What to do in Santiago de Compostela in 2025
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What to do in Santiago de Compostela in 2025
Santiago de Compostela is a city full of history, culture, and spirituality. Known as the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago, this Galician gem offers much more than just pilgrimage. In 2025, the city will continue to be a landmark for travelers from all over the world seeking an authentic experience. From its impressive architecture to its exquisite gastronomy, here we share five must-do activities to enjoy in Santiago de Compostela and its surroundings. Additionally, you’ll discover some lesser-known secrets that will make your visit even more special.
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Finisterre, Muxía, Costa da Morte
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Explore the Old Town of Santiago
The old town of Santiago is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets full of charm and tradition. Strolling through its squares, such as the iconic Praza do Obradoiro, will transport you back in time, offering views of historic buildings and magical corners. The stone facades and arcades create a unique atmosphere that has fascinated travelers for centuries.
On your journey, you can visit the Praza da Quintana, a space full of symbolism, divided into the “Quintana de los Vivos” (Square of the Living) and the “Quintana de los Muertos” (Square of the Dead), with stories of legends and pilgrims. The Praza de Cervantes and Rúa do Vilar are other must-see stops, where you can enjoy Baroque architecture and discover small craft shops and local products.
Don’t miss Rúa do Franco, ideal for discovering the essence of the city and enjoying its unique atmosphere. To learn all the secrets of these places, there are guided tours available, including the free tour, which allows you to delve into the history and curiosities of Santiago’s old town for free, offering a more accessible and enriching experience.
Visit the Cathedral and its museums
The Cathedral of Santiago is the heart of the city and an unmissable site for any visitor. Its grandeur can be seen from any angle, and its significance transcends the history of Galicia. The Obradoiro façade, with its characteristic Baroque style, is an iconic image that represents the end of the Camino de Santiago.
Once inside, you cannot miss the impressive Pórtico de Gloria, a masterpiece of Romanesque art that has been recently restored to recover its original splendor. Another of the most exciting moments is the Botafumeiro ceremony, the giant censer that swings across the central nave of the Cathedral on special occasions.
To delve even further into the history and art of the Cathedral, you can visit its museums, where you’ll find exhibitions of relics, medieval codices, and objects of great historical value. Additionally, access to the Cathedral’s rooftops offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the city, allowing you to appreciate its beauty from a unique perspective.
Read also: WEEKEND IN SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Enjoy a tapas and typical dishes tour
Galician cuisine is one of the best in Spain, and Santiago offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants where you can sample its delights. A tapas tour is the best way to taste typical dishes such as pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), empanadas, and pimientos de Padrón (Padron peppers).
Tapas in Santiago is a tradition that allows you to try various specialties in small portions. At places like O Gato Negro or Abastos 2.0, you can enjoy a unique experience with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of Albariño or Ribeiro wine, two of Galicia’s most emblematic wines.
Many travelers choose to visit different bars to try the variety of tapas the city offers, thus enjoying an authentic gastronomic experience.
Wine and Cheese Tasting in Santiago
Santiago de Compostela is the ideal place to enjoy a wine and cheese tasting, a unique experience that highlights the richness of local gastronomy. Galicia is famous for its Albariño, a fresh and fruity wine that pairs perfectly with seafood, as well as other exceptional wines like Ribeiro and Godello.
Regarding cheeses, the famous tetilla cheese stands out, with its mild flavor and characteristic conical shape, as well as San Simón da Costa, slightly smoked. Many wineries and establishments in Santiago offer guided tastings, where local experts teach you to appreciate the nuances of these products and how to combine them to enhance their flavors. This experience not only allows you to better understand Galician wines and cheeses, but also enjoy an authentic immersion in the region’s culinary culture.
Read also: SANTIAGO AND THE BEST GREEN AREAS
Queimada show
The Queimada show is one of the most representative traditions of Galicia and a unique experience that you cannot miss in Santiago. Queimada is an alcoholic drink made with aguardiente, sugar, lemon, and coffee, prepared in a special ritual full of magic and symbolism. During its preparation, the mixture is set on fire, creating an impressive visual spectacle.
While it burns, an ancient Galician incantation is recited, supposedly to drive away bad spirits and ensure good luck. This ritual is usually performed in bars and restaurants in Santiago de Compostela, where visitors can enjoy this tradition in a festive atmosphere full of history.
Excursion to Finisterre: the end of the world
If you have time, an excursion to Finisterre is an unbeatable option. Known as “the end of the world” in ancient times, this place offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and a mystical atmosphere that has attracted travelers for centuries.
At Cabo Finisterre, you can see the famous sunset that the ancient Celts considered a sacred spectacle. You can also visit Langosteira beach, one of the most beautiful in the area, perfect for strolling and relaxing.
In addition to Finisterre, the Costa da Morte is full of stunning spots like the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Barca in Muxía and the cliffs of Ézaro, offering an unforgettable journey for nature and history lovers.
Conclusion
Santiago de Compostela has it all: history, gastronomy, and nature. Whether you’re exploring its historic center, visiting the majestic Cathedral, or tasting its typical dishes, every corner of the city offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Moreover, its surroundings, like Finisterre, are full of history and stunning landscapes, perfect for nature lovers.
For those who wish to learn more about the city and its rich culture, Galicia Travels offers the opportunity to experience complete, guided tours by local experts. This agency, with years of experience, organizes tours that allow you to uncover the secrets of Santiago and its surroundings in an authentic and personalized way.