Things to Do in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
1. Plaza del Adelantado
Start your day at Plaza del Adelantado, right in the heart of the city. This is where most free walking tours or guided visits in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, begin. The square is named after Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the conquistador of Tenerife and La Palma.
Plaza del Adelantado often hosts events like festivals, markets and religious processions. Right in the middle, you’ll find a marble fountain – the oldest in La Laguna, which was brought all the way from Marseille.
Around the square, you’ll spot some historic 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 Walking Tour of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
2. Palacio de Nava
The Palacio de Nava is one of the most eye-catching buildings on Plaza del Adelantado. You’ll find it on the northwest corner of the square, and it stands out thanks to its two stunning façades.
This palace is a great example of traditional Canarian architecture, blending baroque, neoclassical and mannerist styles.
Construction began in 1585, commissioned by Tomás Grimón. Later on, it was modified and fully clad in stone in 1776 by Tomás de Nava y Grimón y Porlier.
3. Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena
Right next to Palacio de Nava is the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena – definitely one of the must-see spots in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
The monastery is known for its architecture with a clear Mudéjar influence, especially visible in its beautifully carved wooden balconies and traditional Arabic-style tiled roof. These balconies were designed so that the nuns could observe life outside without being seen.
The church inside the monastery has a single nave and features a bell gable on its front façade. Inside, you’ll discover three carved wooden baroque altarpieces, along with several 18th-century paintings by Canarian artists.
The main altar is dominated by a mid-17th century altarpiece showing 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 renovated in the 19th century, when there were plans to turn it into a theatre.
Originally, it served as an important support centre for the town’s poorest residents, offering them wheat when they couldn’t afford it or selling them bread at a lower price during hard times.
It also provided wheat for sowing to local farmers, whether they worked their own land or leased plots from the local council. These days, the interior isn’t open to visitors.
5. Casa de los Capitanes Generales
The Casa de los Capitanes Generales, also known as the Casa de los Alvarado-Bracamonte, is one of the top historical homes to visit in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
It stands out thanks to its red stone and volcanic tuff façade, with a stone entrance framed by pilasters and featuring a balcony above the doorway. Inside, the house is built around a spacious courtyard.
Historically, it was home to six of the Canary Islands’ Captains General between 1705 and 1723.
6. Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
The Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, officially known as the Holy Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Remedies, is the city’s most important religious monument and a must-see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Its neoclassical façade, built in 1820, was inspired by the Cathedral of Pamplona. The current cathedral, opened in 1913, is neo-Gothic in style, with ribbed vaults and a dome completed in 2014.
Inside, you’ll find some real treasures, including the tabernacle by José Luján Pérez and a large baroque altarpiece by Hendrick Van Balen.
Entrance Fee
While entry for worship is free, here’s how much the audio guide costs:
- General admission: €7.00
- Over 65s: €6.00
- Groups (15+ people): €3.50
- Youth (13–18), university students up to 25, and job seekers: €5.50
- People with disabilities (33% or more): €5.50
- Residents of Santa Cruz de Tenerife province, those with over 63% disability, and children under 13: Free (audio guide: €2.00)
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Sunday: Closed
7. Teatro Leal
The Teatro Leal opened its doors in 1915. Its façade, decorated with floral and animal motifs, is a lovely example of modernist design, while inside you’ll find impressive murals by Manuel López Ruiz and Manuel Verdugo.
Since its opening, Teatro Leal has hosted a wide variety of performances – from musical comedies and operas to the town’s very first film screenings. It was fully restored and reopened in 2008.
The theatre’s interior is really charming, especially with a clever seating area floor that can be levelled out for different types of events. The walls are decorated with murals showing romantic landscapes, seascapes and scenes from daily life, making it a unique spot to enjoy the performing arts.
8. Iglesia de la Concepción
The Parroquia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, known as Iglesia de La Concepción, was the first church founded in Tenerife back in 1511 – and it’s definitely one of the most important places to visit in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. You’ll find it in the Villa de Arriba, the old part of town where artisans used to live. It was also the site of the first mass ever celebrated on the island.
Its tower, standing 28 metres tall and built between 1694 and 1697, is designed in the Tuscan style, similar to the bell tower of Turin Cathedral. Over the centuries, the church has been rebuilt and restored several times.
Inside, you’ll find the original baptismal font where the Guanches are believed to have been baptised. The current structure includes a modified main chapel from the 18th century, and if you climb the bell tower, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
Entrance Fee
- General admission: €2
- Residents of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province: Free
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
9. Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe
Just a short walk from the bell tower of Iglesia de la Concepción, the Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe is a must-visit stop when exploring San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
This traditional 18th-century Canarian house, complete with a lovely green courtyard, was once home to Cayetano Gómez Felipe, a collector who gathered an impressive range of antiques.
Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection reflecting Canarian art, daily life and customs throughout the centuries. It’s a great way to learn more about the island’s history while admiring the architecture of this beautiful old mansion.
Entrance Fee
- General admission: €5.00
- Residents: €3.50
- Reduced (over 65s, students, unemployed, people with disabilities, teachers): €3.00
- Special rate for school or university groups: €2.50
- Groups of 10+ or associations: €3.00
- Children under 9: Free
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays and public holidays
10. Iglesia and Former Convent of San Agustín
The Iglesia and Convent of San Agustín, founded in the 16th century by the Augustinian Order, have seen many uses over the years. Originally built on the site of a small hermitage dedicated to San Roque, the complex has been a convent, an infantry barracks, the provincial library, a school, the island’s first weather station, a soup kitchen, and even a prison during the Spanish Civil War.
