Things to Do in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
1. Plaza del Adelantado
Start your day by visiting Plaza del Adelantado, located in the center of the city. This is the starting point for free walking tours or guided visits around La Laguna, Tenerife. The square is named after Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the conqueror of Tenerife and La Palma.
The Plaza hosts various events like festivals, markets, and processions. At its center, you’ll find an elegant marble fountain, the oldest in La Laguna, commissioned from Marseille.
Around Plaza del Adelantado, you can see important buildings like the Casa del Santo Padre Anchieta, the Ermita de San Miguel, the Palacio de Nava, and the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena.
Book a Free Tour of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
2. Palacio de Nava
The Palacio de Nava is one of the most notable buildings in Plaza del Adelantado, located on the northwest corner and recognized for its impressive dual facades.
This palace is an excellent example of Canary Island architecture, blending Baroque, Neoclassical, and Mannerist elements.
Construction began in 1585 under the order of Tomás Grimón, but later changes were made, with the entire building being clad in stone in 1776 by Tomás de Nava y Grimón y Porlier.
3. Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena
Right next to the Palacio de Nava, you’ll find the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, one of the most iconic things to do in La Laguna.
The monastery stands out with its architecture influenced by Mudejar style, seen in the intricate wooden balconies and Arabic tile roof. These balconies allowed the nuns to observe the outside without being seen.
The monastery church features a single nave and a bell tower on its facade. Inside, you can admire three beautifully carved Baroque altarpieces, along with several 18th-century paintings by Canary Island artists.
The main altar is adorned with a mid-17th-century altarpiece that displays images of the Virgin of the Rosary, Saint Dominic, and Saint Catherine of Siena.
4. La Casa de La Alhóndiga
La Alhóndiga was built in the early 18th century and remodeled in the 19th century when there were plans to turn it into a theater.
Originally, La Alhóndiga served as an essential place for helping the community’s poorer residents by providing wheat to those who couldn’t afford it or selling bread at lower prices during tough times.
It also offered seeds to farmers for both personal use and for lands leased from the town council. Currently, the interior is not open to visitors.
5. House of the Captain Generals
The House of the Captain Generals, also known as the House of Alvarado-Bracamonte, is another must-see thing to do in La Laguna.
The house stands out with its red masonry and volcanic tuff stone facade, featuring a stone portal with a balcony and a doorway framed by pilasters. The interior is organized around a large central courtyard.
Historically, this house served as the residence of six Captain Generals of the Canary Islands between 1705 and 1723.
6. Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
The Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, also known as the Holy Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedies, is the most important religious monument to visit in La Laguna.
Its neoclassical facade, completed in 1820, was inspired by the Cathedral of Pamplona. The current cathedral, opened in 1913, features neo-Gothic style with ribbed vaults and a dome completed in 2014.
Inside, the cathedral treasures pieces like the tabernacle by José Luján Pérez and a large Baroque altarpiece by Hendrick Van Balen.
Entry Fees
While entry for worship is free, here are the prices for the audio guide:
- General entry: €7.00
- Seniors 65+: €6.00
- Groups (15+ people): €3.50
- Youth (13-18), university students up to 25, and unemployed: €5.50
- Visitors with disabilities (33% or greater): €5.50
- Residents of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, individuals with disabilities over 63%, and children under 13: Free; audio guide costs €2.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Closed on Sundays
7. Teatro Leal
The Teatro Leal opened its doors in 1915. Its facade, featuring floral and animal motifs, is a great example of modernist design. Inside, you’ll find stunning murals by Manuel López Ruiz and Manuel Verdugo.
Since it first opened, Teatro Leal has hosted a wide range of performances, from musicals and operas to the town’s first film screenings. It was renovated and reopened in 2008.
The theater’s interior is quite beautiful, with a floor in the seating area that can be adjusted for different types of events. The walls are decorated with murals depicting romantic landscapes, seascapes, and local scenes, creating a unique atmosphere for enjoying the performing arts.
8. Iglesia de la Concepción
The Parroquia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, known as the Church of La Concepción, is the first church founded in Tenerife in 1511 and one of the most important things to do in La Laguna. Located in Villa de Arriba, the area where artisans lived, it was also the site of the first Mass celebrated in Tenerife.
Its tower, 28 meters tall and built between 1694 and 1697, stands out with its Tuscan style, similar to the bell tower of the Cathedral of Turin. Over the years, the church has been rebuilt and restored several times.
Inside, the church holds the baptismal font, where it’s believed that Guanches were baptized. The current structure includes a chancel modified in the 18th century, and the bell tower offers panoramic views of the city.
