{"id":13248,"date":"2026-02-18T13:18:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T12:18:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/richiperez.com\/?viajes=10-lugares-que-ver-en-santander-actualizado-oceanwp_date"},"modified":"2026-03-16T21:53:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T20:53:38","slug":"10-lugares-que-ver-en-santander-actualizado-oceanwp_date","status":"publish","type":"viajes","link":"https:\/\/richiperez.com\/en\/travel\/things-to-do-in-santander\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things to Do in Santander ([oceanwp_date])"},"content":{"rendered":"

Things to Do in Santander<\/h2>\n

Discover in this guide the best places to visit in Santander<\/strong>, the capital of Cantabria<\/a>, and plan your trip in a simple and practical way. Known as the \u201cPearl of the Cantabrian Sea\u201d<\/strong>, this beautiful northern city boasts one of the most stunning bays in Spain.<\/p>\n

With roots dating back to Roman times and shaped by the great fire of 1941<\/strong>, which transformed its historic centre<\/strong>, Santander today is a renewed city embraced by the Cantabrian Sea. You can relax on the beaches of El Sardinero, stroll through the Jardines de Pereda, soak up the atmosphere in Ca\u00f1ad\u00edo or Puertochico and, of course, enjoy the local food<\/strong>: anchovies, sobaos pasiegos (traditional sponge cakes), fresh fish, seafood and hearty cocido monta\u00f1\u00e9s stew.<\/p>\n

Although you can see the main highlights in a day, it\u2019s well worth staying at least one night. Welcome to this top 10 of must-see places in Santander<\/strong> to discover everything this northern gem has to offer \u2014 even in winter.<\/p>\n

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Map of the main places to visit in Santander<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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1. Pen\u00ednsula y Palacio de la Magdalena<\/h3>\n

With more than 25 hectares of parkland, the pen\u00ednsula de la Magdalena<\/strong> is the ultimate must-see in Santander. From here you\u2019ll enjoy some of the best views over the bay, wander among pine trees and \u2014 best of all \u2014 entry is free<\/strong>. Walking the circular path around the entire peninsula is easily one of the best things to do in Santander.<\/p>\n

The most iconic landmark here is the Palacio de la Magdalena<\/strong>, built between 1908 and 1912 as the summer residence of Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia. This building marked a turning point in Santander\u2019s tourism history, turning it into a royal and aristocratic summer destination.<\/p>\n

Even if you don\u2019t go inside (though I recommend it), there\u2019s plenty to see outdoors: viewpoints overlooking Isla de Mouro, views towards Playa de El Puntal, the monument to F\u00e9lix Rodr\u00edguez de la Fuente, the Carabelas Pier, Playa de los Bikinis, the Embarcadero Real and Faro de la Cerda.<\/p>\n

As it\u2019s a little outside the city centre, here\u2019s a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus<\/a> option that runs from Paseo de Pereda to the cathedral \u2014 perfect if you\u2019re planning to see Santander in one day.<\/p>\n

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Things to Do in Santander: Palacio de la Magdalena<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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2. Centro Bot\u00edn<\/h3>\n

A symbol of modern Santander, the Centro Bot\u00edn<\/strong> is another essential stop. Opened in 2017 and designed by architect Renzo Piano, this private art centre has completely reshaped the city\u2019s connection with its bay.<\/p>\n

Its light, elevated structure allows the sea to remain the star of the show, blending beautifully with the Jardines de Pereda<\/strong>. Inside, you\u2019ll find top-level international exhibitions, cultural events and educational activities.<\/p>\n

Extra tip: <\/strong>Fancy one of the best views over the bay? You can enjoy it for free. Even if you don\u2019t visit the exhibitions, you can walk up the outdoor stairs and take in one of the most breathtaking views in the city.<\/div>\n
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Things to Do in Santander: Centro Bot\u00edn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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3. Catedral de Santander (Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Asunci\u00f3n)<\/h3>\n

