Santiago de Compostela has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries. This compact city is full of historical monuments that sit side by side with a young student population. The Essential Free Tour Santiago de Compostela has been designed to accommodate all types of visitors, from first-timers who want to see all the main landmarks to those who would want to delve deeper and uncover some of its best-kept secrets. Most free tours will start around the heart of the city, at Santiago Cathedral, the most sacred Christian monument in Spain and the alleged burial place of the biblical apostle St. James. Here, your guide will give you an introduction to the city and tell you about some of the curiosities that the cathedral hides behind its walls.

Following this fascinating introduction, guests on the Essential Free Tour Santiago de Compostela will begin to navigate the historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, that surrounds the cathedral. Here they will find a wealth of beautifully preserved monuments, including the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, which used to act as a hostel for the many weary pilgrims that entered the center. The hostel is located in the ornate Obradoiro Square (Workshop Square), a name originating from the time of the construction of the cathedral. As well as the hostel, the square also features other landmarks such as Santiago City Hall and the San Jeronimo College. Also on the route is the stunning Cabildo House, one of the best examples of Baroque architecture to be found in Galicia.

Guests on the Essential Free Tour will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the everyday life of the city with a visit to the buzzing Abastos Market, an indoor market full of delicious local produce. It’s the perfect place to sample some outstanding Galician cuisine and wines, such as mouthwatering empanadas (pies) and pimientos padrones (fried peppers). Nearby, is Alameda Park, a charming historical park with plenty of monuments and paths to explore. It also offers excellent views of the city. During the tour, do not hesitate to ask your guide as many questions as you like. And, of course, all guests will come away with lots of tips and recommendations for the best restaurants, coffee shops, traditional taverns, and the best places to enjoy its sparkling nightlife.