Tapas tasting with drinks at Santiago Old Towm

Discover Santiago de Compostela’s Flavorful Old Town Tapas Tour

For just $40.72 per person, this 2-hour tapas tasting experience offers an authentic glimpse into Galicia’s culinary delights. Based in Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town, the tour is perfect for those eager to explore local flavors in a relaxed setting. It takes place in a cozy, traditional bar, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a genuine, social dining experience. The tour is particularly suitable for food lovers who enjoy sampling regional dishes paired with local drinks, with an average booking window of 34 days in advance.

The experience is led by knowledgeable hosts who guide you through a carefully curated selection of five classic Galician tapas. Including marinated pork, Galician pie, smoked pork, local peppers, and almond cake, each dish showcases the region’s culinary craftsmanship. To complement this, guests select two drinks from a range of options like wine, beer, soft drinks, or coffee. In just two hours, you get the chance to engage with local culture, enjoy good company, and taste true Galician flavors.

Key Points

• Affordable and intimate: Priced at $40.72, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Authentic local cuisine: Tastes include Raxo, Empanada, Chicharrones, Pimientos de Padrón, and Tarta de Santiago.
• Flexible drink options: Choose two drinks from wine, beer, soft drinks, water, infusions, or coffee to suit your preferences.
• Learn from local guides: Guides share stories behind each dish and insights into Galicia’s culinary traditions.
• Convenient location: Starts at Galicia Travels, Rúa das Casas Reais 31, in the lively heart of Santiago’s Old Town.
• Highly rated: With a perfect 5-star rating from four reviews, the tour is praised for its fun, knowledgeable guides, and excellent drink choices.

Starting Point in Santiago’s Historic Old Town

The tour begins at Galicia Travels on Rúa das Casas Reais, 31. This spot provides easy access via public transportation and is situated right in Santiago’s vibrant historic district. The 8:00 pm start time makes it ideal for a relaxed evening of socializing and sampling local flavors. The meeting point is straightforward, and since the tour ends back at the initial location, no additional transportation is needed.

The Charm of the Cozy Local Bar Setting

This tapas tour takes place in a small, authentic bar that captures the essence of Santiago’s culinary scene. Its intimate size, limited to a maximum of 15 guests, creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where conversations flow easily. Guests appreciate how guides introduce the dishes, sharing stories that heighten the tasting experience. The setting feels genuine and unpretentious—perfect for those who enjoy discovering local spots rather than more touristy venues.

Tasting the Five Classic Galician Tapas

The menu features a carefully selected lineup of traditional dishes. Raxo presents marinated pork, tender and flavorful, while the Empanada offers a taste of Galicia’s famous pie filled with regional ingredients. Chicharrones introduce smoked pork meat, adding a savory, crispy element. The Pimientos de Padrón provide a local twist on green peppers, some mild, some with a spicy kick. Finally, the Tarta de Santiago offers a sweet note with its almond flavor, a regional icon.

Each tapa is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, celebrating Galicia’s culinary heritage. The guide explains the significance and background of each dish, enriching the tasting with cultural context. This isn’t just a meal—it’s an educational experience that deepens appreciation for regional flavors.

Customizable Drink Pairings and Local Beverages

Complementing the tapas, guests select two drinks from a variety of local options. Choices include Galician wine, beer, soft drinks, water, infusions, or coffee. This flexibility allows each guest to tailor the experience to their tastes, whether they prefer a glass of local wine to go with the empanada or a refreshing beer alongside the chicharrones. The hosts are attentive and ready to help select drinks that enhance each tapa.

The Expertise of Galicia Travels Guides

The tour is led by friendly guides known for their knowledgeable storytelling. They share insights into Galicia’s food traditions, the history behind each dish, and anecdotes about Santiago de Compostela’s culinary scene. Reviews highlight how guides make the experience engaging and personable, creating a lively, conversational atmosphere that makes the tasting more meaningful.

Flexibility and Booking Details

This mobile ticket experience can be booked up to 34 days in advance, giving ample opportunity for planning. The tour offers free cancellation if needed, up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Starting at 8:00 pm, it’s perfect for an evening activity after sightseeing or exploring the city’s historic streets during the day.

The Value of a Guided Galician Tapas Night

For $40.72, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of food, drinks, culture, and social interaction. The inclusion of five traditional tapas and two drinks provides good value, especially given the personalized setting and knowledgeable guidance. Guests typically find the experience to be a delightful way to enjoy Santiago de Compostela’s culinary scene without the hassle of restaurant-hopping.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is ideal for foodies, culture seekers, and those who enjoy relaxed social outings. It suits travelers interested in authentic regional cuisine and engaging storytelling. The limited group size ensures a personalized experience, and the evening timing makes it suitable for after daytime sightseeing. However, guests should be comfortable walking and standing in a casual bar environment for about two hours.

The Sum Up: A Genuine Taste of Galicia in Santiago’s Old Town

The Tapas tasting with drinks at Santiago Old Town offers a warm, authentic experience that combines delicious regional dishes with engaging stories and local drinks. The quality of the food, served in a cozy, traditional setting, makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Galicia’s culinary culture. The high praise from previous reviews, noting knowledgeable guides and excellent drink choices, speaks to its consistent quality.

While not suited for those seeking a large-group or high-energy night out, this tour provides intimate, genuine flavors and a chance to connect with Santiago de Compostela’s food traditions. It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxed evening in the historic city, tasting regional specialties while learning from passionate local hosts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include?
The tour includes five traditional Galician tapas and two drinks from options like wine, beer, soft drinks, or coffee.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Galicia Travels, located at Rúa das Casas Reais, 31 in Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 2 hours, starting at 8:00 pm.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or specific dietary needs?
The provided information does not specify dietary accommodations, so guests should consider this when booking.

Is the experience accessible?
The tour takes place in a cozy bar in the city center, with near public transportation, but detailed accessibility information is not provided.