Santiago de Compostela: Tapas Evening Walk & 3 Bar Stops

Summary

Evening tapas stroll through Santiago’s squares with local bars

You’ll follow winding streets in Santiago de Compostela with a local guide who knows every shortcut to three buzzing bars for classic tapas and drinks. Hear legends in ancient squares, taste Galician specialties (yes, even spicy peppers), enjoy live music on most nights — all included so you can just relax into it.

What’s the experience like?

We’d just squeezed past a group of pilgrims when our guide, Marta, waved us down a side street — not the main drag but one of those stone alleys that always smell faintly of rain and fried peppers. She grinned and told us this was where locals actually go for their first drink. I half expected it to be empty, but the bar was humming with chatter and clinking glasses. Our first tapa was pulpo sprinkled with paprika — I tried to say “pulpo á feira” like Marta did, but she laughed and said my accent made it sound Galician-Italian. Not sure if that’s good or bad.

After that we wandered into one of Santiago’s big squares — the one with the holy door and that old clock tower everyone points at. Marta told us a story about a ghost monk (she swears it’s true), and I caught myself staring up at the stonework while she talked. The bells rang right then, which felt weirdly perfect. We moved on to another bar near the Museum of Pilgrimages, where they served these tiny green peppers — some mild, some spicy — and everyone at our table started betting who’d get the hot one. I lost. My mouth burned for five minutes but honestly, it was hilarious.

By the last stop, there was live music drifting from somewhere behind the counter — guitar and someone singing in Galician, which sounded softer than Spanish somehow. We had our third drink (I went for wine this time) and just sat back listening for a bit. I kept thinking how different everything tasted here; even the bread had this chewy crust you don’t get back home. The whole night felt kind of loose around the edges — people coming and going, stories overlapping with snacks and sips. It didn’t really feel like a tour after a while… more like being invited along on someone else’s evening out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tapas and city highlights tour

• Meet at the designated meeting point
• Visit main square with holy door and clock tower
• Explore square with museum of pilgrimages

Top questions

How many bars do we visit on this Santiago tapas tour?

You’ll stop at three different bars or cafeterias during the evening.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes, you get one drink at each bar — beer, wine, water, soft drinks or coffee.

Is there live music during the tour?

Live music is included on Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

Can vegetarians join this tapas tour?

The menu varies by bar; check directly if you have dietary needs.

Is pickup included for this Santiago food tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central point in Santiago de Compostela.

Can children join this tapas walk?

Yes! Infants and small children are welcome; strollers are allowed too.

Is public transport nearby the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting location.

What’s included

Your evening includes three stops at local bars or cafés in Santiago de Compostela with one drink at each (choose from beer, wine, soft drinks or coffee), plus traditional Galician tapas served at every spot. Live music is part of the experience most nights from Wednesday to Sunday. A local guide leads your group throughout — just meet up downtown and everything else is sorted for you.