An Ideal Weekend In Santiago De Compostela

In the extreme west of Spain and within the Autonomous Community of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela gives us its historical, cultural and above all religious riches. It is the arrival point of the most important pilgrimage in Europe and there are the remains of the Apostle Santiago el Mayor. Two days in Santiago de Compostela will be enough to visit the basics … but it is worth the trip.

First day in Santiago de Compostela

We recommend that you start your visit in the historic center, between the streets (streets) and squares. A good idea is to ask for a map at the tourist office so as not to get lost… although sometimes it is so beautiful to get lost in an unknown city. There you can also get an audio guide to learn at every step.

The Cathedral of Santiago, the most important work of Spanish Romanesque art, can be visited at any time, but we advise you to do it at noon, when the pilgrim’s mass begins.

If you want to see the magnificent botafumeiro in operation, you should consult the calendar of liturgical celebrations, because it only lights up a few days a year. In total, 17 laps or cycles are carried out to impregnate the temple with the aroma of incense.

You cannot miss a visit to the roofs of the cathedral, with two routes: the ascent to the roofs and the Archbishop’s Palace of Gelmírez. In the latter is where you access, through narrow stairs. You will be able to see in each step the different stages of the construction of the cathedral (towers, domes, pinnacles) and at the same time enjoy beautiful views of the Plaza del Obradoiro, the roofs of the houses and the mountains in the distance.

By then you will surely have an appetite so we recommend that you taste some of the typical dishes of Santiago : octopus á feira, razor clams, sardines, xoubas, zorza, carne ao caldeiro or Padrón peppers.

With a full stomach (and a happy heart) take a walk through the gardens and parks that surround Compostela and fill it with fresh air. Some of the outstanding options are the San Domingo de Bonaval park, the Alameda park, the Belvís park, Carballeira de San Lourenzo, the Galeras park and the Monte de Almáciga park. They are really very pretty!

The Santo Domingo de Bonaval park also has two museums : the Galician Center for Contemporary Art and the Museo do Pobo Galego (in the former convent and with a beautiful Gothic church). The one in Alameda is perfect to go before dinner because from there the sunset with the silhouette of the cathedral as the protagonist will take your breath away.

If you want to go out at night, go for drinks or tapas, you should know that the city never fully sleeps and you will always find a good place to have a great time. Although if you want to continue the tour the next day, we recommend that you go to bed soon!

Second day in Santiago de Compostela

One of the must-see places in your stay in Santiago is the starting point for the second day: the Mercado de Abastos. It was built in 1941, however its predecessor, called Mercado de la Ciudad, operated for three centuries.

It is ideal to buy fresh local products (especially fish and seafood). The best days to visit it are Thursdays and Saturdays. If you go on Sunday it will be closed but at least you will see its facade and continue on your way.

Nearby is the Faculty of Geography and History and the University of Santiago (with an impressive library). You can enjoy a complete guided tour and go up to the terrace to admire the entire historic city.

For lunch, in the market area you can opt for some Galician cheeses (San Simón, Ulloa, Tetilla, Cebreiro and Arzúa) and some delicious sausages (chorizo ​​and salchichón cannot be missing) accompanied by delicious Galician bread.

In the afternoon you can get on the tourist train to get a completely different view of the city … and not have to keep walking. It lasts 45 minutes and starts from the Plaza del Obradoiro. When you return, do not forget to stop by one of the Galician craft shops where you can buy gastronomic or artisan souvenirs.

Do you still have a little more free time? Then we advise you to go to any of the art galleries (Caixa Galicia, Torrente Ballester and Granell are the best known).