stone facades and countess tabernas made this historic neighbourhood a place we couldn’t wait to get lost in.
Cosy alleyways open up to reveal hidden plazas and come evening the city comes alive with people spilling from tapas bars into enlivened streets.
Marvel at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Soaring high above an undulating sea of red brick rooftops, Santiago’s centuries old Cathedral is unquestionably the city’s grand heart. A visit to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is easily one of the best things to do in the city. In fact, for some, it’s their entire reason for visiting.
One of the most important religious structures in Spain, for more than a thousand years it has marked the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, a 500 mile trek across the Spanish countryside.
Although its construction began in 1075, the cathedral is a dazzling array of different architectural styles and add-ons from throughout the centuries including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Plateresque and Neoclassical extensions.
The western obradoiro façade, is perhaps its most impressive, revealing ornate bell towers adorned with a magnificent jumble of sculpture.
By venturing inside the doors of the cathedral, you will be rewarded by spectacular rooftop views and beautiful, silent cloisters.
Entry to the cathedral is available all year round, from 9 am to 7 pm. Museum tickets can be bought in combination with a number of other activities – see this site for further details.
Check out Praza do Obradoiro
Back at ground level, the old town’s main square, Praza do Obradoiro, is an unrivalled place to admire the cathedral’s western façade. The square itself is paved with cobblestones, flanked on all sides by impressive buildings and a hub of activity for pilgrims, locals and tourists alike.
If you’re staring too feel peckish, there are plenty of restaurants scattered in the winding cobblestone streets of the old town. Some of them are pretty touristy, but you can’t really beat the location.
Relax in Alameda Park
To help cast off your post-lunch haze, head across town to tranquil Alameda Park, one of the city’s oldest parks and an excellent place for an afternoon stroll.
Here you can relax in the green space, observe the monuments and soak in some of the very best views of the historic town centre and the cathedral rising over the city skyline.
Wine and Dine
When exploring one of Spain’s premier wine regions, with fresh seafood from the cold waters of the Cantabrian Sea listed on practically every menu, how could a perfect day in Santiago de Compostela not end with a crisp glass of Albariño and a hearty portion of Pulpo a la gallega? Traditionally served boiled to perfection then lightly sprinkled with sea salt and Spanish paprika, the Galicians sure know how to do octopus.
Don’t leave Santiago without trying Pimientos de pardon,small green peppers dubbed the Russian roulette of tapas: most are mild but one in about twenty are just the opposite!
With an excellent food scene that has blossomed across the city, choose a taps bar and nestle in for a final bite in this beautiful city.
Our favourite? Restaurant O Curro da Parra, where you’ll find delicious, thoughtfully created Galician market cuisine.
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