A quick train ride from Vigo, I spent the day aimlessly wandering the Galician capital without the pressure of participating in the very famous, and very exhausting, Camino de Santiago. Instead, I spent my day walking around, people watching, and drinking– my favorite leisure activities when traveling (and what else is there to do during Corona times???). Locals and tourists alike rave over how Santiago de Compostela is the ultimate, must-see city in northern Spain, so naturally, I had to visit before leaving Galicia. Unfortunately, I only had the morning and late afternoon, so this is a no-pressure itinerary for those wanting to check out the city without actually staying (or being even remotely interested) just to say you did.

Main Points of Interest

1.) The Cathedral

I’ve stopped visiting cathedrals in Europe because I truly do not care about them enough to make the trek unless I can get instagrammable views from the top that don’t look like I’m at a church (just being honest), but the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is probably one of the most important churches in Spain, making it worth the visit (and also because the city is so small, you’ll see it regardless). The cathedral is the finishing stop on the Camino de Santiago and also the burial site of St. James the Great (according to Wikipedia, I just looked this up).

2.) Raxoi Palace

The palace is across from the Cathedral, so there’s no missing it. It’s not the most spectacular, but it’s there.

3.) Monastery of San Martiño Pinario

I actually thought this was the Royal Palace at first, but it’s actually just a monastery… the second-largest monastery in Spain to be exact. It had a nice garden.

5.) Alameda Park

This is a nice park. I was surprised at how large it is, and I was lucky enough to catch the sunshine while there.

Things to Do

1.) Walk the Camino de Santiago

If you’re looking to rid your sins, “find yourself”, and make friends along the way, partaking in the world’s most famous pilgrimage is obviously a must-do. Me? I’d rather you just tell me about it afterward.

2.) Walk the Rúa do Franco (Wine Street)

Also known as Rua dos Vinos, or in English, Wine Street, this very long street hosts dozens of bars that are generous with their tapas. Those keen on sampling Galician wine and its nightlife should begin (or end) their itineraries here.

3.) Try the Tarta de Santiago

As a cake enthusiast, I approved of Galicia’s famous almond cake. I tried to order from Pastelería Mercedes, which is supposedly theeeee best place to try the cake, but they didn’t have it that day. Luckily the cake can be found at most coffee and pastry shops in smaller portions.

4.) Visit a Museum

If you visit on a rainy day, and you most likely definitely will, you can visit the Centro Gallego de Arte Contemporáneo, a contemporary art museum, and the Museo do Pobo Galego, a Galician history museum. The history museum was entirely in Galician, so of course, I had no idea what was going on as always, but the art museum was nice. They’re both next to each other, so it’s a great way to pass the lazy Spanish afternoons when everything else is closed.

5.) Try the Best Tortilla in Santiago

If you type in “Best Tortilla in Santiago de Compostela”, Bar La Tita will fill the entire results page. The tapa-sized tortillas are just enough to fill you up, but larger portions are available to order. Admittedly. I am a bit traumatized by the famous Spanish omelet after purchasing a stale, pre-made tortilla from the supermarket a few years ago, but La Tita restored my faith a bit and I’d definitely order again. 

6.) Sober up with a Tortizorza

After-hour drunk food isn’t limited to durums and questionable pizzas found at kebab shops. The tortizorza at Bar Raíces Galegas, is a sandwich that combines tortilla and zorza, a common pork eaten in Galicia, and is a popular choice for party-goers and drunken pilgrims to regain energy (or prevent a hangover) before heading home. You’ll definitely feel the bloat after consuming this fat bocadilla, so eat slowly.