If you want to learn about the history and anecdotes of Santiago as explained by a tour guide, there are free tour options available.
In this post, I’ll explain what you’ll see on this free tour. If you prefer to book the tour directly, you can do so here with Civitatis or via this banner:
Table of contents
What to Expect from the Free Tour of Santiago de Compostela
This tour is run by Galicia Experience, a local tourism agency. To promote themselves, they offer these free tours that you can take advantage of.
Duration
The excursion lasts 2 hours.
Booking
You can book up to 1 hour before the tour for free.
Languages
Spanish and English
Schedule
Monday to Sunday:
- 10:30 – 12:30
- 12:00 – 14:00
- 17:30 – 19:30
Additional Information
- Pets are allowed
- Look for the white umbrella
How Much Should You Pay for the Free Tour of Santiago?
The tour is free and there is no obligation to pay.
However, it is customary to give a tip at the end of the tour.
The usual tip is a minimum of 5 euros per person, with foreign tourists rarely paying less than 10 euros per person. Those who can afford it and are satisfied with the tour sometimes give up to 50 euros per person.
A typical amount is around 10-20 euros per person.
What to See on the Free Tour of Santiago
The tour starts at the Cathedral and winds through the narrow streets of Santiago, showcasing typical sights before returning to the most famous square of Compostela.
Departure from Plaza del Obradoiro, Main Facade of the Cathedral of Santiago
You will find the guide in the centre of the square, holding a large, visible white umbrella.
In the same square, the guide will explain the history of the Cathedral, the City Hall (Pazo Raxoi), and the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos.
The free tour continues around the Cathedral, passing through iconic squares.
Plaza de la Inmaculada
By ascending through the left tunnel of the Cathedral, we enter the Plaza de la Inmaculada, the northern facade of the Cathedral of Santiago, and the southern facade of the Monastery of San Martín Pinario, which is now also a museum.
Plaza Cervantes
Following the path upwards, we reach Plaza Cervantes, a lively square in Santiago (discover everything that Plaza Cervantes has to offer here).
Walking through the Old Town, Historic Centre of the City
The tour continues through the emblematic areas of the old town.
Continuing from Cervantes, we reach the area of the Plaza de Abastos, where the city market is located.
Returning to Cervantes or a bit further ahead, you can turn right and go down Preguntoiro Street, a well-known and busy street, probably the main one in the historic centre.
Reaching Plaza de Feixoo, we can see the facade of the Monastery of San Pelayo (San Paio in Galician).
If we go down the entire street, we will reach another iconic square.
Plaza de las Platerías
Named for being the location of artisans of this trade and known for the beautiful horse fountain, this square houses the Cabildo and the southern facade of the Cathedral.
Climbing its stairs, we reach the clock tower and Plaza de la Quintana.
Plaza de la Quintana
A significant, very spacious square. It is surprising how it can be completely filled with pilgrims waiting to enter through the holy door in a Xacobeo year.
Climbing its long stairs, we can see the House of the Parra, very emblematic and named for its stone decorations.
After circling the cathedral, we reach the city’s most iconic bar street.
Rúa el franco
The busiest street at the time for “having a drink,” very touristy and full of restaurants and bars.
Recommendation: Read our article on where to have a drink in Santiago de Compostela
At the end of the street and heading slightly left, we arrive at the next square.
Plaza do Toural
In this square, there is a small fountain, and in summer, concerts are sometimes held.
Descending from the square, we head to the Alameda, passing through Porta Faxeira.
Porta Faxeira
The first pedestrian crossing we have to cross.
Porta Faxeira is a crossroads, where many streets converge towards the Alameda.
Parque de la Alamenda
A horseshoe-shaped park with a wide variety of tree species, beautiful and perfect for walking or running.
We will see the mythical Marias, or the two o’clock sisters, now heroines of the city of Santiago.
After a walk around the park, we only need to return to the Cathedral to end the tour.