The catedral de Santander<\/strong>, officially Catedral de la Asunci\u00f3n de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora, began construction in the 13th century on the former cerro de Somorrostro<\/strong>. While its exterior looks fairly simple, it\u2019s well worth stepping inside to admire the columns decorated with plant motifs and its beautiful Gothic cloister.<\/p>\n

It actually consists of two churches stacked one above the other. Below you\u2019ll find the iglesia del Sant\u00edsimo Cristo<\/strong>, the city\u2019s oldest church, built over Roman remains with glass floors revealing archaeological remains beneath. In the upper church<\/strong>, the Gothic cloister and the tomb of Marcelino Men\u00e9ndez Pelayo stand out.<\/p>\n

After the great fire of 1941, part of the cathedral had to be rebuilt, which explains the mix of historic features and later restorations.<\/p>\n

Extra tip: Taking the lift up the tower is one of the best things to do in Santander if you want fantastic views over the historic centre and the bay.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Things to Do in Santander: Catedral Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Asunci\u00f3n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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4. Playa del Sardinero (Primera y Segunda)<\/h3>\n

Playa del Sardinero is another must-see and part of the city\u2019s most elegant neighbourhood. It\u2019s divided into Primera and Segunda, separated by the Jardines de Piqu\u00edo<\/strong>, a natural viewpoint offering spectacular views of the open sea and the sweeping coastline.<\/p>\n

Primera beach became famous in the 19th century for its \u201csea bathing\u201d tradition, when Spanish nobility flocked to Santander<\/strong> on medical advice. Opposite stands the iconic Gran Casino<\/strong>. Segunda, which is larger, has a more family-friendly feel.<\/p>\n

Besides enjoying the beach, it\u2019s lovely to walk along the seafront promenade of El Sardinero<\/strong>, from the curve of La Magdalena to Parque de Mesones. You can also head up along Paseo de la Reina Victoria, an elevated avenue lined with old mansions and viewpoints offering some of the best views of Santander\u2019s bay<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Things to Do in Santander: Playa del Sardinero<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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5. Mirador R\u00edo de la Pila Funicular<\/h3>\n

From the mirador del R\u00edo de la Pila<\/strong>, you\u2019ll get yet another fantastic panoramic view of Santander. To reach it, hop on the urban funicular, which climbs the steep slope of the R\u00edo de la Pila neighbourhood and links the historic centre with Paseo del General D\u00e1vila at the top of the city.<\/p>\n

Up there, you\u2019ll enjoy lovely views over rooftops, the bay and Pe\u00f1a Cabarga. It\u2019s the perfect spot to understand Santander\u2019s layout \u2014 a city built across hillsides that constantly look out to sea.<\/p>\n

The funicular runs daily from 6:00 am to midnight and is free<\/strong>, so add it to your list of things to do if you\u2019re exploring the historic centre.<\/p>\n

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6. Plaza Porticada y Plaza del Ayuntamiento<\/h3>\n

Plaza Porticada is one of Santander\u2019s great symbols. Built after the 1941 fire in a neo-Herrerian style, its square layout with arcades and five entrances makes it one of the most recognisable spots in the city centre<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Beneath the square you can visit the remains of the medieval wall<\/strong> and historic structures that form part of the Anillo Cultural<\/strong>. Just a few metres away is plaza del Ayuntamiento<\/strong>, dominated by the 1907 Town Hall and a popular meeting point for locals.<\/p>\n

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Things to Do in Santander: Town Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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7. Museo Mar\u00edtimo del Cant\u00e1brico<\/h3>\n

Facing the bay, between the promontory of San Mart\u00edn and Playa de los Peligros, you\u2019ll find the Museo Mar\u00edtimo del Cant\u00e1brico<\/strong>. A visit here really helps you understand Santander\u2019s deep-rooted relationship with the sea.<\/p>\n

It combines marine biology, naval history and fishing traditions \u2014 and, surprisingly, large aquariums too. The whale skeletons washed up along the Cantabrian coast are especially striking.<\/p>\n

Other museums worth visiting in Santander include:<\/p>\n