Things to Do in Santander

At the agreed time, we will meet in the center of Santander to begin our free tour of the capital of Cantabria.

During the tour, we will explore the charming Jardines de Pereda, from where we will admire the innovative Centro Botín, a masterpiece by the renowned architect Renzo Piano. The views of the bay from this place will leave you speechless.

We will continue through the city's expansion area while discovering key moments in Santander's history, including some of its most challenging periods.

Have you heard about the great fire that devastated Santander in 1941? We will explain how it happened and what consequences it had for the city.

Our route will also take us to the Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción, where we will stop to appreciate its exterior architecture and talk about the relics of the patron saints of Santander that are preserved inside.

Along the way, we will visit other emblematic places such as the Santander City Hall and the Mercado de la Esperanza, also known as the Central Market, the perfect place to get to know the rich gastronomy of the region.

We will also stop at the Plaza Porticada, the Mercado del Este, and the historic building of the Banco Mercantil, located in one of the most prominent areas of the city.

After about two hours, we will end our free tour in the heart of the historic center of Santander.

Relive one of Santander's biggest catastrophes and how the city resurfaced after "El Siniestro", the great fire that changed everything forever that February 1941. February 15, 1941, night falls. Throughout the day a gale has risen that has grown to be almost a hurricane. A glow in the horizon of roofs begins to draw the attention of the population and the alarms in the streets sound ... The great fire of Santander has been unleashed, nothing will be the same again. Discover with Experienta the history of this event that changed Santander, in which much of the city was reduced to ashes and how this modified its structure and the way of life of the people of the place, to become as we know it today. Enjoy a different itinerary through the less known side of the center of Santander, through the most representative monuments and icons of the urban center, from a "catastrophic" point of view as well as instructive. Feel as if you were an inhabitant of the time under the explanations of a guide involved and willing to give you a fun visit in which nothing else you have to worry about enjoying the activity without risk of being devoured by the flames. We promise you that you will never see the city of Santander with the same eyes.

Ask yourself a question: Do you want to know Santander or do you want to feel it like a local?

Forget about cold data routes and copy-paste guides (let's not even talk about AI). If you're looking for an authentic experience, from people to people, to know and live the city in detail, feeling the salt on your lips and soaking up the way of life, gastronomy, culture, and language of our people, this is your route.

We are official guides, accredited and 100% Cantabrian. We won't take you "to the middle of nowhere," but we guarantee you'll feel more comfortable than in a warm embrace. You're going to experience the most intense history and also discover the strongest romance of the Cantabrian Sea, that of Santander and its sea, over time.

What are we going to experience together?

• Our adventure begins at the Town Hall Square, where we'll break the ice a bit and whet your appetite at the Mercado de la Esperanza. Get ready, because among fish, meats, fruits, and vegetables, with some good laughs, you'll see the "hunger" that comes over you when you get to know our local and regional gastronomy.

• We'll tour the "Historic Center," the Old Town, the Cathedral and the corners where the waves still echo, even if it doesn't seem like it today. Surprises and wow moments! won't be lacking. Just as Santander and the sea love each other, but in every relationship, there are also dramas, so we'll tell you about the "events" that marked the city: from the tragedy of the Cabo Machichaco to that post-Valentine's Day of 1941 that ended in the Great Fire.

• We'll stroll through the most noble expansion —Plaza de Pombo (The influencer?🫢), the Mercado del Este or the Jardines de Pereda— until we reach the seafaring soul of El Arrabal. There, if you close your eyes, you can still hear the cries of the net makers, sardine sellers, and the hustle and bustle of boats and sailors. From the humblest boat to the most luxurious yacht. A city of contrasts, back and forth.

And this is a very summarized summary, we have a ton more things!

Why book this tour NOW? (because later is too late and the milkmaids pass by)

• Cantabrian dictionary and culture included: Do you know what something steep is, having craving, a hurry, a school, a chance is? Don't worry, we'll provide subtitles so you understand our way of being. Something will stick with you! And if you have questions, ASK, it's free and questions keep you up at night.

• Authenticity is our middle name: a team born and raised in La Tierruca. Very much from here, as if a sobao had a child with a can of anchovies and named it Revilla. You'll enjoy our way of being and forget the myth that we're sad because "the sky is gray and it always rains haha." We'll show you that here we enjoy life like pigs in a mud puddle (even in the rain). That we are friendly and hospitable people and we'll make you feel like you've been at home forever, because if you win over a Cantabrian, it's for life.

• Need any recommendations? That's what we're here for, so you don't miss anything. Restaurants, things to do, where to go out, how to get around, etc.

• Local protagonists, not just places: You'll meet the Raqueros, those little characters that are the eternal icon of our docks... and also Pereda, Botín, Pombo, Velarde, the grandparents of the neighborhood who come to tell us little stories,... sometimes we even run into Revilla and all.

• Pet Friendly 99.99%: Your furry friends are part of the family and welcome to stretch their legs with us. Except for the only exception of the Mercado de la Esperanza where, unfortunately because it's not our rule, they can't enter🥲.

Truly, because we like quality and not because it's our route, the best advice you get for free: don't let them tell you about it. Experience it yourself before the spots run out! If you feel craving for Santander, click on book and get ready for the most complete tour of the city and have a top experience.

Come on, cheer up. You're going to have a better time than you can imagine, promised!

STARTING POINT: Hotel Bahía entrance.
Route:
- Monument to the victims of the Cabo Machichaco disaster.
- Explanation of the ship explosion, causes and consequences for the city of Santander.
- Bank of Spain.
- Post Office.
- Cathedral of the Assumption.
- Plaza de Alfonso XIII.
- Santander Fire, monument.
- Botín Center and Pereda gardens.
- Stone Crane.
- Embarcadero Palace.
- Pereda Promenade.
- Santander Bank.
- Mercado del Este.
- Velarde Square.

Traditions, recommendations for different visits in Santander and its surroundings, gastronomic suggestions... and much more.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the tour.

Imagine if a city could talk to you… Santander does.

She strolls along the waterfront, stops to chat with acquaintances and strangers alike, and is eager to share her stories: from her Roman origins to the tragedies that shaped her , the fires and explosions that tested her and ultimately led to her rebirth. Despite her aloof demeanor, she welcomes you with open arms, and once you meet her, you can't help but listen.

On this tour, we'll explore the historic center and seafront promenade, starting at Plaza de la Asunción , in front of the Cathedral, and journeying through centuries of history. We'll see monuments commemorating tragedies, stroll through the Pereda Gardens, visit the Botín Centre, explore markets like the Mercado del Este, visit squares such as Plaza de la Porticada, and admire iconic buildings like the former Banco Santander, all while uncovering the city's hidden stories.

For 2 hours , I will be the voice of Santander, so that you can hear its memory and get to know a big, beautiful heart full of light, like its bay.

This tour is not just a stroll: it's an experience to feel, understand, and fall in love with this great city.

Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Tour type: Free tour (voluntary tip).