A free walking tour in Santiago de Compostela is the ideal way to explore this intriguing city on foot while learning about the area’s rich history.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, and its iconic cathedral is thought to be the burial place of James the Apostle. The city is visited by thousands of Christian pilgrims each year, but despite its ancient religious roots, the city also offers a plethora of modern attractions.

Below you will find all the information about free walking tours, one of the best options for day trips in Santiago de Compostela.

How do free walking tours in Santiago de Compostela work?

Free walking tours in Santiago de Compostela have no set costs. While you may need to pay your entrance fee to certain attractions, the cost of the walking tour is absolutely free. Booking these tours online is also free.

At the end of the tour, you can tip your guide however much you think the tour was worth and the amount that you decide on is completely up to you. Ensure that you bring some cash along with you so that you can tip your guide.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Santiago de Compostela?

When it comes time to tip your tour guide, you can decide how much you’d like to tip. Keep in mind that most tour participants tip between €10 and €15 per person.

While this range is typical, some tour participants tip as much as €50 per person— especially if they really enjoyed the tour.

When deciding how much to tip your guide, consider how much you learned during your walking tour and how much you enjoyed the experience.

What are the best free walking tours in Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a large and diverse city, and for this reason, there are several different types of free walking tours available— each focusing on different aspects and areas of the city.

Essential free walking tour in Santiago de Compostela

Get to know Santiago de Compostela with the perfect introduction to the capital of Galicia. During this tour, you’ll visit the city’s most famous historical monuments and learn about the area’s rich and fascinating history.

Itinenary

The walking tour begins in the iconic Plaza do Obradoiro, which is surrounded by the Pazo de Raxoi, Santiago Cathedral, and the Pazo de San Xerome— all of which you’ll visit on this tour.

From here, you’ll stroll through the streets of the old town and learn about the ancient history that this district holds. Other stops include the Monastery of San Martin Pinario and the squares of Quintana and Cervantes among others.

The tour ends at the Alameda viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the city.

Dramatized free walking tour in Santiago de Compostela

Enjoy theatrical performances put on by local history and art students during this dramatized free walking tour that follows in the footsteps of Veremundo— a famous medieval pilgrim.

The tour promises to be something different and highly entertaining— an unforgettable experience for the entire family to enjoy.

Itinenary

Follow your very own ‘Veremundo’ as you walk through the streets of Santiago de Compostela. You’ll visit many of the famous attractions such as Rúa do Franco, Rúa do Vilar and Praza do Toura, all while learning about what the city may have been like during the Middle Ages.

Put yourself in the shoes of a pilgrim centuries ago as you discover the first pilgrim cemetery and learn about fascinating Jacobean traditions. Along the way, you’ll be met with dramatized performances that feel authentic to medieval Compostela.

Nighttime free walking tour in Santiago de Compostela

Experience the magic of Santiago de Compostela at night with this free walking tour that focuses on the city’s ancient mysteries and history.

Itinenary

Meet your tour guide at the Quintana dos Mortos Square, where you’ll begin your tour with a brief history lesson about the Temple of Solomon and the Poor Knights of Christ.

Throughout the tour, you’ll learn more about the mysteries and lesser-known stories of the city. This tour takes you to some of the most famous monuments in the city, as well as off the beaten path.

The tour itinerary includes Porta do Camino, Old Pilgrim Cemetery, Praza de San Roque and San Martiño Pinario among other attractions.

Historic free walking tour in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela has such an interesting past, and a historic walking tour explores the city’s history in full. Immerse yourself in the stories of Santiago de Compostela.

Itinenary

Throughout this tour, you’ll be provided with anecdotes, historical facts and so much more! Your professional guide will meet you in Plaza del Obradoiro— one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

You’ll be led through the streets of the city center and Asbastos market, visiting the Cathedral of Santiago, Cervantes Square and other monuments along the way.

The tour ends at Platerias Square, and by this time you’ll have a good idea of the city’s layout.

In which languages are free walking tours in Santiago de Compostela operated?

Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Santiago de Compostela, and almost all of the free walking tours are available in Spanish.

There are a few tours that are available in English as well as Spanish, including the historic free walking tour.

Where do free walking tours in Santiago de Compostela start?

All free walking tours in Santiago de Compostela begin at well-known landmarks in the city, such as Plaza do Obradoiro and Quintana dos Mortos Square.

Your guide provides a brief description of themselves so that they are easy to find.

Make sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the start of the tour. If you are late, your tour guide could begin the tour without you.

How long do free walking tours in Santiago de Compostela last?

The typical duration of free walking tours in Santiago de Compostela is 1.5 hours. However, there are a few 2-hour tours, including the historic tour.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Santiago de Compostela?

There are morning, afternoon and evening time slots available for most of the free walking tours. Many people prefer to take an evening tour as Santiago de Compostela truly comes alive at night.

Book your free walking tour at the beginning of your stay in Santiago de Compostela so that you can get a feel for the city’s layout and can better navigate during the rest of your stay.

Should Santiago de Compostela free walking tours be booked online?

As it is completely free to book your walking tour online, there is no reason to not book your walking tour ahead of time.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city that receives thousands of visitors each year, so walking tours tend to fill up quickly. Most walking tours have a maximum of 20 tour participants, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Free Walking Tours in Santiago De Compostela