Best Things to do in Santander | Must-see attractions 2025

Parque de La Magdalena

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

8 Calle Familia Real

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Parque de La Magdalena in Santander, Spain, combines beautiful gardens with a zoo, offering outdoor activities and great views of the bay.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Entry to the zoo may require a small fee.

Ermita de la Virgen del Mar

10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Santander Cantabria

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Ermita de la Virgen del Mar in Santander, Spain, is a 17th-century hermitage housing the beloved statue of Our Lady of the Sea, celebrated annually.

Duration: Less than 1 hour.

Free. Access may be limited to specific times for mass and events.

Jardines de Piquio

9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Garden

Avenida Castaneda

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Jardines de Piquio in Santander, Spain, features scenic gardens with coastal views, tranquil walking paths, and diverse plant species, ideal for a relaxing visit.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events and exhibitions may charge a fee.

Matalenas Park

8:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

Av. del Faro

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Matalenas Park in Santander, Spain, offers lush landscapes, recreational facilities, and panoramic views of the coastline, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may have entry fees.

Parque de la Vaguada de Las Llamas

Open 24 hours

Park

Av. de la Constitución

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Parque de la Vaguada de Las Llamas in Santander offers lush greenery and walking paths. Ideal for nature lovers and families seeking outdoor activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours recommended.

Free. No entry fees are required for public access.

Parroquia Santisimo Cristo

10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Calle Somorrostro S/N Bajo

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Parroquia Santisimo Cristo is a prominent Catholic church in Santander, Spain, known for its intricate architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Free entry. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Parque del Doctor Morales

Open 24 hours

Park

Calle Cajo s/n

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Parque del Doctor Morales in Santander offers green spaces, playful areas, and sculptures, making it a family-friendly destination in the city.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may incur a fee.

Parque de La Marga

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Jeronimo Sainz de la Maza

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Parque de La Marga in Santander features serene landscapes and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, ideal for nature lovers and leisure activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have an entrance fee.

Iglesia de las Salesas Reales

10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Avenida Camilo Alonso Vega 13

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Iglesia de las Salesas Reales in Santander is a prominent Baroque church, founded in the 18th century, featuring intricate designs and spiritual heritage.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Museo Etnografico de Cantabria Pedro Velarde

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

Pedro Velarde (Heroes 2 de Mayo)

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Museo Etnografico de Cantabria Pedro Velarde in Santander exhibits Cantabrian culture through local artifacts, history, and traditional crafts. Learn about the region's heritage.

Duration: About 1.5 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Centro Botin

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Museum

Jardines de Pereda

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Centro Botín in Santander, Spain is a modern art center designed by Renzo Piano, featuring contemporary art exhibitions and a vibrant social hub.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Paid admission for the galleries; free access to other areas.

Funicular del Rio de la Pila

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Train Station

C. Río de la Pila

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Funicular del Rio de la Pila is a cable car in Santander, Spain, connecting the city with elevated viewpoints, offering picturesque views of the bay.

Duration: 1 hour.

Adults: €2.00. Children (under 12): €1.00. Family tickets available.

Iglesia de Santa Maria de Los Angeles

10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Calle San Pedro S/N

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Iglesia de Santa Maria de Los Angeles in Santander, Spain, is a historic church dating back to the 18th century, known for its Baroque architecture and rich cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require a ticket.

University of Cantabria

8:00 AM–10:00 PM

University

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The University of Cantabria in Santander, Spain, established in 1972, offers a diverse array of academic programs across various disciplines and emphasizes research and innovation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free access to campus; specific events may require a ticket.

Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporaneo de Santander y Cantabria

Mo-Su 10:00-13:30

Museum

Calle Rubio 6

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Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporaneo de Santander y Cantabria features contemporary art and innovative expressions in a purpose-built setting. Visit for a unique cultural experience.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Palacete del Embarcadero

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Lugar

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Palacete del Embarcadero is a waterfront art gallery in Santander, Spain, showcasing contemporary exhibitions since 1932 in a historic bayfront building.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Santander Convention Center

9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Business Center

C. Real Racing Club

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Santander Convention Center, located in Santander, Spain, hosts conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events in a modern facility designed for versatility.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free entry to the building; some events may require a ticket.

Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Calle Hernan Cortes 4 Calle Bailén

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Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria in Santander, Spain, features ancient artifacts and interactive exhibits covering prehistoric to Middle Age times.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Faro

9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Lighthouse

Faro Cabo Mayor

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Faro is a historical lighthouse in Santander, Spain, located on cliffs, offering panoramic views, art exhibitions, and rich maritime history.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special art exhibitions may require a ticket.

Palacio de Festivales

11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Theater

C. Gamazo

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Palacio de Festivales in Santander, Spain, is a cultural hub featuring diverse events like concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions in an architecturally notable building.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies by event; general admission prices range from €10 to €50.

