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If you’re planning to be in Tenerife and wanting to explore one of the coolest parts of the island, then La Laguna must be included on your itinerary.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, popularly called La Laguna, is a small city in northern Tenerife, situated between the Anaga massif and La Esperanza mountain. Here, you’ll come across pedestrian-friendly streets lined with lively bars, delicious restaurants, and shops. The town is also replete with historic buildings, which led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Without uncertainty, La Laguna is worthwhile visiting. In this guide, I’ll share the 10 best activities to do in La Laguna, Tenerife. I’ll also tell you where to stay here, as this part of the island has some of the most affordable lodging in Tenerife.
Table of Contents
1. Plaza del Adelantado, a must-see in La Laguna, Tenerife
Initially, the Plaza del Adelantado is one of the most famous squares in LaLaguna, and is seen as an ancient, social, and cultural focal point. It’s the perfect position to watch people, so it’s a need-see amid your go to San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
The plaza is surrounded by impressive structures, including the Town Hall and the historic chapel, Ermita de San Miguel. Up until the 20th century, the square was also a common spot for public gatherings, processions, and activities. That said, the most famous part of the plaza is the central marble fountain, the oldest fountain in San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s old town.
Whether just passing through or mingling with the locals, spending time in La Laguna is one of the top activitiesin La Laguna, and one of the highlights in Tenerife.
2. Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, another place to see in La Laguna
The Church of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, additionally known as The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, is yet another beautiful place to visit in La Laguna’s historic center. It was constructed atop a 16th-century hermitage, although it wasn’t declared a cathedral till 1818.
The church stands apart due to its Neo-Gothic structure, specifically its dome. Its nine chapels and ribbed vaults are also remarkable, as is the facade, which was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style in 1825. It`s worth seeing both the interior and exterior of the cathedral, although it`s free to enter, a small fee is required if you want an audio guide. You can obtain all the information about the cathedral`s website.
So, if you’re unsure what to experience in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, come admire this spectacular construction, which also happens to be one of the premier attractions in northern Tenerife.
3. Church of the Immaculate Conception, something to see in San Cristóbal de la Laguna
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is another noteworthy landmark in La Laguna, Tenerife. It was the initial religious sanctuary on the whole island. As a result, it was declared a Site of Cultural Significance in 1948 and labeled an Historic-Artistic Monument in 2012.
While numerous architectural components stand out, the church`s bell tower is especially notable as a symbol of La Laguna since it`s nearly thirty meters tall. There are even more interesting pieces inside the church, such as dozens of sculptures, several silver pieces, and the wood pulpit carved from cedar by French artist Verau.
Additionally, you cannot miss witnessing the Sevillian ceramic font, which dates back to the 15th century and symbolizes when the initial Christians on the island were baptized. The church is freely open to visit, so if you wish to go, you’ll find it located within the old town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
4. Santa Catalina Monastery, another place to visit in La Laguna, Tenerife
Another magnificent religious site in La Laguna, Tenerife is the Santa Catalina Monastery. It is one of the earliest convents belonging to the Dominican Order in the Canary Islands and was opened in the early seventeenth century by four nuns from Seville.
That said, its construction dates back to the first half of the 16th century, and is a lovely example of the Mudejar style that influenced the architecture of the time. Here, you can see all kinds of artistic craftsmanship, including oil paintings and wood-carved altarpieces in the Baroque style. Undoubtedly, it’s something you can’t miss in the town of La Laguna, Canary Islands.
5. Museum of the History of Tenerife, one of the best museums in La Laguna
One of the best approaches to gain more knowledge regarding the history of this small, beautiful city is to tour the Museum of the History of Tenerife. The La Laguna segment of the museum is found in Casa Lercaro, while the other two buildings are at Casa de Carta in Valle de Guerra and Castillo de San Cristóbal Interpretation Center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Inside the museum, visitors will find exhibits and artifacts that outline the island`s history, including its economic and social development journeys over time. Additionally, the museum conducts research and preservation efforts involving different collected historical materials pertaining to Tenerife.
While you’re here, check if the museum is hosting any cultural workshops or activities. While they’re generally aimed toward students and local inhabitants, they’re quite interesting and can add an educational component to your visit to San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
6. Calle La Carrera & Calle San Agustín, two streets to visit in San Cristóbal de la Laguna
Another great way to get acquainted with San Cristóbal de La Laguna is by wandering along its roads, particularly La Carrera street and San Agustín street.
Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, popularly known as La Carrera, is one of the lively streets in La Laguna that completely captures the essence of the city. It’s also one of the town’s initial streets, so it’s a superb place to see historic buildings, aged homes, shops, and restaurants.
