What do you like to do when you get to Santiago?

[C clearly]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

 

[trecile]

I love getting an ice cream or gelato at one of the many ice cream/gelato shops!

I also love hanging out on Praza Cervantes watching the pilgrims arrive to Santiago.

 

[Rick M]

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

Get up early, two cafe con leche to counteract last night's tapas tour, and quietly head for Finisterre.......

 

[Anne&Pat]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

Basically exactly what you have said, including the accommodation in Santiago! We do attend as many masses as we can, we just like being in the Cathedral, we also try and attend an English speaking Mass. Having now spent a bit of time in Santiago post Caminos, we feel we are coming home, we really love just wandering the streets and enjoying the atmosphere in this wonderful city.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I love getting an ice cream or gelato at one of the many ice cream/gelato shops!

I also love hanging out on Praza Cervantes watching the pilgrims arrive to Santiago.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

View attachment 93671

I was standing outside this shop enjoying my gelato on a very hot July day when I spotted a Korean pilgrim walking wearily in towards the Cathedral and had a flashback to earlier on my own Camino when I witnessed someone racially abusing a Korean and I had regretted not intervening so I decided to go with a random act of kindness.

I said Buen Camino and pointed to the gelato, he looked a bit bewildered and probably thought that I was a tout but I grabbed his hand and pulled him into the store and "asked" which one he liked. He eventually got the drift or gave up, not sure which, because he then started to get his wallet out but I waved it away and sent him on his way with a delicious cool double gelato.

 

[NorthernLight]

There’s a little bar next door to The Last Stamp albergue (not a bad place to stay), which serves a delightful hot chocolate and churros. It’s usually my final decadent treat, since walking is over and calories start to count themselves again.

I usually visit the cathedral at least 3 times per day and catch at least one mass.

 

[naplesdon]

Lunch near the marche at any of a dozen restaurants, Mass often, Taberna do Bispo for tapas, nap in the park, just for starters.

 

[Arn]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

San Martin Pinario is my all time favorite. I especially like the after hours bar where I can watch football and, since the bartender knows me, the gin and tonics keep coming.
Buen “is anyone keeping score?” Camino
Arn

 

[jpflavin1]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

Sleep in a room all by myself.
In a bed with nice sheets.
Take a long hot shower without pushing a button
Go to the Cathedral for mass and be thankful for everything I have.
Meet up with folks I met along the way for dinner
Drink to much
Repeat

 

[trecile]

I agree that San Martin Pinario is the best!

 

[Albertagirl]

I am thinking that I need some way to identify myself to other forum members in the bar or restaurant of San Martin Pinario, as I do not have my pack with my forum patch with me there. In the past, the bar was where the wifi was and the bar was for pilgrims, so there was some chance to meet other pilgrims there. I generally choose solitary and long caminos, so after walking for a couple of months I am ready for some company. I wonder if the bar will even be open, if I arrive there this November. I am hoping that things will gradually be returning to normal by then.

 

[A Kerryman]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

After queuing and receiving my Compostela , I would eat at the nearest available place and then head to Cafe Gramola to get a seat inside the big window . Chill out and watch all the new arrivals pass on their entry into Santiago .Carefully scrutinise their footwear , size of rucksack , walking style/condition to see if suffering from injuries , their tan, and mentally calculate whether last 100 or long distance full camino . All this for about 4 hours enjoying a few beers and tapas . i would give the obligatory walk around the old town , buy a souvenir even though I do need one , and end up in the Casa De Crèches that night to hear some music downstairs . Head home feeling sad on the morning after and plan the next Camino on the plane back to Ireland .

