Santiago de Compostela
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Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela has been a centre for culture and scholarship for centuries, most famous for being the end destination of a thousand-year-old pilgrimage: El Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James. Being the capital of the Galician region in north-western Spain, everyday life in Santiago is modern and chic. Awarded recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1985, Santiago de Compostela is a historical gem and one of the most impressive cities in Spain.Find your trip
The final destination for pilgrims travelling the Camino de Santiago is the Cathedral, with the tomb said to contain the remains of the apostle James. This beautiful Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the region, and for good reason.
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela has one of the world’s biggest incense burners, used at the pilgrim’s mass held most days at noon. Priests tie the "botafumeiro" censer to ropes at the end of the mass and lift it all the way up to the ceiling with burning incense.
Get lost in the maze of stone that is Santiago's old town with a guided tour of the historical centre. Audio Walks are the best way to discover the city at your own pace. You can rent an MP3 player at the tourism office.
The Pilgrimage Museum (Museu das Pergrinacións) offers great insights into the city’s fascinating history. The initial building was known as the "Gothic House", but it was modernised in the 20th century. The meticulous exhibits detail how the city has evolved over the centuries as a consequence of the pilgrimages.
Parque de la Alameda is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved parks. Relax in the green spaces and enjoy beautiful monuments as well as some of the best views of the historic town centre.
Just opposite the Cathedral you can find the "Hospederia", a 16th century monastery founded by the Benedictines. It is possible to stay at the monastery, or simply enjoy the beautiful architecture, and if you happen to be visiting between Tuesday and Thursday, be sure to join one of the guided tours.
The small Plaza de Cervantes is one of the most iconic sights in Santiago, dating as far back as the 12th century. It remains a popular meeting point and important centre for city life, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
The Galicia Contemporary Art Centre showcases some of the best modern art exhibits in the region, hosting works by both Galician and international artists, including Moncho Amigo and Knut Asdam, as well as always evolving temporary exhibitions.
The final destination for pilgrims travelling the Camino de Santiago is the Cathedral, with the tomb said to contain the remains of the apostle James. This beautiful Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the region, and for good reason.
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela has one of the world’s biggest incense burners, used at the pilgrim’s mass held most days at noon. Priests tie the "botafumeiro" censer to ropes at the end of the mass and lift it all the way up to the ceiling with burning incense.
O Curro da Parra is one of the best traditional restaurants in Santiago. The menu features Galician specialities, which means that seafood features prominently, as well as tapas and smaller meals and a perfectly chosen wine list.
A Curtidoria serves top-notch fine dining at reasonable prices, showcasing some of the region's best cuisine and wine culture, as well as international and fusion dishes to match any taste, catering even to vegetarians. At only 100 metres from the cathedral, rice is the protagonist of this restaurant offering the best use of Galician products.
Conveniently located in the centre of Santiago, stylish La Tacita d'Juan offers an extensive menu with different dishes like soups (including the regional speciality, caldo gallego), salad, fish and much more.
A Casa da Viña offers an interesting mix of typical regional cuisine and international dishes, including, for example, sushi, as well as wonderful desserts. As the name suggests, they also have a wide selection of local and imported wines from which to choose.
La Cavita is a modern restaurant in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. Here you can enjoy creative and modern takes on hearty comfort food like hamburgers, meat and sandwiches, among many more, as well as tasty drinks in a very stylish atmosphere.
La Tagliatella has been serving authentic, high quality Italian cuisine in the Santiago area for over 20 years. The menu includes fresh pastas and salads, crispy pizzas and calzoni, and juicy steaks, among many other options. And if you want to enjoy the city after dinner, don't forget that it is located 10 minutes walk from the Cathedral.
China Ming has over 30 years of experience of serving fresh and authentic Cantonese food, including spring rolls, noodle soup and grilled prawns, using locally sourced produce. It is especially popular among families and students, probably because it offers the traditional dishes of the Asiatic cuisine, but also new meals to enjoy.
Keep in mind not to have eaten much before you enter Casa Marcelo. The gourmet menu comprises ten dishes that can only be enjoyed fully if you are really hungry. There is an open kitchen which gives you a unique insight to the cuisine.
O Curro da Parra is one of the best traditional restaurants in Santiago. The menu features Galician specialities, which means that seafood features prominently, as well as tapas and smaller meals and a perfectly chosen wine list.
A Curtidoria serves top-notch fine dining at reasonable prices, showcasing some of the region's best cuisine and wine culture, as well as international and fusion dishes to match any taste, catering even to vegetarians. At only 100 metres from the cathedral, rice is the protagonist of this restaurant offering the best use of Galician products.
