Essential Santiago Free Tour
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Discover Santiago de Compostela beyond its emblematic cathedral, as well as the unknown history of a UNESCO world heritage city with the best local guides.
This tour is the perfect way to introduce us to the fascinating history of Santiago de Compostela, letting us be surrounded by its monuments, churches, palaces and monasteries. We will begin our walk in the famous Plaza do Obradoiro, located between all the powers that have erected and governed the city for centuries: the imposing Cathedral, the destination of tens of thousands of pilgrims every year; the Pazo de Raxoi, seat of the Compostela City Council; and the Pazo de San Xerome, rectorate of the University. Then we will immerse ourselves in the millenary streets of the historic center to learn everything that the ancient stones of Compostela hide, in whose origins History and legend intermingle. Our path will take us through places such as the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the San Martín Pinario Monastery, the Quintana and Cervantes squares, and the second most visited place in the city: the Mercado de Abastos. We will leave the old area through Porta Faxeira, and, after passing by the 2 Marías, we will enjoy one of the best views of Compostela from the Alameda viewpoint.
*** WE HAVE ALL THE SAFETY AND HYGIENE MEASURES REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT
Meeting point
Plaza del Obradoiro (paraguas verde)
Before you go
- Length
- About 1h 45min
- Languages
- Spanish
- Usual start times
- 10:30, 12:30 (Santiago de Compostela time)
- Coming up
- 120 departures in 3 months, 14 this week
Questions about this tour
How much does this tour cost?
Nothing up front. You book for free and tip your guide at the end. Many travellers tip around €5 to €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
How long does it take?
About 1h 45min.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is Plaza del Obradoiro (paraguas verde). The map on this page shows the exact spot.
What languages is it in?
Upcoming departures are in Spanish. Pick your language in the calendar to see only those.
When does it run?
120 departures are listed in the next three months, 14 of them in the next 7 days, usually at 10:30 and 12:30. Times are local to Santiago de Compostela.
Do I need to book?
Booking is a good idea: groups are limited and popular times fill up. Create a free Tripsora account, pick a day and time, and press Book to finish with the tour provider.
Is it accessible?
The tour provider has added accessibility information for this tour. Check the details with them when you book, and tell your guide about any needs on the day.
Can I bring my dog?
The tour provider lists this tour as pet friendly.
Other free tours in Santiago de Compostela
- Historic Center Santiago de Compostela Guided Tour 4.8 ★ (411) · 2h
- Essential Freetour Santiago: Experience the City's History 4.8 ★ (239) · 1h 45min
- Tour de leyendas Magic Compostela 4.8 ★ (135) · 1h 45min
- Complete Free Tour of Santiago 5.0 ★ (72) · 2h
- Meigas Fóra: A Free Tour into Santiago’s Dark Legends 4.5 ★ (27) · 1h 30min
Accessibility information availablePet friendly
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Travel guide
Annual Festivals Worth Planning a Trip Around
Annual festivals can make a trip memorable, but dates often depend on lunar calendars or local decisions and accommodation fills quickly. Researching dates, planning transport and respecting local customs will make a festival visit more rewarding.
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