 

[Former member 91017]

Alas...no San Martin for me next time unless maybe I can stay on a non-pilgrim floor. I did enjoy the lounge and the breakfast, and the company of folks who were there, but I was so wildly allergic to whatever they were using as a cleaner on the top floor that I developed the most screaming headache and burning throat that I simply could not sleep. After supper in what was to be my second night, I gave up, ate the cost and headed for a hotel near to the train station.
I did enjoy the Last Stamp! And I was lucky enough to stay in th epilgrim room at the Parador on that trip (I had given myself 4 days in SdC on that last go).
Churos and chocolate in the bar beside the last stamp! Absolutely! And so many places to eat. I always buy some quest de titillating to take home now...
I went to mass with Father a Domingo in the chapel at the pilgrim office last time. That was terribly moving for me...
I think a visit to the museum on the monastery is a good way to spend an afternoon....
And lots of people+watching.
(No specs on, can’t sleep, hope it’s legible).

 

[wjohnk]

I found that the Museo do Pobo Galego was fascinating and not at all crowded (Sept 2019).

 

[Anhalter]

Well, i have only arrived once in Santiago (so far), but some pleasures will stay in my mind for some time:

- There is extremely good seafood to be had at the bars around the market. It can be a bit pricy but for me was worth every cent. The Bar "Abastos 2.0" was particularly nice.
- We shared a very generous Queimada at the bar Fuco Lois not far from the cathedral. I was told, it can get quite busy there, but on our evening in June it was rather quiet. The bartender did a very nice job and was quite chatty about the "ceremony"... been fun and well worth the money.
- Icecream: Bico de Xeado. Locally sourced, organic and most importantly: very delicous.
- And i had an extremely nice AirBnB all for myself..

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

After our first camino, my wife and I went to a jewelry shop adjacent to the Cathedral and we each bought a small gold camino shell. After our next two caminos we went to the same shop and bought the same shells. We’ll continue this tradition following each successful camino.

By the way, I shaved my camino beard! Bob

 

[trecile]

I almost forgot - reunions with pilgrims that I had met on the Camino but hadn't seen in weeks.
And dinner with pilgrims that I arrived in Santiago with.

 

[Sue127]

So far, I have only had the pleasure of arriving in Santiago once. Arrived too late to get my compostela that day, had a quick drink with Camino friend and went to find hostel. Stayed at the SQC auberge, José a great host. Following day all restaurants/bars closed because of rising Covid numbers. Managed to meet other friends when I went for my compostela, but nowhere to sit for coffee. Wonderful evening meal cooked by Italian friends and amazing Spanish family made a great ending to what was turning into a quiet weekend.

 

[Chris Gi]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

The market - It is so spectacular - we have nothing like it in our small southern California city of Poway.

 

[GailGwyn]

I am thinking that I need some way to identify myself to other forum members in the bar or restaurant of San Martin Pinario, as I do not have my pack with my forum patch with me there. In the past, the bar was where the wifi was and the bar was for pilgrims, so there was some chance to meet other pilgrims there. I generally choose solitary and long caminos, so after walking for a couple of months I am ready for some company. I wonder if the bar will even be open, if I arrive there this November. I am hoping that things will gradually be returning to normal by then.

The bar was closed in September 2020, when we stayed there and breakfast was in individually packed paper bags (no buffet).

 

[SabsP]

Having arrived in Santiago multiple times ( also once as " regular tourist " ) I do not visit the cathedral anymore but I prefer to attend Mass ( or just visit the church ) of San Agustin, the Jesuit church.

Convento e Iglesia de Santo Agostiño | Web Oficial de Turismo de Santiago de Compostela y sus Alrededores

S. XVII. Barroco Situado en la plaza del mismo nombre, el convento de San Agustín se construyó a mediados del siglo XVII, con una donación del Conde de Altamira, para la Orden de los Agustinos Calzados. La iglesia y el claustro son obra de Fernández Lechuga. En la fachada de estilo neoclásico se...

www.santiagoturismo.com

My favourite places to stay the night are :
Pension Hortas at Rua Hortas.
Hostal Suso.

Gallery Hostal Suso en Santiago de Compostela

Hostel in Santiago de Compostela 150 meters from the cathedral, renovated rooms in 2016 - Telf. +34 981 586 611 - info@hostalsuso.com

www.hostalsuso.com

If possible visit to Egeria House and Sybille.

