Staying a second night in a city

[Senyor Pirotecnic]

There are a few cities I would like to check out properly (eg Leon, Logrono, Pamplona) and perhaps stay a second night there. Are people disinclined to do this because it means they fall a day behind friends they have made on the camino? I know you're only allowed stay the one night in the albergues but is it possible to do a sly one and move to a different albergue within the city or will the credencial stamps give it away?

 

[JohnnieWalker]

It may be that by the time you get to where you want a day off you will be so inspired with the spirit of pilgrimage you won't want to "do a sly one" - we celts have such graphic phrases

Just ask at the albergue and if it isn't possible what people usually do for sightseeing days is use a hostal of which there are many in the big cities - it is also a chance to catch up on washing etc.

 

[sillydoll]

Senyor Pirotecnic - if you have extra days, why don't you hire a car in Santiago and drive back home staying in the cities you want to spend time in? There are youth hostels and low cost pensions you could stay in.

 

[Trudy]

A lot of pilgrims stay an extra night in the bigger cities such as Burgos and Leon. Not only is there plenty to see, but it's nice to have an occasional rest day. If you want, stay in the municipal albergue for the first night and find a cheap hotel for the second. However, if you stay in a private albergue, ask about staying a second night as many will allow you to do so. I did this in Astorga as I was fascinated by the city and wanted more time to explore, but in Burgos and Leon stayed in hotels.

 

[viajero]

I'm not sure when you are walking. I walked in March and as it was not crowded, several of the albergues let people stay more than one night.