City in Galicia, Spain
Santiago de Compostela
Compact, rainy university city where Camino pilgrims finish, with stone lanes, big seafood and a friendly student scene. Cheap and walkable; the weather is the trade-off, and the center is crowded in summer.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,580–2,250Comfortable, one person · €1,400–2,000Details
- Value for money66/100Better value than 65% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Aug, 24°CDetails
- Air quality9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSoft, good-tasting and safe; Galicia's tap water is among Spain's best.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUrban bus (Tussa)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work nearly everywhere; cash helps in small tapas bars, bakeries and albergues.Details
Where to stay in Santiago de Compostela
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Zona Vella (Old Town) | Cathedral, tapas bars and pilgrim hostels; walkable, crowded in summer |
| Ensanche (Rúa do Franco–Praza de Galicia) | Restaurants, shops and student bars near the center |
| Conxo | Cheaper flats, quiet streets, park access |
| Vite and Sar | Residential long stays near the university campus |
Apps that work in Santiago de Compostela
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Ride-hailing apps are not reliable here. Use taxi ranks or phone a radio taxi; the old town is closed to most cars.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work nearly everywhere; cash helps in small tapas bars, bakeries and albergues.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.