Egeria House

Santiago de Compostela

egeria.house

Always a visit to the quaint small shop ( forgot the name ) on the corner of Praza de San Miguel dos Agros that sells gorgeous handmade produce ( scarfs , bags etc )

Pintxos at Bispo or Petiscos do Cardeal. Always at the barside btw.

Early drinks at Casa das Crechas;

Strolling around town. Especially in the evening listening to a wonderful Tuna.

 

[lindam]

Another wonderful way to spend some time in Santiago is to visit the marvelous City of Culture Museum (https://www.cidadedacultura.gal). A bit of a hike outside of the centre of Saniago, this is a spectacular facility with permanent and temporary exhibitions. The modern building itself is a masterpiece of stonework. My husband and I spent an afternoon there following our first Camino and have often talked about a return visit. Highly recommended.

 

[NorthernLight]

Oh, I forgot. I always head out to the Decathlon store (not the little shop in the new town, the big store in the northeastern outskirts part of town) and look for something new, fresh and on sale to wear home.

 

[David Tallan]

My first Camino, white I liked best to do was put my hand in the hand-shaped depression on the pillar in the Portico of Glory but apparently that is no longer allowed. More recently, I visit to Pilgrim House has been de rigeur. You win some you lose some.

Another favourite thing to do in Santiago is to hag around the Plaza de Obradoiro and watch the pilgrims come in.

 

[Elle Bieling]

Yes! Hanging around the Obradoiro Square is so very moving, watching all the emotions come in! And a reunion luncheon at the Casa Manolo should not be missed!

 

[Stinky Pilgrim]

Yes, San Martín Pinario is a wonderful place (fun place to watch World Cup matches).
Love the generous and inexpensive tapas at Restaurante Marte.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

There’s a little bar next door to The Last Stamp albergue (not a bad place to stay), which serves a delightful hot chocolate and churros. It’s usually my final decadent treat, since walking is over and calories start to count themselves again.

I usually visit the cathedral at least 3 times per day and catch at least one mass.

Cafe Bar Metate?

Chocolatería Metate · Rúa do Preguntoiro, 12, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain

★★★★☆ · Chocolate cafe

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[davebugg]

Among many things that are my favorites, is stopping by the Pilgrim House.

Hi, Faith

Pilgrim House Santiago

pilgrimhousesantiago.com

 

[NorthernLight]

Cafe Bar Metate?

Not quite...
Chocolatería Metate,
Rúa do Preguntoiro, 12

 

[witsendwv]

I found that the Museo do Pobo Galego was fascinating and not at all crowded (Sept 2019).

I love the staircase in the museum. We went to the museum to ask about some music we had heard while walking after Arzua, near a Brea I believe. It was a cafe with tia in the name, but I can't remember it now. I don't think she is there anymore. Anyway, I told the woman that the music she was playing reminded me of the music that my Irish grandmother played when I was a child. She told me in no uncertain terms that of course it was the same, as everyone knows that the Galicians left for Ireland. She then told me to go to the museum to find out where I could purchase a CD. The woman at the reception desk tried to explain where I could go, and I didn't truly understand so I asked her to write the address down so we could find the store. She, also in no uncertain terms told me no, that she would explain and I would understand. She did and I did, we found the store and purchased Carlos Nunez and Milladoiro CD's. I listen to them and can't wait until we can return.

 

[davebugg]

I love the staircase in the museum. We went to the museum to ask about some music we had heard while walking after Arzua, near a Brea I believe. It was a cafe with tia in the name, but I can't remember it now. I don't think she is there anymore. Anyway, I told the woman that the music she was playing reminded me of the music that my Irish grandmother played when I was a child. She told me in no uncertain terms that of course it was the same, as everyone knows that the Galicians left for Ireland. She then told me to go to the museum to find out where I could purchase a CD. The woman at the reception desk tried to explain where I could go, and I didn't truly understand so I asked her to write the address down so we could find the store. She, also in no uncertain terms told me no, that she would explain and I would understand. She did and I did, we found the store and purchased Carlos Nunez and Milladoiro CD's. I listen to them and can't wait until we can return.