Entry Fees
- General: €2.00
- Residents of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province: Free
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
9. Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe
Just a short walk from the bell tower of the Church of La Concepción, the Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe is an essential thing to do in La Laguna, listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.
This traditional 18th-century Canarian house, with a charming patio full of greenery, was the residence of Cayetano Gómez Felipe, a collector who amassed an impressive collection of antiques.
At the house, you’ll find a valuable collection reflecting the art, daily life, and customs of the Canary Islands over the centuries. A visit will give you insight into the history of the archipelago while admiring the architecture of this historic mansion.
Entry Fees
- General: €5.00
- Residents: €3.50
- Discounted entry: €3.00 (for seniors 65+, students, unemployed, people with disabilities, and teachers)
- Special entry for school or university groups: €2.50
- Groups of 10 or more visitors and associations: €3.00
- Children under 9: Free
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays and public holidays
10. Church and Former Convent of San Agustín
The Church and Convent of San Agustín, founded in the 16th century by the Augustinian Order, has had many uses over the years. Originally built over a small chapel dedicated to Saint Roch, the building has served as a convent, infantry barracks, provincial library, school, the first weather station, a soup kitchen, and a prison for the Falange during the Spanish Civil War.
Today, the convent houses the House of Culture and is known for its impressive Renaissance cloister, considered one of the best in the Canary Islands. The cloister, with its stone and wooden columns, spans two levels and contains the remains of important historical figures, such as the historian Juan Núñez de la Peña.
11. Casa Salazar
Casa Salazar is one of the most important buildings to see in La Laguna, famous for its architecture that blends Baroque, Neoclassical, and Mannerist styles. Built in the 17th century by Cristóbal Salazar de Frías, the first Count of Salazar, this palace features an impressive stone facade with a marble family crest and gargoyles.
Although a devastating fire in 2006 destroyed much of its interior, the facade remained intact, and the building was restored to become the episcopal seat of the Nivariense diocese. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful courtyard with columns supporting the galleries, as well as the Bishop’s Chapel, considered a gem of modern religious art in the Canary Islands.
Before becoming the episcopal seat, Casa Salazar had other uses, including being the home of the Casino El Porvenir. Today, in addition to its architectural value, it houses important artworks by painters like Francisco Bonnin and sculptors such as Mariano Benlliure.
12. Casa Lercaro – Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife
The Casa Lercaro is an architectural gem to visit in La Laguna. It belonged to the influential Lercaro family, originally from Genoa, and was built in the 17th century. Its facade stands out with a spectacular portico and the family crest, while the interior will surprise you with a charming courtyard where wood is the highlight.
The house is also wrapped in a legend: Catalina Lercaro, a young woman from the family, is said to have thrown herself into the courtyard well to avoid an unwanted marriage. Since then, some claim to have seen her spirit wandering the halls.
Today, this building, also known as Casa Ponte Fonte, houses the Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife, where you can learn more about the island’s history from the 15th to the 20th centuries.
Entry Fees
- Adults: General: €5.00, Residents of the Canary Islands: €3.00
- Students, seniors, families with many children, and groups of 8 or more: General: €3.50, Residents of the Canary Islands: €2.00
- Children under 8, ICOM members, teachers and guides with groups, Canary Islands school groups: Free
- Free entry hours: Friday and Saturday, from 4:00 PM until closing.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
13. Casa Montañés
The Casa Montañés, built in 1746 by Francisco Montañés, is a fascinating example of the mix of 18th-century European styles.
The building has three floors: the first used as a storage area and servant’s quarters; the second as the main residence; and the third as a private warehouse. The entrance door is large to allow goods to pass through, and next to it, you’ll find stone public urinals, a thoughtful feature for workers.
The square-shaped courtyard combines Andalusian style with elements typical of Castilian noble houses. Today, this building houses the Advisory Council of the Canary Islands Government.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: Closed
14. La Laguna Market
Visiting the market is one of the top things to do in La Laguna. Located in the popular Plaza del Cristo, right in the historic center of the city, this market is a great place with many stalls offering high-quality products.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by colorful flowers, followed by the fruit and vegetable section in the central courtyard. At the end of the building, you’ll find fresh fish, and along the sides of the first two courtyards, there are butcher and grocery stalls. If you love collecting magnets like I do, this is the place for you!
