Santiago de Compostela in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Founded in medieval times, in approximately 820, the origins of Santiago de Compostela are closely linked to the religious tradition of Christianity despite the different cultures and peoples that may have occupied these lands.

The remains of the apostle St. James the Greater were found there, marking this iconic city as the end point of the Camino de Santiago; one of the most important pilgrimages of Christianity. On a 3-day itinerary through Santiago de Compostela you can enjoy history, architecture, art and nature.

I recommend spending the first day exploring the pilgrim city of Santiago exploring the ancient and magnificent monuments of the Old Town.

Filled with cobblestone streets, quaint cafes and monumental architecture, getting lost in the streets of Santiago is a real treat for the senses.

Explore the pretty Plaza de las Platerías

Start the route early by exploring one of the city's most important historical landmarks: the Plaza de las Platerías. This place owes its name to its close link with the Cathedral of Santiago, as this was the exit door used by pilgrims. It was the goldsmiths of the Middle Ages who gave the name "silversmiths" to the place.

From this square you can see the south façade of the Cathedral in its maximum splendour. If you want to take photos of the Cathedral, this place offers an excellent location.

Take a tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Visiting the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the most impressive architectural work of the city, is absolutely essential. For this reason, I recommend you visit it on the first day and on one of the first tours. You'll be amazed! And if you want to make sure you know all the details, don't hesitate to book a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. You won't regret it!

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is one of the most important religious temples in Catholicism, which is why no resources were spared during its construction. A guided tour in the company of an expert historian who will explain all its secrets is the best way to see it.

The work began in 1075 under the reign of Alfonso VI. Over time, it underwent modifications and alterations that gave rise to a monument that mixes different architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Plateresque and Neoclassical.

• Opening hours: The religious temple is open to the public from 7 am to 8.30 pm.
• Entry fee: The guided tour is available for €20 and includes entry to all areas.
• Duration of the visit: At least 2 hours are required to visit the church and the Cathedral Museum.

Get to know the Monastery of San Paio de Antealtares

Built in the 11th century by order of Alfonso II, this place was designed as a home for the Benedictine monks who had the important mission of looking after the remains of the Apostle St. James. The Monastery is just a short walk from the Cathedral, so it is perfect to visit when you leave it.

Besides the historical context, it is worth a visit to San Paio de Antealtares to admire the impressive baroque details of its architecture and its multiple reconstructions over the centuries.

Today, the site also houses the Museum of Sacred Art, where religious-themed works of art are also exhibited.

• Opening hours: Open to the public from Monday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 1.30pm and from 4pm to 7pm.
• Entry fee: The entrance ticket to the museum costs around €2.
• Duration of visit: Reserve 1 hour of your itinerary for this tour.

Tour of the Obradoiro Square

All tours of the old town of Santiago must at some point lead to the Plaza del Obradoiro. Considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world, you are sure to be impressed by its sheer size.

Surrounded by some of Santiago's most emblematic buildings, it is the city's main square. For this reason, numerous celebrations are held here throughout the year, many of a religious nature and others of a more playful and festive nature.

My advice is that, during your 3-day stay in the city, you should try to get to the Plaza del Obradoiro at dusk to enjoy the charm of Santiago de Compostela at night.

Get to know the Royal Hospital of Santiago de Compostela

Next to the Plaza de Obradoiro you will be able to visit another of the most iconic sights of Santiago de Compostela: the Hostal dos Reyes Católicos, a building designed in the Plateresque style. This style is an architectural expression exclusive to certain towns in Spain that mixes influences from late Gothic and early Renaissance.

Its construction was ordered in 1501 by the Catholic Monarchs as a hospital for sick pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The building has an intricate façade full of impressive details including numerous carved figures designed by French architects.

Today, the luxurious Hotel Parador operates here and guided tours are organised in the city with prior reservation. Highly recommended!

• Timetable: The timetable of the tours may vary depending on the service provider.
• Entrance fee: Around €12 per participant.
• Duration of tour: The tour of the facilities usually takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Visit the Monastery of San Martín Pinario

The next recommended stop is practically opposite the Hotel Parador, just a few minutes' walk away. The Monastery of San Martín Pinario, one of the most important works of Galician Baroque, second only to the impressive Cathedral.

In addition to the monastery, in the architectural complex you will find a church and a small museum. The baroque interiors of San Martín Pinario are impressive.

The site is available for guided tours, with two tours in the morning and two tours in the afternoon. These start from 11am. If you would like to take a guided tour, I recommend contacting the website a few days before your trip.

• Opening hours: The regular opening hours are from 10am to 8pm, except on Tuesdays when it closes at 3pm.
• Entrance fee: From €5 per participant.
• Duration of visit: I recommend booking 1 hour and 30 minutes to tour the complex.

Walk around the Alameda Park

After spending the day among art, architecture and emblematic monuments, I recommend you head southwest of the old town to visit the Alameda Park. From your location in the San Martín Monastery, the walk takes just 10 minutes and you'll discover new areas in the heart of Santiago.