That reminded me of something else that I enjoyed in my times visiting SdC. I found this old post of mine:
--------------
I was going through a few souvenirs that I had shipped home from SdC, and I found a couple of CDs that I had purchased from the JazzMan while he was performing near the Cathedral. I've had the chance to spend time talking with him in while in Santiago the last two years after finishing Camino. The guy has a great performance resume that includes working at clubs and as a recording studio guitarist (same as Glenn Campbell did before he became known and famous).

Anyway, it has been great to pop them into the CD transport, crank up the volume through the Bowers and Wilkins speakers, and just sit back, listen, and reminisce about SdC.

A couple of more recent YouTube clips I tracked down of the guy performing in SdC. They do not do justice to his playing

 

[Theatregal]

I too am a Hospederia San Martin Pinario fan - staying there in a pilgrim room the last 4 times I've arrived. I've also enjoyed staying at Pension Linares (before they renovated), Hostal Anosa Casa and for a treat, the Hotel Montenegro.

I always try to have at least 2 days to wander Santiago, visiting favourite cafes and shops - most importantly - the Libreria Vetusta on Rua Nova. Stopping in to say hello to Ivar and Nate & Faith at the Pilgrim House. Twice I've had the chance to attend a free noon hour concert at the beautiful Teatro Principal. A walk through the Alameda and the Mercado de Abastos. Museums I've enjoyed - Casa la Troya, Museum of Pilgrimage, Museo del Pueblo Gallego, Cathedral Museum (and roof top tour).

A favourite thing to do is walk through the deserted streets at dawn, visit the Cathedral at opening when it's quiet, breakfast at Cafe Agarimo and then sit against a pillar of the Pazo de Raxoi on the Praza do Obradoiro, watching pilgrims arrive and the pilgrim's mass at noon.

Evenings, it's wonderful to wander and enjoy the energy of the city and listen to any music that's happening.

This is an earlier thread that has some great Santiago info:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/searching-for-the-%E2%80%98secret%E2%80%99-santiago.68853/

 

[Former member 59618]

Stay at Hospideria San Martin Pinario, eat 20 bowls of cornflakes for breakfast, go back to bed in a post-cornflake haze, wake up and find a nice coffee somewhere (I like Hostal Suso...excellent coffee and croissants). For dinner, a juicy burger. The meat in Galicia is outstanding and after walking for a month or more, I don't blink twice at scarfing down a burger with a caña. There's nice enough place on the way to the Pilgrim's office called Cañadú Outra. The burger, fries and beer are a good memory. Then gelato and wander.

**EDIT La Pepita Burger Bar is THE place for burgers in Santiago. Visited them on my last camino and died and went to burger heaven.

And of course, swing by the lovely Pilgrim House, where one can always expect a warm welcome from @natefaith and company.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

Actually ... for me it was ice cream too. There was a place with great ice cream right in the centre run by a German, selling Italian style ice cream.
Besides that, I simply like historic city centres so I did a lot of walking around and looking

 

[LindaH82]

I *hope* to reach Santiago in October of this year. It'll be my first time, so I'm mostly just dreaming, but what I *want* to do:

- eat all the ice cream because everybody mentioning the gelato here has made me want some!
- take out my sketchbook and sketch the cathedral
- wander the streets, happy I can just rest whenever I want to, haha
- get a final, permanent sello in the form of a shell tattoo on my ankle
- try and see if I can find a suitable charm for my Pandora bracelet (I collect them as souvenirs on my travel, got one in Assisi, Venice, Siena, too)
- buy a rosary since I collect them - I bought one in Lourdes, Rome (twice, one 'plain' one and one for the 2016 Holy Year), Assisi, Siena, Venice, New York, Reims, Chartres and Kevelaar. Obviously I need a Santiago one, too!
- celebrate my birthday!

 

[Bert45]

I can hardly believe that nobody has mentioned Café Paradiso, 29 Rúa do Vilar. My favourite place in Santiago. Mine host, Agustín, is very friendly, but speaks little English. The mirrored walls make this a spectacular place. My vote also goes to Hospedería San Martín Pinario, the Alameda, and the church of San Martín.

