A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
The journey culminates for weary pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela, recognized as the reputed resting place of one of the twelve Apostles. This city boasts immense artistic and historical significance, ranking among the most vital locations in the Catholic domain.
Santiago de Compostela is one of the most historic and religiously significant cities in Spain. This small city serves as the heart of Galicia and is renowned as the endpoint of the famous long-distance walking route, El Camino de Santiago, which has been traversed by pilgrims for centuries, and is now frequented by tourists as well.
South Americadraws food-lovers from across the globe, but it’s best known for its carnivorous delicacies rather than its meat-free options. That shouldn’t discourage vegans and vegetarians, however. Despite preconceptions, the continent has a diverse range of restaurants catering to green lifestyles, andSantiagois no exception.
When the Image of Chile Foundation set out to discover Chile’s most emblematic symbol abroad, the result was not Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda or themoaiof Easter Island; it was wine. However, up until a few years ago, the world’s fifth largest wine exporter didn’t have a single bar in its capital city showcasing premier bottles from the surrounding vineyards. Fast-forward to present day, and there are now nearly a dozen wine bars in Santiago.
Like many countries in South America, Chile is famously friendly to families, no doubt inspired by the great cultural importance that Chileans place on family and children. The country’s unique geography, spread over 5,000 kilometers, can present challenges for young travelers. For instance, the Atacama Desert, known as the driest place on Earth, lies far in the north, while Patagonia is located in the south.
Upon arrival, you’ll be taken into the capital to enjoy a half-day guided exploration of the city and to rest up. Your privateKnowmadguide will highlight Santiago’s most important historical sites, including the downtown area surrounding the Plaza de Armas and the La Moneda Presidential Palace. Pass by the Mercado Central, one of Chile’s largest fresh seafood markets, and stroll by the many bustling stalls to see the tremendous variety available from Chile’s bountiful sea. You’ll also visit some of the lesser-known barrios of Santiago, including Republica and Concha y Toro, which were historically privileged neighborhoods and home to Santiago’s high society. There will be time to walk around and take photos of the varied styles of architecture dating back to the 19th and early 20th century. Continuing through the cobblestoned Lastarria neighborhood, you will walk through the Parque Forestal and pass by the Bellas Artes Museum. For a panoramic vista of the city, you will visit the top of Cerro San Cristobal Hill, 984 feet above the city.
Santiago de Compostela serves as the final destination for most pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, with the iconic cathedral being the highlight of this historic city. While Galician is widely spoken, the locals are proficient in Spanish and eager to communicate. Moreover, the city hosts an airport, although international flights are limited.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Santiago, you’ve come to the right place. We spent five days seeing all the top attractions in Santiago before ourExodus Travelstour of Chile. Even though we visited the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, and more, we fell in love with Santiago the most. It’s such a fun city filled with energy and excitement.
In the six months since I boarded my flight home from Spain to the United States, my mind has swirled with reflections on my experience walking the Camino de Santiago. Initially, I wondered if the 500-mile, 33-day pilgrimage would prompt a significant epiphany or inspire a major life change when I returned to my life in Los Angeles, California.