Santiago Local Attractions

The oldest streets in Santiago de la Compostela are Rúas Franco, Vilar and Nova which date back to the 12th century. Nearby you will find the Romanesque church of San Fiz de Slovio and the Baroque church of San Agustín.

In the centre of the city of Santiago de Compostela is the Plaza del Obradoiro, which has several monuments, including the Cathedral with a baroque façade and the Portico de la Gloria Romanesque doorway from the original building created by Master Mateo in the twelfth century. Once inside the Cathedral it is traditional to bump your head on the figure of its creator to gain prudence and wisdom. Another tradition is the waving of a huge incense holder, "El Botafumeiro" in the main transept. The Plaza Quintana, Plaza Azabachería and Plaza de Platerías surround the various doors and façades of the Cathedral.

Without going far from the city centre you can visit the Museum in the Collegiate Church of Sar, the Museum of the Galician People (in the Convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval), the Pilgrimage Museum and the Galician Centre of Contemporary Art.

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Santiago Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We have written an Area Guide to Santiago which contains information on Santiago local attractions, golf courses in Santiago, the best places to shop in Santiago, Santiago market days and where the best Santiago beaches are. We have also included a list of recommended Santiago restaurants.