3 Best Free Tours in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a city that walks itself. Cobbled streets, gentle slopes, squares full of history and corners with soul. Everything invites you to walk through it at a slow pace, with your eyes wide open. And if you want to start getting to know it without getting too complicated, a free tour is a very good option.

This type of tour does not have a fixed price: you sign up for free, you take the tour with a local guide and at the end you decide how much to pay according to what you have enjoyed. It is a flexible and close way of discovering the city, without rushing or barriers, and with the added value of someone who lives it day by day.

This free tour of Santiago de Compostela is the most complete for first-time visitors to the city. The tour focuses on the old town: from the majestic Praza do Obradoiro to the streets around the Cathedral, passing through convents, markets and squares where tourists and pilgrims meet.

The best thing about this tour is that it gives you an overview of the past and present of the city, with clear explanations, curious anecdotes and lots of context. Perfect for starting your visit with your feet on the ground and your head full of ideas for further exploration.

This dramatised free tour of legends in Santiago is a different experience: a tour at night, with actors and scenes that bring to life real and fantastic stories that are part of the imaginary of Santiago de Compostela.

Throughout the tour you will see characters from the past, mysterious events and popular legends that give the city an even more symbolic and literary air. Ideal for those who are looking for something different, with a theatrical touch but without losing the historical rigour.

This free tour of legends of the Camino de Santiago focuses on the other great protagonist of the city: the Camino. Along the way, the guide shares stories, myths and curiosities about the pilgrimage, from its medieval origins to its modern rituals.

It is not necessary to have done the Camino to enjoy it. In fact, it is a very original way to understand its impact on the city, its hidden symbols and the traditions that are still kept alive around the pilgrim.

Although the most popular tours are focused on the historic centre and the world of legends, you can also find other more specific proposals. Some independent guides offer specialised tours depending on the time of year or specific cultural events.

These include routes through literary Santiago, visits to the Alameda Park and viewpoints, or even small groups that explore the city from a gastronomic or artistic point of view. They are usually advertised on specialised networks or platforms.

Because Santiago has a lot to tell, and doing it in the company of a local guide makes the experience gain depth without losing naturalness. It's easy to explore the city on your own, but if you are told it well, you see it in a different way.

In addition, the groups are usually small, the pace is calm and the content is adapted both for those who come on the Camino and for those who are passing through or travelling with family. It is a comfortable, flexible and close option.

Free tours in Santiago usually last between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the tour and the guide. Some night tours or themed tours are somewhat shorter, and the general tours usually take enough time to cover the old town without rushing.

Along the tour you will make several stops to listen to the explanations, take photos or just rest for a few minutes. No special physical preparation is required, but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Yes, especially on weekends, public holidays or in high season. Although the tour is free, it is necessary to book online to ensure a place, as groups are limited as a rule.

Booking is free of charge and there is no obligation: you just need to leave your name and email address. In the confirmation email you will find the exact location of the meeting point and the contact details of the guide in case of any unforeseen circumstances.