One day in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

The cathedral that holds the tomb of the Apostle, at the end of the Camino. Entry to the church is free and visitors come in through the Praterías door.

3 h visitOpen 7:00 am–9:00 pm

Go first thing in the morning, when the nave is quiet, and leave bags at the hotel because backpacks are not allowed in.

Every day 7:00 to 21:00. On Saturdays in summer it closes at 20:30 for the pilgrims' vigil. There are no visits during services.

Source: Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, checked November 2, 2026

Old town lanes

The granite lanes around the cathedral, with covered arcades, bars and small squares. Walking them is the main activity in town, not a visit with a ticket.

3 h visitAlways open

Walk the Rúa do Vilar and the Rúa do Franco in the evening, when the arcades keep off the rain and the restaurants are busy.

Source: Santiago Turismo (Concello de Santiago), checked November 2, 2026

Praza da Quintana

A square on the east side of the cathedral, bounded by older religious and civic buildings. It is a short stop, with steps to sit on.

30 min visitAlways open

Stop here on your way round the cathedral and look at the Casa da Parra opposite.

Source: Santiago Turismo (Concello de Santiago), checked November 2, 2026

Praza do Obradoiro

The large square in front of the cathedral, with the monumental buildings around it. Pilgrims treat the stone slab at the centre as the end point of the roads.

45 min visitAlways open

Come at the end of the day or just after rain, when the stone is dark and the square is less crowded.

Source: Santiago Turismo (Concello de Santiago), checked November 2, 2026