The numerous stalls in the traditional food market of Santiago offer a real taste of Galician gastronomy, with fresh produce, seafood, flowers, cheese and much more. Most products come from local producers, and have been supplying homes and restaurants int he area since 1873.
The Old Town is full of shops of all kinds. The streets or ’rúas’ Nova, Vilar, San Pedro, Caldeirería, Preguntoiro and the squares Toural and Cervantes, along with the ones surrounding the cathedral, are the main shopping areas in the Old Town.
El Ensanche – New Town – is a well-defined shopping area in Santiago. It is the central shopping area, located primarily on the streets of Xeneral Pardiñas, Doutor Teixeiro, República de El Salvador, Montero Ríos, Avenido Alfredo Brañas and Prazas Roxa and Galicia.
Important streets, such as Rosalía de Castro, Fernando III el Santo, República Arxentina, A Rosa and Santiago de Chile, offer a very attractive shopping range. You can walk around shops of international brands, prestigious Spanish franchises, Galician fashion, food shops and gift shops, just to mention a few.
Spain’s department store colossus successfully performs the main task of the department store, which is to offer most things to most people. Here you find designer fashion, their own low and medium-priced lines, enormous perfumery and make-up departments, leather goods in all price ranges, toys, children’s clothes, art materials, food and delicatessen, home furnishing devices and garden furniture.
This world famous brand has a store in every mid-size town, and Santiago is no different. There are four stores in the city where you can find the latest fashion for men, women and children, everything from street wear to the more up-dressed look.
In the same style as Mango and Zara, Stradivarius features racks with the latest fashion wear, together with high heels, ballerinas, scarves and accessories filling the shop, and if you do not find your size, do not worry there are two shops in the city.
Whether you are searching for a new flowered dress, a coloured t-shirt or a new pair of trandy jeans, Mango offers everything from sleek work-wear to fabulous cocktail dresses, all at reasonable prices. Match your new outfit with the perfect pair of shoes and accessories, also on offer here.
The numerous stalls in the traditional food market of Santiago offer a real taste of Galician gastronomy, with fresh produce, seafood, flowers, cheese and much more. Most products come from local producers, and have been supplying homes and restaurants int he area since 1873.
The Old Town is full of shops of all kinds. The streets or ’rúas’ Nova, Vilar, San Pedro, Caldeirería, Preguntoiro and the squares Toural and Cervantes, along with the ones surrounding the cathedral, are the main shopping areas in the Old Town.
Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
The best period to visit Santiago de Compostela is during the summer, especially from June to August, when it is sunny and warm during the day and quiet cool at night, and the beginning of September whee temperatures are more temperate and the tourist crowds have dissipated.
Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) is located about 10 kilometres northeast of the city. There are taxis available just outside the terminal, and the ride to the city centre takes approximately 15-20 minutes. You can also take a bus to the central bus station in Santiago. The bus operates from 07.00 to 23.30 with departures every half an hour.
The historic city centre of Santiago de Compostela is small and most areas are closed to traffic. A good pair of shoes is therefore best for moving around in the historic town centre. There is also an extensive network of buses in Santiago de Compostela that can connect you to areas further afield. You can buy a single bus ticket, but it is cheaper in the long run to buy a travel card with 10, 20 or 30 trips.
When you need a taxi in Santiago de Compostela, the list of choices is quiet long: Servitaxis: +34 619 18 55 75 www.servitaxi.net Radio Taxis: +34 981 569 292 radiotaxicompostela.com/ Euro Taxi: +34 981 535 154 www.facebook.com/Santiago-Grande-Euro-Taxi-1820279391610656/
Postamt Travesía de Fonseca Öffnungszeiten: Montag bis Freitag 8.30-20.30 Uhr und Samstag 9.30-14 Uhr Briefmarken bekommt man außerdem in Estancos (Tabakwarenläden), die am T-Schild zu erkennen sind.
Farmacia Valdés Cabo is currently run by the second generation of the Valdés family: founded in 1924, it became a strong point of reference for the locals but also for the tourists in Santiago. Here you will be able to take fast control of glucose, cholesterol and many other blood parameters seven days a week.
Country code: +34 Area code: 981
Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
The best period to visit Santiago de Compostela is during the summer, especially from June to August, when it is sunny and warm during the day and quiet cool at night, and the beginning of September whee temperatures are more temperate and the tourist crowds have dissipated.