Los Raqueros

Open 24 hours

Monument

Paseo de Pereda

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Los Raqueros in Santander, Spain pays homage to its unique maritime culture with a striking statue of boys diving for coins, symbolizing the local fishing tradition.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

Refugio antiaereo Mariana Pineda

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Plaza del Principe

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Refugio antiaereo Mariana Pineda is a historical bomb shelter in Santander, Spain, highlighting its role during the Spanish Civil War and offering insight into wartime life.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free, but prior registration is necessary to visit.

Mini Zoo de la Magdalena

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Zoo

1C Av. de la Magdalena

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Mini Zoo de la Magdalena in Santander, Spain, features sea lions and earless seals, providing an intimate wildlife experience amidst beautiful surroundings.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free.

Faro de La Cerda

9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Lighthouse

Peninsula de La Magdalena

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Faro de La Cerda is a lighthouse located in Santander, Spain, serving as a significant maritime landmark with historical importance and picturesque views.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Access to the lighthouse grounds does not require a ticket.

Castillo de Corbanera

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Castle

Spain

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Castillo de Corbanera is a 19th-century palace in Santander, Spain, known for its eclectic architectural style and scenic gardens, offering a captivating glimpse into history.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Centro Comercial Valle Real

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Business Center

S/N Calle de Alday

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Centro Comercial Valle Real in Santander offers diverse shopping options with over 140 stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free. Some specific events may have an associated cost.

Centro Comercial Carrefour El Alisal

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

Calle Joaquín Rodrigo

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Centro Comercial Carrefour El Alisal in Santander, Spain offers diverse shopping options, dining, and entertainment across multiple retail spaces.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Costs may apply for specific events or services.

Centro Comercial Penacastillo

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

C. El Empalme-Peñacastillo s/n

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Centro Comercial Peñacastillo offers diverse entertainment options in Santander, Spain, making it a central hub for leisure and shopping in Cantabria.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No ticket required for general access; some specific events may charge a fee.

Mercado de Mexico

Mo-Fr 08:30-14:00,17:00-20:00; Sa 08:30-15:00

Mall

Santander Cantabria

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Mercado de Mexico in Santander, Spain, is a vibrant market featuring local produce, artisan goods, and cultural experiences amidst historical architecture.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some workshops may require a fee.

Iglesia de la Bien Aparecida

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Calle del Alto de los Leones

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Iglesia de la Bien Aparecida, built in 1970, is a significant religious site in Santander, Spain, known for its unique architecture and scenic location.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free entry. Special guided tours may incur a fee.

Santander Cathedral

10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Monument

Calle Somorrostro

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Santander Cathedral, a historic Catholic complex, features two Gothic churches, ancient statuary, and the tomb of notable scholar Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Valle Real

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

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Valle Real in Santander, Spain, is a significant shopping and cultural destination featuring various stores, entertainment options, and restaurants across modern architecture.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free entry. Specific events may have ticket fees.

MAS Santander and Cantabria Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

Calle de Rubio 6

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MAS Santander showcases a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including works from Goya, located in a historic building in Santander, Spain.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Complejo Judicial de Las Salesas

9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Public Building

Santander Cantabria

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Complejo Judicial de Las Salesas in Santander, Spain, serves as a modern judicial complex, integrating courtrooms and administrative offices within a contemporary architectural design.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Access to public areas is complimentary; court proceedings may have restrictions.

Iglesia San Maria De Cueto

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

C de los Hermanos Tonetti

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Iglesia San Maria De Cueto in Santander, Spain, features exquisite architecture and rich historical significance dating back to the 18th century. A must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Eduardo y Pilar Pescador CC Bahia de Santander

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Spa Center

CC Bahia de Santander

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Eduardo y Pilar Pescador CC Bahia de Santander offers a variety of leisure activities, shopping, and dining options, serving as a key attraction in Santander, Spain.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events or specific activities may have additional fees.

Rotonda De Los Osos

Open 24 hours

Garden

Santander Cantabria

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Rotonda De Los Osos in Santander features a bear-themed sculpture garden at the coastline, created by local artist José Antonio García. It's a focal point for locals and tourists alike.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free entrance.

Puente isla virgen del mar

Open all day

Bridge

Tómbolo Litoral (Virgen Del Mar)

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Puente isla virgen del mar is a picturesque bridge connecting to a tranquil island in Cantabria, Spain, noted for its scenic views and church.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No special ticketing required.

Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Santander

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Event hall

C. Real Racing Club

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Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Santander serves as a major event venue in Santander, Spain, hosting exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Ayuntamiento

9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Architectural Building

Plaza Ayuntamiento s/n

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Ayuntamiento in Santander is a neoclassical city hall built in 1909, known for its architectural beauty and historical importance in local governance.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Special guided tours may have a fee.