Old Town Tapas Tasting

The Rúa do Franco and its neighbouring lanes are Santiago's most famous eating street, a pedestrian strip lined with tapas bars, taverns and seafood restaurants. A guided tapas tasting takes the guesswork out of choosing. You go with someone who knows which bars do the best pulpo, who pours a proper glass of Albariño and where to find the crispest croquettes. The format is relaxed, with a few stops and small dishes, so you can eat well without committing to a long sit-down meal. Tapas in Galicia are often generous, sometimes arriving free with a drink in some bars and sometimes sold as raciones to share. Typical plates include Padrón peppers, tortilla, jamón, octopus, scallops baked in their shell and sweet pastries. Drinks may be wine in the traditional white ceramic cup, cider or beer.

The tasting usually starts in the early evening, when the old town fills with students, pilgrims and locals. The group moves from bar to bar, sampling a dish and a drink at each. The guide explains each dish and points out the rituals of the place: where to stand, how to order and what to do when a plate arrives. Seating is limited in the smallest bars, so you may stand at a counter, which is part of the fun.

Plan for noise and crowds on Friday and Saturday nights, when the lanes are packed. A weekday tasting is calmer and gives more room to talk to the staff. Dietary needs should be flagged when you book, because the menu leans on seafood, pork and gluten. Alcohol is part of the format, but most bars offer soft drinks or water, and a local guide can recommend non-alcoholic options.

The best plan is to treat the tasting as a first lesson and then follow up on your own. Return to the bar you liked most for a full meal, ask for the daily special and explore the side streets, where quieter taverns serve soups and stews in the cooler months. Remember that restaurants in Spain often serve dinner late, with kitchens opening around nine in the evening, while tapas bars start earlier and serve through the afternoon.

A tapas tasting before dinner is a good way to ease into the local rhythm. It also pairs well with the walking tour and a stroll to the cathedral at dusk.

Try to learn a few phrases before you go. A simple "unha cunca de viño, por favor" will earn a smile when you ask for a cup of wine, and asking for the house recommendation is always welcome. Galician bars value conversation, so do not hurry. If a place is full, move on rather than waiting; there is always another bar around the corner.

For a more relaxed meal, ask your guide which restaurants take reservations and where to find a quiet table, and remember that the best seafood is usually ordered by weight, so ask the price before you commit.

Finally, pace yourself. Three or four stops with a drink and a small plate at each is plenty, and the best advice from locals is to eat slowly, drink water between glasses and leave room for something sweet at the end.