You should also check out Calle de San Agustín, which has some of the most exquisite mansions and estates in La Laguna, Tenerife. Some of these houses have even been converted into museums and cultural institutions that you can visit.
Next, the Palacio de Nava is an attractive site in San Cristóbal, Tenerife containing a great deal of history. It was constructed toward the end of the 16th century by the mayor of Tenerife at that time, Tomás Grimón. Since then, it has undergone some renovations, so it now showcases several architectural designs such as Baroque, Mannerist, and Neoclassical.
Due to its rich history and architectural wealth, the Palacio de Nava was declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1976. Not only is it a lovely place to visit, but it also provides insight into the affluent upper classes of Tenerife and San Cristóbal de La Laguna’sformertown center.
8. Plaza del Cristo, a lively square in San Cristóbal de la Laguna
Another central area that you should visit in La Laguna is the Plaza del Cristo. It is another renowned square in the city, particularly as it is where the Royal Sanctuary of Cristo de la Laguna resides.
Additionally, the plaza serves as a meeting point for local festivities and events, such as the mass honoring the Virgen de la Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands. It is also where one can go shopping at the municipal market, considered one of the prime attractions in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
There is no uncertainty that this is an interesting place to visit in La Laguna, and the site is even a Plaza of Insular Interest, a title bestowed by the Cabildo de Tenerife in the 1990s.
9. Casa Salazar, another attraction you can’t miss in San Cristóbal de la Laguna
Casa Salazar, also known as Palacio Salazar, is another premier attraction worth seeing in San Cristóbal, Tenerife. The palace was constructed in the mid-17th century showcasing the Canarian Baroque architectural style, although you can also observe Mannerist and Neoclassical components, particularly in the statuettes.
The fortress continues to retain one of the finest preserved facades amidst the Canary Islands, thereby constituting one of the most impressive sites to visit in La Laguna,Spain. Regrettably, a fire in 2006 led to the interior section of the palace burning down completely, along with the destruction of all valuables housed within. Regardless, it remains a popular landmark in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, so exploring it is worthwhile.
10. Museum of Science and the Cosmos, another museum to visit in La Laguna, Tenerife
Finally, the Museum of Science and the Cosmos is another museum in SanCristóbal de LaLaguna worth exploring. This interactive museum is full of games, experiments, and hands-on exhibits to educate about scientific concepts like space.
The museum also has a planetarium and hosts various workshops, projection shows, and science-themed activities. It even organizes camping and stargazing nights, so if you want to admire the dark, starry skies of Tenerife, this is an amazing activity in San Cristóbal de LaLaguna. Before going, I recommend checking the events and activities calendar here.
Where to stay in La Laguna, Tenerife
If you wish to lengthen your time in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, there are several good lodging choices to select from.
One of my favorites is La Laguna Gran Hotel, which provides spacious rooms with an abundance of natural light. There is also a swimming pool, a garden, a gym, and a restaurant, making it one of the top hotels in Tenerife.
Another charming location to reside is the Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa, situated in a historic building in SanCristóbal de La Laguna’s historical town center. This stylish hotel is ideal if you’re in search of a lavish accommodation, and you’ll delight in the resort’s gymnasium, medical spa, and buffet-style dining room.
Finally, if you favor a more affordable hotel in SanCristóbal de La Laguna, check out the Apartamentos La Concepción. The rooms here come with a fully-equipped kitchen, making them perfect if you want to save money on meals.
Where to eat in San Cristóbal de la Laguna
You’ll find great restaurantsinSan Cristóbal de La Laguna, so it`s worth dining at one or two of these establishments.
Initially, Gulagú offers hearty dishes for a great price, so I recommend it if you’re searching for good value. Plus, it has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
Another eatery that we truly enjoyed is El Guachinche De Argelio, which offers a wide assortment of options at a reasonable pricing structure. We selected several dishes to share and relished everything, although I highly recommend the croquettes. The customer service is also exceptional, so you won’t be let down.
Finally, La Hormiga is one of San Cristóbal de La Laguna’sfinesteateries, serving delicious Canarian-style dishes and excellent service. It’s more costly, but worth it if you want to dine well during your trip.
Map of La Laguna
To conclude, here is a map of La Laguna, Tenerife so you can locate all the tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants mentioned.
I hope this guide on what to see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna assists you in planning your trip to Tenerife. Of course, if you have any questions or wish to share your experiences, please leave me a comment below. I hope you have an amazing time in La Laguna!