 

[MarkN]

Loved reading these and pretty much agree with them all.

By far my favorite thing is to just walk, wander, have coffee, meals and while doing so meet and wave and eat and drink with other pilgrims.
'How are you! I think I last saw you in Astorga sharing that great dinner!'
For a few days as I seem to know so many, I feel like a local in this wonderful small town. I don't know of anything or anywhere else like that?

Of course the ice cream, and just sitting in Obradoiro Square are highlights too.

One thing I really enjoy that I haven't seen on this thread yet is the Cathedral roof walk!
The history (pilgrims used to use the roof), the unique views, and after the walk the access to other areas in the building all make it worthwhile I think?

 

[La Rubia]

My husband is my roadie when I walk (bad back for him so no long distance walking), so he stations himself in the Praza to get the picture of my arrival. Then we head someplace for a restorative glass of wine (last two times were at the outdoor terrace at the Parador - lots of pilgrim watching available from there!). We always stay at the Hotel San Miguel, so we head there so I can shower and put on real clothes before we head out for tapas at Cervantes - our tradition. I buy a piece of silver jewelry somewhere along the way, because tradition as well. In the morning I get up early to head to the Pilgrims' Office, and the walk is sublime, with the city quiet, the shopkeepers just setting up and sweeping their stoops. After the Pilgrims' Office, it's off to the Cathedral to hug Santiago and thank him for another safe trip.

 

[knoisyknees]

Casa Manalo in plaza cervantes. Great meals, outstanding prices and owned by a former pilgrim. We've eaten many times.

 

[andylm65]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

I really loved exploring the museums and all the different churches. You can take a tour of the cathedral roof, which I did twice once in Spanish and once in English. San Martin Pinario has an amazing museum. Roaming the centró de Ciudad was fun. Visiting the university and Casa Ivar. Good eats over that way...

 

[andylm65]

There’s a little bar next door to The Last Stamp albergue (not a bad place to stay), which serves a delightful hot chocolate and churros. It’s usually my final decadent treat, since walking is over and calories start to count themselves again.

I usually visit the cathedral at least 3 times per day and catch at least one mass.

I stayed there a couple times. First time had a sunset view of the cathedral!

 

[Mary-Rose O’Regan]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

The San Martin Pinario is the best place to stay in Santiago.... I just love having a bed with clean sheets in my own little pilgrim room.... great buffet breakfast and a great bar to sit and relax in and have a glass or two of vinho.... it’s great to wander the streets and pop in for tapas in the various restaurants around.... meeting up with fellow Peregrinos/Peregrinas, going to the cathedral, being silent, taking time to ponder.... I love Santiago, I think it’s a wonderful city.... hopefully later this year in September/October I’ll get to walk the Invierno..... lovely memories

 

[David Bedlow]

Do not miss La Casa de la Troya, a former student boarding house from the late 19th century, now a museum. The architecture and decoration of this historic guesthouse allow the visitor to understand the university life in Santiago which Alejandro Pérez Lugín portrayed in his novel “La Casa de la Troya” seen through the eyes of Gerardo Roquer and his fellow students.

 

[Sean Lad]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

Sleep

 

[mspath]

Here is my blog for November 16, 2004,
the first time I walked in to Santiago de Compostella.

 

[nidarosa]

I like to sit on the Obradoiro square pilgrim watching, and offering to take photos of people who arrive alone. Sometimes a selfie just doesn't do it!
I also like having a room, with a door, preferably at Pinario, and stuffing myself with seafood and albariño and walking from square to square just soaking up the atmosphere. One favourite breakfast spot is the bar restaurant on the corner down the ramp from Obradoiro, where you can see early pilgrims go back and forth to get their compostelas, and some head straight on to Finisterre. And in the evening, long tapas meals with people I have met along the way, trying not to think about going home.

