Itineraries for Your Trip to Santiago de Compostela
2 Days in Santiago de Compostela for First Timers
The misty mornings and rainy afternoons in Santiago de Compostela contribute to the mystical atmosphere of this UNESCO–listed city, the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Whether I visit following the end of very long, spiritually-inspired walk or take the high-speed train from my home in Madrid, I’m always happy to explore Santiago, where fluffy clouds back the imposing Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and tiny seafood spots and family-owned shops line historic streets. Spending 48 hours in Santiago is an easy way to see the city’s main landmarks, as well as a few key attractions that lie beyond the center. Here’s what to do and see if you have two days in Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago tends to experience overcast and rainy weather, especially during the winter, so pack accordingly.
If you only have time for one thing, walk the streets of the old city, ending at the famous Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
No visit to Santiago is complete without setting foot inside its most popular attraction: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the reported resting place of the apostle St. James. You can enter for free, but a guided tour is the best way to explore all the cathedral’s hidden spots and gain a deeper understanding of its rich history.
The scenic landscapes that lie just beyond Santiago are worth visiting, and the Galician region is known for its wine. A wine tour is an easy way to learn more about (and sample) the area’s most popular varieties, such as Albariño and Ribeiro, while also enjoying the lush rolling hills and vines that line the terrain.
Enjoying evening tapas is a way of life in Santiago, where you can hop from tapas bar to tapas bar, savoring fresh seafood dishes like Galician octopus and razor clams, as well as Padrón peppers and local cheeses. Navigate the bar and restaurant scene independently or take a food tour to experience local spots and discover the background and cultural aspects of traditional Galician cuisine.
Santiago de Compostela isn’t on the coast, but it’s close by. Consider a Santiago day trip to a small peninsula the Romans once called the end of the world: Cape Finisterre. Walking the route is considered a pilgrimage that offers stunning views of the Atlantic; with just two days in Santiago, a guided tour of the area is your best bet.
The historic center of Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting many highlights to discover. Roam through Praterías Square, which sits behind the cathedral, Obradoiro Square, where you’ll see postcard-perfect views of the cathedral, and the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario. A guided walking tour is an easy way to see all the attractions while learning more about Santiago’s history.
Round out your 48-hour visit to Santiago by tasting some of the best wine and cheese in the city. Try cebreiro, often cured in monasteries; tetilla, characterized by its conical shape; and requeixo, which is best sampled with honey. Pair it with different regional wines for the perfect Santiago send-off.