Once you reach the Alameda, you'll find an impressive green lung, both in size and in the variety of vegetation and spaces. Enjoy some fresh air, recharge your batteries and visit the sculpture of As Maria; the most photographed attraction in Santiago after the Cathedral.

• Opening hours: Open 24 hours.
• Price: Free for all the public.
• Duration of the visit: Touring the park will take about 30-40 minutes.

Wait for the sunset at Miradoiro da Catedral

At the end of the Alameda Park tour you will come across the Miradoiro da Catedra, also known as the Mirador de Alameda. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Santiago de Compostela, due to its privileged location, which offers amazing and unique views of the imposing Santiago Cathedral and the rooftops of the surrounding buildings.

I recommend bringing your camera ready to capture the sunset over the old town of Santiago.

On the second day you will leave the confines of the old town to get to know the surrounding nature of Galicia. You will also explore the market where the locals shop every day.

Arrive at the Mercado de Abastos de Santiago at opening time

Located on the edge of the Old Town is one of the liveliest and most colourful places in Santiago. The charming Mercado de Abastos de Santiago de Compostela. It has been in operation since 1873 and its iconic building is an architectural landmark in the city.

The products sold here come directly from the producers, making the space a favourite shopping spot for locals.

Wake up early on the morning of your second day and enjoy fresh bread, artisan cheese and fresh fruit before continuing your stroll.

• Opening hours: Open to the public from 8am until 3pm.
• Price: Free of charge.
• Duration of visit: As long as you like.

Take the hiking route to the Monte do Pedroso Viewpoint

The Monte Pedroso viewpoint is located at one of the highest points in the city. Its privileged location offers the traveller postcard views of the whole of Santiago. Although it is possible to drive up, the approximately 30 minute walk to the top is well worth the effort.

The views from the viewpoint are marvellous at any time of day, but I advise you to take advantage of the coolness of the morning of your second day to make the route without sweltering.

Getting there is very easy. From your location at the Mercado de Abastos, head to the starting point of the route located at Ponte Asén, in Galeras Park. The initial journey will take you about 10 minutes through the old town in a north-westerly direction.

• Duration: The hiking route to the top of Monte Pedroso takes 30-40 minutes to complete, although I recommend setting aside at least 2 hours for this experience.

Visit the Granell Museum in Pazo de Bendaña

Before finishing your second day of exploration, I recommend you take a moment to visit one of the most beloved buildings in the city: the Pazo de Bendaña, an urban palace in the baroque style of Compostela, built in 1700. The Granell Foundation-Museum is currently housed in this emblematic building

Eugenio Fernández Granell was an artist from Santiago de Compostela, classified as one of the most significant figures of surrealism. He has one of the most diverse art collections, exploring through his life different art forms including painting, drawing, sculpture, poetry and even various essays.

In the Pazo de Bendaña you can enjoy approximately 200 works by the author. If you like surrealism or the avant-garde in general, you should spend some time here in the afternoon.

• Opening hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 11am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm; on Saturdays, from 11am to 2pm. Closed on Sundays, Mondays and national holidays.
• Price: From €2 per person.
• Duration of the visit: Spend 1 hour touring the facilities.

Take a Tapas tour in Santiago

In addition to its fabulous architecture, Santiago de Compostela is a destination worth visiting for its varied and delicious gastronomy. I recommend dedicating the afternoon-evening of your second day to one of the city's most enjoyable adventures, a tapas tour of Santiago.

Numerous local companies organise gastronomic tours of Santiago, taking a small group of travellers around some of the city's best tapas bars. The tour is led by an expert local guide, who in addition to the gastronomic suggestions often tells interesting stories about the places visited.

Tapas culture is in itself a tradition that you can enjoy in almost every city in Spain, and an experience that should not be missed by any of your travelling friends visiting the country.

• Timetable: The gastronomic tours in Santiago take place at different times.
• Price: From €30 per traveller. Please note that the more expensive tours usually include a greater variety of tastings.
• Duration of the visit: Depending on the company you hire, you should set aside approximately 3 hours for this adventure.

As you have seen, there are many things to see and do in Santiago. Having seen the best and highlights, I recommend travellers dedicate their last day to explore one of the greatest treasures of the Galician lands: the Rías Baixas, rated by tourists and locals alike as one of the best excursions from Santiago -

The Rías Baixas tour is offered by several local tour operators, who take the group of travellers on a tour full of iconic sites. Although some places may vary depending on the company you hire, most include the following points in their itinerary: touring the Ría Barosa natural park, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Pontevedra; visiting several wineries, as this area is famous for its good wine, and also visiting some beaches in northern Galicia, such as Playa de las Catedrales.

If your stay in the city extends for longer, another famous visit in the city you should consider is to Finisterre and Costa da Morte from Santiago.

• Timetable: Tours to Rías Baixas leave Santiago early in the morning to make the most of the day.
• Price: From €40 per participant.
• Duration of the tour: Depending on the company you hire and the itinerary, the tour can take between 8 and 10 hours to complete.