Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Galicia region and a must-visit destination. A quiet city when compared to other Spanish destinations, Santiago is known for its narrow streets and its cathedral. Santiago de Compostela is well connected by rail to major cities across Spain — the train to Santiago de Compostela from Madrid takes approximately 5h05mins, while the train to Santiago de Compostela from Barcelona takes 8h40mins. The major railway station is located a few minutes south of the city centre, which can be reached on foot.
Visiting Santiago de Compostela
After jumping on the train to Santiago de Compostela and arriving at the station, visitors will find themselves well connected to major points of interest across the city. Very close to the station, the parliament of Galicia is just a 3-minute walk away. A further 10-minute stroll brings tourists to the city’s cathedral, which is located on Plaza del Obradoiro. Still in the same vicinity, tourists will discover buildings of great architectural importance, including the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, which was built more than 500 years ago. The locale of the cathedral, considered the heart of the city, is the perfect place to begin a pleasant wander through the narrow streets of Santiago. Here tourists will find multiple cultural events and attractions to attend, such as an endless schedule of plays at the Teatro Principal, or exhibitions at the Galería de Arte José Lorenzo. For tourists who want to unwind amidst greenery, there are many public parks in the city, so visitors can take their pick.
Why not try Parque de Vista Alegre or Parque de Belvís? They’re both within a 15-minute walk from the gallery, but in different directions. After a long walk around the city, there's a host of local food options. In this part of Spain, eating is truly a pleasure, and there's plenty to get excited about when it comes to cuisine in Santiago. Tourists should try some of the local seafood, with octopus being a popular choice, or they could indulge in a bowl of Galician stew. For those after other fresh food options, there is the Abastos market, just a 5-minute walk from the city centre.