Tapas tasting with drinks at Santiago Old Towm

A Delightful Evening of Tapas and Drinks in Santiago’s Old Town

If you’re after a genuine taste of Galicia’s culinary soul, this tapas tasting experience in Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town offers just that—plus a relaxed atmosphere and engaging guides. For $40.72 per person, you get about two hours of exploring local flavors, enjoying five traditional tapas paired with two drinks of your choice. Led by knowledgeable hosts, this tour takes you into cozy, authentic bars, where you’ll not only eat but also learn stories behind each dish.

We love how this experience combines delicious food with insightful storytelling—making it more than just a meal. The selection of tapas is carefully curated, showcasing both familiar and regional dishes, while the local drinks add a celebratory touch. Plus, the informal setting encourages mingling, making it perfect for solo travelers or groups wanting a taste of local life.

A possible consideration is that this is a short tour, so if you’re looking for a full-on dinner or a deep dive into Galician cuisine, you might want to supplement it with another experience. Still, for a fun, casual evening that balances food, drink, and local culture, this tour hits the mark.

Ideal for food lovers, cultural explorers, or anyone curious about Galicia’s culinary traditions, this tour offers a memorable night out in Santiago’s vibrant Old Town.

Key Points

• Authentic Flavors: Tastes of Galicia through five traditional tapas.
• Local Atmosphere: Cozy, welcoming bar in Santiago’s historic core.
• Customizable Drinks: Pair your tapas with two drinks from a variety of local options.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides share stories and history behind each dish.
• Value for Money: Two hours of food, drink, and fun for a reasonable price.
• Small Group: Up to 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Exploring the Santiago Old Town Tapas Experience

This tapas and drinks tour offers a perfect snapshot of Santiago’s culinary scene, especially ideal if you want to explore without the rush of a large group or the formality of a sit-down meal. The meeting point is conveniently located at Galicia Travels on Rúa das Casas Reais, in the heart of the Old Town, just a short walk from many of Santiago’s main attractions. Starting at 8:00 pm, it’s designed for an evening outing that’s relaxed and social.

The Setting: An Authentic Local Bar

From the outset, you’ll find yourself in a cozy, unpretentious bar that feels like a second home. It’s a space filled with local charm—wooden counters, friendly bartenders, and a lively yet intimate vibe. This setting makes it easy to chat with fellow travelers and the guides, creating a convivial atmosphere. Since the tour is limited to 15 participants, you’re assured of a more personal experience.

The Guided Experience: Stories and Flavors

Our guides are well-informed and enthusiastic, sharing stories about Galicia’s culinary traditions and the significance of each dish. It’s this personal touch that elevates the experience, making it more engaging than just a casual bar crawl. We loved the way guides explained the history behind each tapa, connecting food to local customs and ingredients.

The Five Traditional Galician Tapas

Each tapa is a window into Galicia’s culinary soul—simple, hearty, and made with fresh ingredients. Here’s what you can expect:

• Raxo: Marinated pork, often seasoned with garlic and herbs, showcasing Galicia’s love for flavorful, tender meat dishes.
• Empanada: A flaky, savory pie filled with various ingredients; a staple in Galician cuisine, representing comfort and tradition.
• Chicharrones: Crispy, smashed pork, offering a delightful contrast of textures and a taste of local pork preparations.
• Pimientos de Padrón: Green peppers that can be mild or unexpectedly spicy, a fun and iconic snack often served fried with sea salt.
• Tarta de Santiago: Almond cake topped with powdered sugar and a cross of Saint James, a sweet ending that’s both simple and iconic.

The fact that each dish is made with locally sourced ingredients ensures freshness and authenticity. We loved the way these dishes offered a mix of textures and flavors, all clearly rooted in regional tradition.

Pairing Drinks: Tailored to Your Tastes

Choosing your two drinks from options like local wine, beer, soft drinks, water, infusions, or coffee means you can customize your experience. The local wine and beer are particularly noteworthy, giving you a taste of Galicia’s brewing and winemaking pride. Many guests appreciated the variety of drink options, making the experience flexible and inclusive.

Our guide was happy to explain each drink’s background, adding a layer of cultural understanding that made the evening even more meaningful. Whether you prefer a glass of crisp white wine or a hearty local beer, you’ll find something that suits your mood.

Authentic, Engaging, and Value-Driven

The two-hour duration is just right for sampling and socializing without feeling rushed. We found that the small group size fostered genuine conversations and a relaxed pace—perfect for soaking in Santiago’s lively night scene. Most reviews highlight how well-informed guides make the experience stand out, while the quality of the tapas keeps everyone satisfied.

From a practical standpoint, the booking process is straightforward, with most travelers reserving about a month in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour’s price point is reasonable when you consider the quality of food and drink, plus the added value of cultural insights.

Why This Tour Is a Great Fit

If you’re a food enthusiast eager to sample regional specialties in a relaxed setting, this tour is ideal. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy casual, social experiences where storytelling enhances the tasting. Solo travelers, couples, and small groups will all find this experience welcoming and enriching.

While it doesn’t include a full dinner, it’s a fantastic way to start an evening in Santiago or to complement other sightseeing activities. It’s perfect for visitors who want to understand and enjoy Galicia’s culinary traditions firsthand, in an environment that feels both authentic and fun.

Conclusions

This tapas and drinks tour in Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town offers a well-balanced mix of delicious regional dishes, local drinks, and friendly storytelling. Its small-group setting, authentic venues, and curated selection of tapas make it a memorable way to explore Galicia’s culinary heritage without the fuss of a formal meal.

It’s a smart choice for food lovers who want a taste of Santiago’s local flavor with a side of cultural context. The affordable price and great reviews speak to its value, especially for travelers seeking an intimate, genuine experience.

If you’re looking for a casual, engaging, and flavorful evening in Santiago, this tour delivers all that and more—an excellent way to connect with local culture through its food and drinks.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the tapas and drinks without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
You get five traditional Galician tapas and two drinks of your choice from a selection including wine, beer, soft drinks, infusions, or coffee.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Galicia Travels at Rúa das Casas Reais, 31, in Santiago’s Old Town.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The menu features pork and other meat-based dishes, so it’s not specifically designed for plant-based diets.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour good for groups or solo travelers?
It’s capped at 15 travelers, making it perfect for both small groups and solo explorers wanting a friendly environment.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Not specified, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to contact Galicia Travels beforehand.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
It starts at 8:00 pm, making it an ideal way to kick off an evening in Santiago or as a relaxed nightcap after sightseeing.

This tapas tasting experience is a relaxed, fun, and tasty way to get to know Santiago de Compostela’s culinary spirit. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, it’s a chance to enjoy local flavors, meet fellow travelers, and gain a richer understanding of Galicia’s food culture—all in a cozy setting that feels like a local secret.