Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela After the Camino

Santiago de Compostela welcomes you with a powerful mix of history, culture, and flavor. This UNESCO-listed treasure in the heart of Galicia brims with things to do, from exploring hidden corners of its medieval streets to savoring octopus sprinkled with paprika in a buzzing local eatery. It’s also a surprising hotspot for wine tasting tours in Galicia, where you can sip your way through some of the region’s best Albariños and Mencías. Anchored by the awe-inspiring Cathedral de Santiago, this city is far more than the end of a pilgrimage, it’s the beginning of your Galician journey.

Best things to do in Santiago de Compostela

Visit the iconic Cathedral de Santiago and see the Botafumeiro

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela isn’t just a landmark, it’s the grand finale for thousands of pilgrims who’ve walked the Camino. Step into Praza do Obradoiro and feel the emotion rise as the cathedral’s majestic Baroque towers greet you like old friends. Inside, don’t miss the crypt where Saint James is believed to be buried, or the Holy Door, which only opens during Holy Years. And if you time it right, you might witness the iconic Botafumeiro in action, an enormous incense burner swinging high through the nave, filling the air with centuries of tradition and a hint of mystery.

Stroll to Praza do Obradoiro and admire the Portico of Glory

Plaza del Obradoiro is the vibrant soul of Santiago de Compostela, where history, art, and emotion collide. This iconic square is home not only to the awe-inspiring Cathedral but also to the luxurious Hostal dos Reis Católicos, originally built as a royal hospital for weary pilgrims. While you’re here, step inside the Cathedral to admire the recently restored Pórtico da Gloria, a jaw-dropping 12th-century Romanesque sculpture that still stuns visitors with its intricate detail and spiritual power.

Explore the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario

Just around the corner from the Cathedral, the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario is your peaceful escape from the pilgrim-packed Praza. This massive baroque masterpiece is the second-largest monastery in Spain and is seriously underrated. Step inside to find golden altars, intricate wood carvings, and a tranquil cloister that feels a world away from the city’s buzz.

Stroll through Alameda Park for the best views

Alameda Park is where Santiago slows down. Just a short stroll from the old town, it’s the go-to spot for catching that perfect postcard view of the Cathedral, especially during golden hour when the towers glow. Grab a bench, listen to street musicians, watch kids play, and spot pilgrims soaking in their final moments of the journey. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of heart, an ideal place to pause, breathe, and take it all in.

Wander the Mercado de Abastos like a local

Calling all food lovers! Santiago de Compostela’s Mercado de Abastos is a must-visit, second only to the Cathedral in popularity. This bustling market is a feast for the senses, overflowing with fresh Galician seafood, artisan cheeses, prime cuts of meat, and colorful local produce. One of the coolest experiences? Pick your favorite ingredients and have them cooked on-site by nearby stalls.

Walk the old Town’s Rúa do Franco

Calling all food lovers! The Mercado de Abastos is Santiago de Compostela’s second most visited spot after the Cathedral, and for good reason. This buzzing market is a paradise of Galician flavors, from just-caught seafood and artisan cheeses to farm-fresh produce and cured meats. The best part? Pick your ingredients and have them cooked on the spot at one of the market’s cozy eateries. It doesn’t get more local, fresh, or delicious than this. Come hungry!

Admire traditions at Museo do Pobo Galego

Set inside the former Convent of San Domingos de Bonaval, the Museum of the Galician People (Museo do Pobo Galego) is your go-to stop for getting to know Galicia beyond the clichés. From traditional costumes and folk dances to historic tools and local architecture, it’s a vibrant tribute to the region’s cultural identity. And don’t leave without climbing the iconic triple spiral staircase, an architectural gem that’s just as fascinating as the exhibits themselves.

Join the Camino de Santiago

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Walk the Camino de Santiago and experience one of Europe’s most legendary routes. You can start in France, Portugal, or right here in Galicia, each step brings you through postcard-perfect villages, forested trails, ancient churches, and welcoming cafés. Along the way, you’ll meet fellow travelers, share stories, and discover just how powerful walking can be. The path ends at the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, but the memories and friendships stay with you long after.

Best Things to Do Around Santiago de Compostela

Explore the wine trails of Rías Baixas

Less than 1.5 hours south of Santiago de Compostela, the coastal paradise of Rías Baixas is a dream come true for wine lovers. This lush Galician region is the homeland of Albariño, crisp, aromatic, and made to pair with the sea. As you explore, you’ll weave between vineyard-covered hills, charming fishing villages, and family-run wineries ready to pour you a glass. It’s the perfect way to unwind after your Camino journey or to treat yourself to a flavorful escape from the city. Think fresh seafood, medieval streets, and sunlit wine tastings with a view.

Wander in the pilgrimage town of Padrón

30 minutes from Santiago de Compostela by renting a car or train, Padrón is a must-visit stop steeped in legend and local flavor. This riverside town is believed to be the first landing place of Saint James’ remains in Galicia, giving it a special place in the Camino’s story. Wander the cobbled streets, explore the Church of Santiago, and learn about the life of poet Rosalía de Castro, who was born here. And of course, don’t leave without tasting the town’s famous green Padrón peppers, small, salty, and occasionally spicy. It’s a quick, cultural escape from Santiago that packs a punch.

Drive to Pontevedra

Craving a change of pace from Santiago de Compostela? Head 35 miles south to Pontevedra, a walkable gem where time slows down and Galician charm takes over. With its car-free old town, elegant granite buildings, and leafy squares, it’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs and soak in authentic local life. Grab a table under the arcades, sip a glass of Albariño, and enjoy the laid-back rhythm of a town that knows how to live well, no cathedral crowds, just pure coastal character.

Check out our guide for insider tips and the best things to do in Pontevedra!

Visit the towering cliffs of Finisterre

About 90 minutes from Santiago de Compostela, Finisterre (Fisterra in Galician) is the dramatic, windswept finale to many pilgrims’ journeys. Once believed to be the “end of the world,” this rugged coastal village is where the Camino meets the sea. The lighthouse, perched on a cliff high above the Atlantic, is a must-visit, especially at sunset, when the horizon glows gold and orange. Many pilgrims leave a scallop shell or memento here, marking the emotional end of their walk. Even if you didn’t hike the Camino, Finisterre offers one of the most unforgettable views in Galicia.

Walk to Cambados

Just over an hour from Santiago de Compostela, Cambados is a must for wine and culture seekers. This seaside gem, often called the capital of Albariño, is steeped in tradition and charm. Wander through its cobbled streets, admire noble manor houses like the Pazo de Fefiñáns, and soak up the atmosphere in its iconic square. Here, wine isn’t just a drink, it’s a way of life.

Tour the terraces of the Ribeira Sacra

Tucked into the dramatic canyons carved by the Sil and Miño rivers, the Ribeira Sacra is home to some of the most spectacular vineyard terraces in all of Spain. Touring this magical landscape means winding roads, centuries-old monasteries perched on cliffs, and rows of vines clinging to impossibly steep slopes. This is where heroic viticulture meets pure natural beauty. Hop on a boat for a river cruise or hike through the ancient trails to see the terraces up close. And of course, don’t miss the wine, this is the birthplace of some of Galicia’s boldest reds and most expressive whites.

Good to Know before visiting Santiago de Compostela