Santiago de Compostela is a city full of life and beauty, with a multitude of iconic places to visit. If you are fortunate enough to visit Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is a must-stop on your itinerary.
Its history, charm, and gastronomy make Santiago a unique city, so don’t miss the opportunity to explore it thoroughly—you won’t regret it!
Here is a plan to guide you on what to see in Santiago in two days, ensuring you don’t miss any of the city’s most important landmarks.
Table of contents
Day 1: What to See in Santiago in Two Days
Old Town
The old town of Santiago de Compostela has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most prestigious areas of the city. We recommend getting lost in its streets, though if you prefer, there are also free tours of Santiago de Compostela. However, the streets you must definitely visit are Praza do Toural, Rúa da Raíña, Rúa do Franco, and Rúa da Oliveira. You can take a break at one of the local bars; check out our article on where to have a drink in Santiago.
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is one of the most emblematic buildings in the Catholic religion. It welcomes thousands of pilgrims who end their journey there each year. Both inside and out, it is a work of art, so don’t miss any of the squares surrounding it, such as Plaza del Obradoiro, Plaza de las Platerías, Plaza de Azabachería, or Plaza de la Quintana. Inside, we recommend booking a ticket to see the Pórtico de la Gloria and the rooftops.
La Alameda
La Alameda is one of the most well-known places in Santiago and is considered the city’s lung. You can stroll around the area peacefully, surrounded by nature in the heart of the city.
You can also take a photo with Las Dos Marías, a statue dedicated to two Santiago sisters who used to stroll there at two in the afternoon. They were well known for their extravagant outfits, smoking, and flirting with young men, which was unthinkable for women of that time.
Museo do Pobo Galego
The Museo do Pobo Galego houses a significant part of Galician tradition and heritage, making it a very interesting visit to learn about Galician culture and traditions.
We have a dedicated article on our blog about the Museo do Pobo Galego, providing more information on prices and schedules.
Sunset at Bonaval
If you have visited the Museo do Pobo Galego, we recommend staying in that area and visiting Bonaval Park, from where you can view the entire city and enjoy the sunset.
Day 2: What to See in Santiago in Two Days
For the second day, we suggest a tour of less well-known yet equally beautiful and significant places in Santiago, such as:
Mercado de Abastos
Exploring the Mercado de Abastos is perfect for the morning, as you will find a greater variety of fresh products.
In this market, besides buying quality typical Galician products, you can also have a drink and try some Galician dishes.
Pazo de Fonseca
This Renaissance college was commissioned by Alonso de Fonseca. It is Renaissance in style and was built to serve an educational purpose, currently housing the Biblioteca Xeral da Universidade de Santiago de Compostela.
Convento de San Francisco
This is a 17th-century building, although only five Gothic arches and Cotolay’s tomb remain from that period. Inside, the Monument to San Francisco stands out, a massive cross crafted by the sculptor Francisco Asorey.
Monasterio de San Martín Pinario
The Monasterio de San Martín Pinario is a Benedictine monastery built after the discovery of the Apostle’s remains, being, along with the cathedral, one of the most important works of Galician Baroque. Additionally, it is the second-largest Benedictine monastery in Spain after El Escorial and features an extensive display of painting, sculpture, and archaeological remains.
Ciudad de la Cultura
If you are particularly interested in architecture, you will love the Ciudad de la Cultura. This building, situated atop Mount Gaiás, houses the Library and Museum of Galicia. You can also check the schedule for activities and exhibitions that change depending on the time of year. Although it is not in the city centre, you can reach it by bus, and there is ample parking if you go by car.
Where to Eat?
The Galician city is renowned for its wide and high-quality gastronomic offerings. If you need recommendations on where to eat in Santiago de Compostela, we have several articles you might find interesting, such as 5 Tasting Menus in Santiago, Best Places to Eat Octopus, Best Places for Churrasco…
Where to Go Out at Night?
If you still have energy, we recommend exploring Santiago’s nightlife, which is famous for its great atmosphere. On our blog, we have an article suggesting several places to go out in Santiago de Compostela.
We hope you have enjoyed this blog as much as you will enjoy your visit to Santiago if you follow our recommendations. Don’t forget to check out our website, where we have a wealth of information about Santiago de Compostela that may be helpful to you.