Santiago de Compostela is the finish line for the many different pilgrimage routes of the Camino de Santiago that lead into northwest Spain. Weary pilgrims and long-distance walkers are a common sight, but completing a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is just one of many things to do in Santiago de Compostela. The city’s Old Town offers opportunities to explore the culture and gastronomy of the Galicia region, as do day trips to the Atlantic coast.
Travelers who have walked one of the many pilgrimage routes for the Camino de Santiago begin to arrive at Santiago de Compostela in April and continue to flow through until September. July and August get very hot, and visitor numbers grow. July brings the city’s biggest festival, the Feast of Saint James, a two-week celebration with fireworks, concerts, and cultural events at the end of the month.
Many visitors won’t just be walking to Santiago de Compostela, they'll also be walking within the town itself. The historical center and downtown areas of the city are relatively easy to access on foot, although some parts require walking uphill. Santiago de Compostela has a local bus network, but the routes aren’t used much in the Old Town area.
Many travelers and pilgrims who have walked for weeks visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, look inside, and leave. But many don’t realize you can tour the cathedral’s roof and enjoy panoramic city views. Alternatively, if you want city views of Santiago de Compostela, including the cathedral, head to the viewpoints in the Parque de la Alameda outside the Old Town.
