A Guide to What to Do in Santiago de Compostela

One of the best Portugal Bike Tour is Cycling the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. An unforgettable experience, filled with coastal views, ancient towns, and the joy of riding through two beautiful countries. But the true reward awaits at the end of your journey: Santiago de Compostela, one of Europe’s most iconic pilgrimage cities and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

Whether you arrive exhilarated, emotional, or simply curious, Santiago is a city rich with history, culture, flavor, and spirituality. Here’s everything you can explore once you reach this magical destination.

 

1. Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela: The Heart of the Camino

No visit to Santiago is complete without stepping into the Cathedral of Santiago, believed to be the burial place of the Apostle Saint James.

Highlights inside the Cathedral

• The Botafumeiro

  The famous giant incense, a breathtaking sight when performed during certain masses.

• The Pórtico da Gloria

  A Romanesque masterpiece with extraordinary sculptures.

• Embrace the Apostle

  A symbolic tradition where pilgrims touch or hug the statue of St. James located behind the main altar.

• Pilgrim Mass

  A deeply moving moment for cyclists and walkers completing their Camino journey.

If you arrive from your Porto to Santiago bike tour, this is where the emotional experience truly sinks in.

 

2. Explore the Historic Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Santiago’s historic center is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval old towns. Its narrow stone streets, arcades, small squares, and Romanesque and Gothic buildings make it a joy to explore on foot after days of cycling.

Don’t miss:

• Praza do Obradoiro – The grand square in front of the Cathedral.
• Praza de Quintana – A favorite spot for pilgrims at sunset.
• Praza de Cervantes – Once the city’s medieval marketplace.
• Rúa do Franco – A lively street filled with tapas bars and traditional restaurants.

The old town is atmospheric day and night perfect for strolling after your cycling journey.

 

3. Taste Galicia: Seafood, Tapas, and Local Wine

Finishing your ride in Santiago means you can finally indulge in the region’s incredible gastronomy.

Foods you must try:

• Pulpo à Galega (Galician octopus)

  A beloved regional dish seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and salt.

• Empanada Galega

  A savory pie filled with tuna, cod, or meat.

• Pimientos de Padrón

  “Some are spicy, some are not”—a fun surprise.

• Tarta de Santiago

  Almond cake dusted with powdered sugar in the shape of the Saint James cross.

 

Local drinks to enjoy

• Albariño wine, one of Spain’s most refreshing whites.
• Ribeiro wine, another Galician classic.
• Cider, a tradition in northern Spain.

After days on the bike, these flavors taste even more amazing!

 

4. Museums and Cultural Experiences

Santiago is a city where art, history, and faith blend seamlessly.

Top museums to visit:

• Museo do Pobo Galego (Museum of the Galician People)

  Learn about Galician traditions, music, and crafts.

   

• Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea

  Modern art housed in an architectural masterpiece.

   

• Cathedral Museum

  For those who want deeper insight into the stories behind the Cathedral.

These are great options if you want a more relaxed day after finishing your Camino cycling route.

 

5. Alameda Park: The Best Viewpoint in the City

For a quiet moment of reflection after completing your bike tour, Alameda Park is ideal.

It offers:

• Shady paths and gardens
• Beautiful sculptures
• Stunning panoramic views of the Cathedral towers
• A relaxing atmosphere surrounded by locals and travelers

This is the perfect place to take photos, rest your legs, or enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature.

 

6. Shop for Local Crafts and Camino Souvenirs

The old town is full of artisan shops where you can find:

• Silver jewelry
• Handcrafted pottery
• Camino scallop shells
• Pilgrim-themed artwork
• Local food products (octopus, cheese, wines)

It’s the ideal way to bring a bit of Galicia home with you.

 

7. Join the Pilgrim Community

Even if you didn’t walk the Camino, arriving by bicycle still makes you part of the pilgrim family.

You can:

• Meet travelers from around the world
• Share stories of your journey from Porto
• Celebrate your accomplishment in the pilgrim squares
• Attend the pilgrim blessing or mass

Santiago is a place where friendships are made, and memories last a lifetime.

 

Why Santiago Is the Perfect Ending to Your Cycling Adventure

Completing the Porto to Santiago de Compostela bike tour is a remarkable achievement, and once you arrive in this historic city at the end of the Portuguese Camino, there is so much more to explore. Santiago is not only the final destination for thousands of pilgrims and cyclists each year; it is also a vibrant cultural city filled with monuments, traditions, gastronomy, and unforgettable experiences.

After cycling the Camino de Santiago by bike, take time to enjoy the atmosphere, dive into the city’s history, and celebrate your journey across Portugal and Spain.

Whether you came for adventure, culture, nature, or personal growth, Santiago rewards every traveler with its charm, its history, and the warm welcome of its people.