Things To Do
in Santiago de Compostela

Sliced octopus seasoned with smoked paprika, sea salt and olive oil, traditionally served over boiled potatoes — try it at market stalls and pulpeiras around the city.

Must-Try!

A savory baked pie filled with tuna, meat, or vegetables; commonly sold at bakeries and the Mercado de Abastos for takeaway.

An almond cake marked with the Cross of Saint James, available in cafés and bakeries across the old town — a classic Galician dessert.

Fresh scallops, clams, mussels and razor clams from the Rías Baixas — best sampled at seafood restaurants and shellfish stalls.

The city’s lively food market where locals buy fish, meat, vegetables and tapas; small stalls serve fresh octopus, oysters and tapas at affordable prices.

Streets with clusters of tapas bars offering pinchos, small seafood plates and regional wines — good for an evening tapas crawl.

A polite 'Hola' or 'Bos días' (Galician) and a handshake or light kiss on both cheeks among friends is common; use formal titles with older people initially.

The city is a pilgrimage destination—maintain a respectful tone in sacred spaces, avoid loud behavior inside the cathedral and be mindful of crowds of pilgrims.

Meals tend to start later than in northern Europe — lunch often around 14:00 and dinner from 21:00; shops may close in the afternoon in smaller towns.

Recycling is taken seriously; Galicians are proud of local language and culture—attempting a few phrases in Galician is appreciated.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up small amounts in cafés, leave 5–10% in restaurants for good service, and tip taxi drivers or guides modestly. Many establishments include a service charge but check the bill.

Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, and contactless payments are common. Carry some cash for market stalls, small cafés and rural areas; ATMs are readily available.

Mild temperatures and blooming greenery make it ideal for walking and photography; occasional rain is likely, so pack a light waterproof jacket and layers.

Warm but rarely extreme heat compared with inland Spain; high season brings more tourists and festivals (e.g., Holy Year events), so book accommodation early and expect crowded cathedral areas.

Crisp air, wet days and beautiful autumn foliage in surrounding hills; it's harvest season for local wines and seafood tastes great — shoulder-season crowds and good value.

Cool, wet and occasionally windy with shorter daylight; the city is quieter, hotels may be cheaper, and the cozy tavern scene is atmospheric, but bring waterproof gear and sturdy shoes for slippery stone streets.

A short, easy hike with monuments commemorating pilgrims and panoramic views back toward Santiago; historically the first sighting point of the cathedral.

An Atlantic-forest reserve offering a network of trails through ancient woodlands, rivers and waterfalls — ideal for full-day nature hikes (about 1–1.5 hours away).

Well-marked walking routes through rolling countryside and small villages leading into Santiago — choose sections from nearby towns for half-day or multi-day hikes.

Dramatic seaside trails with cliffs, lighthouses and fishing villages; best for experienced hikers and as a day trip from Santiago.

Long-time residents with strong regional identity, speaking Galician and Spanish; older generations are prominent in smaller communities.

A sizeable student population from the University of Santiago de Compostela brings a youthful energy, cafes and budget-friendly options.

International and domestic pilgrims arrive year-round on the Camino, creating a transient but vibrant community focused on shared journeys.

Visitors from across Europe and beyond, peaking in summer and religious festival years; numbers influence services and seasonal offerings.

Football is widely followed in Galicia; nearby professional clubs have strong local followings and community football is popular.

While Santiago is inland, Galicia’s Atlantic coast is a major surfing area—day trips to coastal beaches allow surfing and lessons for visitors.

Outdoor walking, hiking and trail running are extremely popular due to the Camino routes, coastal paths and forest reserves.

Road cycling and mountain biking are common with varied terrain from coastal flats to hilly inland routes; bicycle rentals are available for touring.

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared to seafood dishes; markets, many tapas bars and modern restaurants can prepare vegetable stews, empanadas with vegetable fillings and salads. Ask for 'sin carne' and look for restaurants with vegetarian menus.

Vegan choices exist mainly in cafes and newer, health-conscious restaurants; communication helps (use phrases like 'soy vegano/a'). Grocery stores sell plant-based staples, but mention restrictions when ordering traditional dishes.

Gluten-free bread and options are increasingly available, but cross-contamination in bakeries and tapas bars is possible. Inform staff ('sin gluten') and prefer restaurants that advertise gluten-free menus.

Seafood is prominent—always state allergies clearly and consider carrying an allergy card in Spanish/Galician describing ingredients to avoid.