 

[VNwalking]

I like to sit on the Obradoiro square pilgrim watching, and offering to take photos of people who arrive alone.

I like heading to the pilgrim's office and having surprise meetings other Forum members along the way.

(@nidarosa, that made my day!)

And...there's so much to like in Santiago that I need days after a camino: attending the English-speaking mass that Fr. Manny offers, visiting the sisters welcome office upstairs from the pilgrim's office, dropping into Plgrim House, just sitting quietly in the cathedral, walking in Alameda Park...and connecting with friends over long sobremesas.

Not to mention a leasurely breakfast (if possible at least once at the Tertulia for assam tea and a wholemeal croissant).

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

The first time we walked the camino, my wife and I went to a small jewelry store close to the Cathedral and purchased a gold camino shell for each of us to celebrate our successful camino. We wear the camino shell on our gold necklaces. This is now our arrival tradition. We now have three shells and hope to add a fourth this October.

 

[Natale]

Sleep

I plan to get on my knees and thank God for giving me the strength to complete my Camino. I wish I could tell you it was easy but it hasn't. I pray that I will be in Santiago by the end of May or the first week in June 2021

 

[Fortyforward]

The first time we walked the camino, my wife and I went to a small jewelry store close to the Cathedral and purchased a gold camino shell for each of us to celebrate our successful camino. We wear the camino shell on our gold necklaces. This is now our arrival tradition. We now have three shells and hope to add a fourth this October.View attachment 100263

Wonderful, thank you - i was wondering where to find something like this !

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

I added a 4th Camino shell after our 2021 CF and hope to add a 5th after I hike Camino Portuguese this fall. Bob

 

[Mycroft]

I realize this has been discussed before, but maybe it's time to reminisce about what we have done, or plan to do, when we arrive in the city of Santiago.

I have a favourite place to stay - Hospederia San Martin Pinario, on the pilgrim floor, because it has everything I really want (bed, sheets, towel, private bathroom) but retains a certain pilgrim restraint. The building is grand, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and there's a lounge for relaxing.

Each time I've been in Santiago, I've had a day or two so I haven't had to rush, but I haven't had so much time that I had to look for entertainment. So, I simply like to relax (and rest) while I transition from pilgrim mode to ordinary life - attend mass, do laundry, walk to Alameda Park, stop by the Pilgrim House, visit the market, maybe visit a museum, join other pilgrims for evening food and drinks.

What do you look forward to doing in Santiago next time?

yes to S. Martin, Yes to gelato, YES to chocolate & churros, BIG YES to Pilgrim House.

 

[KFH]

Loved reading these replies.

Some mentioned it, others didn't:

How long did you stay in Santiago before heading home or elsewhere?

 

[RobertS26]

As many know, the Parador Hotel faces the square in front of the Cathedral. Oddly, it has only one room on the square itself. It is of course, the Royal Suite. On a complete whim, I booked it for three days for my third arrival in Santiago. The cost was eyewatering, but it was kind of cool to stay in a real Royal Suite.

My favorite activity for those three days became opening the French Doors to the balcony and taking a chair outside to sit and watch other pilgrims arrive. Some ran from the tunnel to the center of the square. Others danced their way there. Some broke down in tears and fell to their knees before completing the last few steps.

There were small groups, large groups, individuals, couples, and families. Some lingered for hours in the square waiting for others to arrive. Some people quickly left in the direction of Pilgrim's Office. A few barely broke strides as they marched through the square on their way to Finistère. Occasionally, there would be screams of joy as pilgrims reunited with someone they had not seen in days or even weeks. The uniqueness of each arrival was fascinating. Regardless of their age, nationality, or reaction to entering the square, I enjoyed each one.

 

[trecile]

My favorite activity for those three days became opening the French Doors to the balcony and taking a chair outside to sit and watch other pilgrims arrive. Some ran from the tunnel to the center of the square. Others danced their way there. Some broke down in tears and fell to their knees before completing the last few steps.

That would be fun!

 

[Marbe2]

Always enjoy watching new arrivals and eating at a couple of really nice restaurants.