Updated May 2026 · Written by the Hostal La Mexicana team
Santander is a compact city where sleeping centrally makes a real difference. From Hostal La Mexicana on C/ Juan de Herrera, the key landmarks are all within 20 minutes on foot. This route is designed to see the most in a single day, spending as little time as possible on transport and as much as possible on the actual places.
Morning: culture before the crowds
Start early. Both MUPAC (C/ Hernán Cortés 4, 5 min from the hostal) and Centro Botín (Jardines de Pereda, 8 min from the hostal) open at 10:00. Choose one for the morning:
- MUPAC if you're interested in history, archaeology or prehistoric cave art. The permanent collection takes 60–90 minutes and is one of the best prehistory museums in northern Spain. Entry is €6 (free Sunday pm).
- Centro Botín if you prefer contemporary art and architecture. The Renzo Piano building above the bay is worth seeing even without an exhibition; the upper walkway is free. Exhibitions change; check the programme at centrobotin.org before you go.
If you skip the museum for now, a walk through the Cathedral (6 min from the hostal) and the old streets around C/ Alta takes 30–40 minutes and gives good context for the city's history.
Mid-morning: Paseo de Pereda and the Stone Crane
Head down to the waterfront by 11:30. Paseo de Pereda is the bay boulevard running east from Centro Botín. Along the way: the Pereda Building (future home of Faro Santander, opening autumn 2026), the Stone Crane (1900, 14 metres of industrial heritage), and the Palacete del Embarcadero (1931 royal landing stage, now an exhibition hall). Walk slowly and look towards the bay — the view of the water and the boats is the backdrop for everything.
Lunch: Puertochico or pintxos in the centre
Puertochico (7 min from the hostal, or 12 min from Centro Botín along the bay) is the small marina neighbourhood with lower buildings and a calmer feel than the rebuilt city centre. Terraces on the waterfront, fresh fish restaurants, a few pintxos bars. Alternatively, head back to the streets around the Town Hall — C/ Hernán Cortés, C/ Daoíz y Velarde — for the main concentration of pintxos bars. Budget €12–18 per person for a solid mid-day pintxos stop.
Afternoon: the bay walk to La Magdalena
The best afternoon plan in Santander is the walk from Puertochico to La Magdalena peninsula. The route follows the coast east, past the Palacio de Festivales (Sáenz de Oiza, 1990) and up onto the peninsula. On the hill stands Palacio de la Magdalena — the 1909–1911 summer residence of Alfonso XIII with 270-degree sea views. The perimeter walk around the peninsula takes 45–60 minutes and is one of the most beautiful urban walks in northern Spain.
If time and energy allow, continue beyond Magdalena to El Sardinero — Primera and Segunda del Sardinero beaches. Fine sand, open sea, good light in the afternoon. Bus line 4 runs back to the centre from El Sardinero in about 15 minutes.
Evening: pintxos and back to the centre
Finish with a proper pintxos session in the centre. The main bars cluster around C/ Hernán Cortés, C/ Daoíz y Velarde and the surrounding streets near the Mercado del Este. Reliable options: La Taberna del Herrero, Taberna Santoña, Casa Lita, Fuente Dé, Casemira and Quebec. See the pintxos guide for the full list. Budget €15–20 per person for an unhurried evening round.
The 24-hour schedule at a glance
| Time | Plan | Distance from hostal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30–10:00 | Breakfast in the centre | On your doorstep | Several cafés on C/ Juan de Herrera and surroundings |
| 10:00–12:00 | MUPAC or Centro Botín | 5–8 min on foot | Check opening hours; Centro Botín sometimes closes between exhibitions |
| 12:00–13:00 | Paseo de Pereda stroll | 6 min on foot | Stone Crane, Pereda Building, bay views |
| 13:30–15:00 | Lunch in Puertochico or centre | 7–12 min on foot | Pintxos or sit-down; Puertochico has the best terrace views |
| 15:00–18:00 | Bay walk → La Magdalena | 20 min on foot | 3–4 km walk; Palacio exterior free |
| 18:00–20:00 | El Sardinero beaches | Bus line 4 from Magdalena | Or skip and return to centre earlier |
| 20:30–22:00 | Pintxos evening in centre | Bus line 4 back | Bars fill from 20:00; arrive before the rush on weekends |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best one-day itinerary for Santander?
Start at MUPAC or Centro Botín (open from 10:00). Walk along Paseo de Pereda to Puertochico for lunch. Afternoon bay walk to La Magdalena and, if energy allows, El Sardinero beach. Return by bus line 4. Finish with pintxos in the centre around C/ Hernán Cortés.
What if it rains on my only day in Santander?
Both MUPAC and Centro Botín are fully indoor. A covered lunch near the Mercado del Este, then a walk to Puertochico with an umbrella, works fine. Save the bay walk for a dry stretch of the day. See the rainy day guide for more ideas.
How far is the city centre from El Sardinero beach?
About 5 km following the bay walk via Puertochico and La Magdalena. On foot: 60–75 minutes. Bus line 4: about 15 minutes. Taxi: around 10 minutes, €8–10 orientative.