Perhaps more than in any other place in Europe, the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is the focal point of the city. As the final destination for pilgrims walking along the Camino de Santiago, the immense Baroque edifice surrounded in myth is just a 15-minute walk from the train station — a lot shorter than the route many have taken to see it!
Praza do Obradoiro is the city’s main square, home to the cathedral and an impressive collection of grand buildings in different architectural styles, including the ornate, Plateresque Catholic Kings Hostel, which was originally built to attend to pilgrims, and the Rajoy Palace, which is currently the city hall.
Praza de Praterías, with its central fountain, offers one of the best views of the cathedral. Tucked just behind Praza do Obradoiro, 3 minutes away by foot, is the mighty Baroque Monasterio de San Martiño Pinario, another of the city’s emblematic religious buildings.
The second most visited attraction in Santiago is Mercado de Abastos, just a few streets east of the central square. This is one of the biggest markets in all of Spain and the perfect place to pick up fresh, delicious, Galician products.
Popular Rúa do Franco, one of the streets leading to the cathedral, is full of lively, friendly and high-quality bars and restaurants. The university town picks up the pace after dark and you can tap into its nightlife in the bars and clubs scattered throughout the Old Town.