Having been a official resident studying in Santiago de Compostela since September now, I have noticed that there are more than a few places that I tend to frequent as they never disappoint! I also have realized that I often consult this list of places when guests come to visit and they ask for recommendations for their own trip itinerary.
So here are the top ten places you'll most probably find me in Santiago de Compostela!
1. La Ciudad de Cultura
A viewpoint only a 25 minute walk away from the Old town which also contains a library, a museum and a gallery with various exhibitions that change throughout the year. As well as being a hub of activity, it also has amazing views of the city, making it the perfect place to trek to with your friends to watch the sunset whilst sat on the sloping rooves with some chilled drinks and few snacks.
2. Parque Alameda
Among the many parks here in Santiago I think I have to pick this one as my favourite. Not only is it known for its panoramic views of the cathedral, there are also statues and fountains hidden around the park for you to go and discover, on top of this, at the back of the park there is an amazing view of the Galician hills which I love to go to for a walk and a study break to switch off by reading my book or listening to a podcast!
There is also a bar/cafe placed in the middle of the park which is perfect for a summer drink with your friends, a coffee whilst studying in the sun or even just to sit with a Coke Zero and watch the world go by.
3. Pub Momo
This bar is a frequently visited spot for Erasmus students as there is an ESN discount provided on the presentation of a valid ESN card. It is unlike any other as it has an outdoor sheltered garden part complete with flowers, trees, low lighting and water features.
Or, if you prefer indoors, there are plenty tables inside too! Where you will also find a pool table, darts board and table football.
The drinks here are slightly on the pricey side, especially if you are partial to a cheeky cocktail or two like myself, however the beer and the wine are a reasonable price and every drink comes with a fresh bowl of salted popcorn, so who can complain!!
4. Café Bar la Flor
La Flor is a cute café in the middle of the old town known for it's strange decor and night time cocktails.
There is a great selection of food and drinks on offer throughout the day as the menu changes from breakfast to lunch and then to dinner depending on which time you decide to go. Whether it be a range of herbal teas and coffees, loaded nachos, Carrot Cake or a fancy cocktail there is really something for everyone here.
5. Carrilana
This has to be my favourite brunch place, and my go to place I suggest to go get a coffee whenever I meet someone new, as it never disappoints! Inside is complete with cute and cosy decor with low lights and is the perfect study location to shelter from the Galician rain. If you are lucky enough to come here on a sunny day there is also an outdoor terrace shaded by parasols.
The XXL coffee the biggest coffee I’ve found in Santiago which is often needed when studying on a year abroad! I've found that the average café con leche is gone within three sips for me! I would also thoroughly recommend the Carrot Cake or the Chocolate Hazelnut Croissants, both baked fresh in the café every day!
6. Hotel Costa Vella
A hotel in the old town known for its beautiful garden terrace which catches the sun even until the late afternoon. It also has glasshouse seating for those slightly colder, rainier days which are not so uncommon here!
From the drinks menu, I would recommend the iced coffee or, if you’re wanting something a little stronger, an Aperol Spritz! Each drink comes with a complimentary tapas, we got green olives which were delicious, but I will definitely have to go for food there before my year abroad is up to sample their breakfast menu al fresco!
7. Novena Porta
Famous for being Santiago's 'traditional' Irish Bar, Novena Porta is definitely not a place without atmosphere! With an extensive Irish and British beer selection, friendly staff and spacious bench tables, it is one of the most sociable bars I've found in Santiago.
They have a challenge in which you can drink 6 guinesses in order to win a t-shirt and free hotdogs with every caña before a certain time, as well as a wide range of cheap cocktails on offer, what more do I need to say?!
8. A Taboa de Picar
This ranks as another one of my favourite cafes in Santiago, with a range of items on the menu including a variety of tostadas (I would recommend the goats cheese walnut and apple one!), it is the perfect place to take a group of friends to try the traditional Galician food (and wine!).
I have only ever sat in the outdoor terrace as it has amazing views of the cathedral and traps the sun within the walls, however, I couldn't help but notice the cute indoor interior as well, with the hanging plants and wall flower decorations!
9. Tarasca
Tarasca is a small bar in the old town that turns into a club by night which has recently become our go to club for spontaneous plans as it is free entry and is very close to my apartment!
It is so cheap as it doesn't cost anything to enter, however, the drinks are €6 but the cañas and bottles of beer are cheaper if you prefer to drink those! The doors open at 11pm and the music starts off pretty traditional, Spanish reggaeton (as per) but, as the night progresses, the DJ behind the bar is open to requests, whether they be Spanish or English. He has a collection of USBs to control the music rather than a booth with DJ decks it is all very old school and I'm still baffled by how it all works.
I much prefer this club over some of the clubs in the new town because it is less showy and expensive, all of the people I have met there are lovely and usually up for a good chat as well which, of course, is always good for the language development!
10. Atlántico
I have found that cocktail bars in Santiago de Compostela are a bit few and far between, especially coming from a city such as York where they are located at every corner, however Atlántico is one of the few affordable cocktail bars that I have found and it is situated in the old town near the cathedral.
It has a good selection of all the classic cocktails that we all know a love, as a cocktail enthusiast myself, I was very impressed by both the selection and very friendly staff who are keen to let you watch how the cocktails are made. The only negative I can think of is that it is a pretty small establishment with quite minimal seating, so I would suggest this place for pre-dinner drinks rather than to end the night, as the bar starts to fill up after 11/11:30pm!!
:)) xxx