Besides the main building, there’s an attached hall with shops selling fabrics, shoes, live animals, and more. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the Farmer’s Market is also set up in this area.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
15. Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo
Just a few meters from La Laguna Market, you’ll find the Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna. Although its facade is simple, inside you’ll find one of the most revered images in the Canary Islands, the Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna, a 16th-century Gothic sculpture by Louis Van Der Vule.
The convent was founded after the Conquest. The building’s architecture mixes traditional Canarian elements with Baroque influences, especially its stone facade and bell tower decorated with volutes and ornamental vases.
The Sanctuary’s interior features a single nave with a neoclassical coffered ceiling and an impressive main altar covered in silver, where the image of Christ is displayed. This altar also includes a tabernacle and a niche decorated with wooden reliefs and gold leaf.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday and public holidays: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Things to Do in La Laguna
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in La Laguna. If you’re eager to explore other parts of the island, check out these excursions. Here’s a list of activities that, in my opinion, are totally worth it:
Hiking in Anaga
Anaga is one of those must-visit places in Tenerife. This natural park is a lush forest filled with Canarian laurel trees. Perfect for beginners, this two-hour hike is an ideal way to immerse yourself in nature.
Book a hiking tour in Anaga
Visit Teide by Cable Car
You can’t leave Tenerife without going up Mount Teide. If you want a hassle-free experience with a guide who’ll share all the fascinating details, this excursion is just right for you.
Book a Teide Cable Car Tour
Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga
Explore Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, two of Tenerife’s most important cities, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Anaga Rural Park.
Book a tour to Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga
How to Get to La Laguna
Tenerife has two airports, but Tenerife North Airport is located in La Laguna. It’s just 3 km from the historic center, making it the best option for convenience.
The easiest way to get around the island is by renting a car, giving you the freedom to explore without relying on buses. Both the airport and port have rental offices. I always use CICAR, a reliable car rental company in the Canary Islands.
If driving isn’t an option, you can rely on Titsa buses. Take bus number 20 from Tenerife North Airport, and it will drop you off at the La Laguna bus station in just over 10 minutes. I recommend downloading the Titsa App to check all the routes.
Where to Stay in La Laguna
There are plenty of options for staying in La Laguna. It’s a great choice because accommodations here are more affordable than in the capital, it’s close to the airport, and it offers excellent connections to the rest of Tenerife. Plus, the tram links Santa Cruz de Tenerife with La Laguna in about 30 minutes.
Where to Eat in La Laguna
La Laguna offers all kinds of restaurants, so don’t worry if you’re on a budget. As a university town, you’ll find fantastic food at great prices.
Top recommendations include: Guaydil Restaurant, Maquilla Restaurant, and Jinete sin Cabeza Restaurant.
FAQs About La Laguna
If you still have questions about your trip to La Laguna, here’s a quick guide with the most common questions and the highlights of things to do in La Laguna.
What to See in La Laguna in a Day?
In one day, visit Plaza del Adelantado and its surroundings, including the Nava Palace, La Alhóndiga House, and the Monastery of Santa Catalina.
Don’t miss the Captain Generals’ House, Montañés House, and Salazar House, showcasing the city’s historical architecture. Step inside La Laguna Cathedral, the Church of La Concepción, and the Sanctuary of Christ of La Laguna.
For culture lovers, visit the Cayetano Gómez Felipe Museum and the Museum of History and Anthropology, as well as the Leal Theater. End your visit with a stroll through La Laguna Market to soak in the local vibe.
What Can You See in La Laguna for Free?
In La Laguna, enjoy free attractions like Plaza del Adelantado and its historical landmarks, including Nava Palace, Santa Catalina Monastery, and La Alhóndiga House.
Explore Captain Generals’ House, Montañés House, Salazar House, and La Laguna Cathedral. Visit La Laguna Market, admire the architecture of Leal Theater, the Church of La Concepción, San Agustín Church, and the Sanctuary of Christ of La Laguna.
Also free are the Cayetano Gómez Felipe Museum and the Museum of History and Anthropology.
How Long Does It Take to Explore La Laguna?
You can see all the places mentioned in this guide in just a few hours. However, I recommend spending a whole morning so you can take your time and explore at your own pace.
What to See in La Laguna with Kids?
La Laguna is great for kids! Follow this walking route and explore the city’s charming streets. It’s easy to park your car and start discovering its history and beauty on foot.
Map of Things to Do in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Here’s a map created with Google Maps to help you easily add all the places I’ve shown in the infographic.
Things to Do in Tenerife for One Week
If you’re planning to visit the largest island of the Canary Islands, here’s a 7-day Tenerife route so you don’t miss the most important places.
7-Day Tenerife Route
