A day plan on foot
Santiago de Compostela: the cathedral and old town
- From and to
- 09:30 to 19:30
- Duration
- Full day, ~9 hours
- Distance
- 5 km
- Steps
- 9
A day in the city Almanzor raided in 997: the cathedral of Santiago and its four squares, the market, and the Alameda park with its view. Suits everyone; best Monday to Saturday (Mercado de Abastos is closed on Sunday). Full day, ~9 hours.
Drawn by Dr. Abdulmajeed Al-Mudarra
- Start
- Obradoiro Square — Praza do Obradoiro
- Finish
- Alameda park — Parque da Alameda
It is almost always raining in Santiago — an umbrella is essential; the stones are slippery when wet; crowds are very heavy in Holy Years and in July.
- 09:30
Visit
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela (Plaza del Obradoiro)
The baroque façade, the Pórtico de la Gloria and the arrival of the pilgrims. One hour. The cathedral is open daily 07:00–21:00; the Pórtico de la Gloria tour and the roof tour (Cubiertas) have limited tickets — book ahead.
- 10:45
Visit
Obradoiro Square
Praza do Obradoiro
The great square: Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the town hall and the university. 20 minutes.
- 11:15
Walk
Praza da Quintana
Walking around the cathedral: Platerías, Quintana, Inmaculada. 30 minutes.
- 12:00
Visit
Mercado de Abastos
The traditional Galician market with its fish and cheeses. 45 minutes. Monday–Saturday 07:00–15:00; closed Sunday.
- 13:30
Meal
Terra Nosa (seafood)
Terra Nosa
A family-style Galician seafood lunch at Rúa Nova de Abaixo 5.
- 15:15
Walk
Rúa do Franco and Rúa do Vilar
Rúa do Franco
The old town's lanes with their stone arcades (UNESCO). One hour.
- 16:30
Visit
Pilgrimage Museum
Museo de las Peregrinaciones y de Santiago
The history of the Santiago pilgrimage route and the city through the ages. 45 minutes. Closed Monday.
- 17:30
Visit
Parque da Alameda
The Paseo da Ferradura walkway, with the most famous view of the cathedral towers, especially before sunset. One hour.
- 19:30
Meal
A Horta d'Obradoiro
A Horta d'Obradoiro
Galician dinner in a stone house with a garden, Rúa das Hortas 16. Book ahead.