Nowadays, the convent houses the local cultural centre and is famous for its stunning Renaissance cloister, considered one of the finest in the Canary Islands. This two-storey cloister, with stone and wooden columns, also holds the remains of notable historical figures such as the historian Juan Núñez de la Peña.
11. Casa Salazar
Casa Salazar is one of the most iconic buildings to visit in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, famous for its blend of baroque, neoclassical and mannerist styles. Built in the 17th century by Cristóbal Salazar de Frías, the first Count of Salazar, the palace features an impressive stone façade with a marble family crest and gargoyles.
Although a devastating fire in 2006 destroyed much of the interior, the façade remained intact and the building was restored to become the bishop’s palace of the Nivariense diocese. Inside, you’ll find a lovely courtyard supported by stone columns, as well as the Bishop’s Chapel, considered a gem of modern religious art in the Canary Islands.
Before becoming the bishop’s residence, Casa Salazar also served as the home of the Casino El Porvenir. Today, alongside its architectural charm, it houses remarkable artworks by painters such as Francisco Bonnin and sculptors like Mariano Benlliure.
12. Casa Lercaro – Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife
Casa Lercaro is an architectural gem and a must-visit in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Once owned by the influential Lercaro family, who were of Genoese origin, this 17th-century mansion boasts a striking stone portico and the family’s crest on the façade, while the interior features a charming patio where wood takes centre stage.
The house also has a legendary tale tied to it: Catalina Lercaro, a young woman from the family, is said to have thrown herself into the courtyard well to escape an arranged marriage. Ever since, some claim to have seen her ghost roaming the hallways.
Today, the building – also known as Casa Ponte Fonte – is home to the Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife, where you can explore the island’s history from the 15th to the 20th centuries.
Entrance Fee
- Adults: General: €5.00, Canary Islands residents: €3.00
- Students, pensioners, over 65s, large families, and groups of 8+: General: €3.50, Residents: €2.00
- Children under 8, ICOM members, teachers and guides with groups, school groups from the Canary Islands: Free
- Free admission: Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 pm until closing time
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
13. Casa Montañés
Casa Montañés, built in 1746 by Francisco Montañés, is a fascinating example of 18th-century European architectural fusion.
The house has three floors: the ground floor was used as storage and servant quarters; the second floor was the main residence for the family; and the third was a private grain store. The large entrance door was designed wide enough for carts to pass through, and next to it you’ll still see public stone urinals – a thoughtful gesture for the workers back in the day.
The courtyard, square in shape, blends Andalusian design with classic elements from Castilian noble homes. Today, this historic building serves as the headquarters of the Canary Islands Government’s Advisory Council.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday: Closed
14. La Laguna Market
A trip to the market is definitely one of the top things to do in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. It’s located in the lively Plaza del Cristo, right in the city’s historic centre, and is packed with stalls offering top-quality local produce.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by colourful flower stands, followed by a central courtyard filled with fresh fruit and veg. At the back, you’ll find the fishmongers, while butchers and grocery stalls line the sides of the first two patios. And if you’re a fridge magnet collector like me – this is your spot!
Next to the main building, there’s another hall with shops selling fabric, shoes, live animals and more. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the Farmers’ Market also sets up here, adding even more local flavour.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
15. Royal Sanctuary of the Holy Christ
Just a few steps from La Laguna Market is the Royal Sanctuary of the Holy Christ of La Laguna. While its façade may be modest, inside it houses one of the most venerated figures in the Canary Islands – the Holy Christ of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a Gothic sculpture from the 16th century created by Louis Van Der Vule.
The convent was founded shortly after the Spanish Conquest. Its architecture blends traditional Canarian features with baroque elements, and the stone façade is crowned by a bell gable adorned with scrolls and ornamental vases.
Inside, the Sanctuary has a single nave and a beautifully crafted neoclassical coffered ceiling. The high altar is truly stunning, covered in silver leaf and holding the image of Christ. It also features a tabernacle and a small niche adorned with wood carvings and gold leaf details.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Sundays and public holidays: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Day Trips from San Cristóbal de La Laguna
As you’ve seen, there’s plenty to do in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. But if you fancy exploring more of the island, check out these great day trips. Here’s a list of my top picks that are well worth your time:
Hiking in Anaga
Anaga is one of those places you simply can’t miss in Tenerife. This natural park is a lush forest filled with native laurel trees. This 2-hour hike is ideal if you’re a beginner and want to enjoy nature without too much effort.
Book a Hike in Anaga
Visit Mount Teide by Cable Car
You can’t leave Tenerife without heading up Mount Teide. If you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else and learn a bit along the way, this guided trip is a perfect fit.
Book a Teide Tour with Cable Car
Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Anaga
Visit Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, two of Tenerife’s most important cities, and discover the stunning natural landscapes of Anaga Rural Park.
Book a Day Trip to Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Anaga
How to Get to San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Tenerife has two airports, but Tenerife North Airport is actually located in La Laguna, just 3 km from the historic centre — so it’s definitely the most convenient option.
The best way to get around the island is by hiring a car, as it gives you the freedom to explore without relying on guaguas (local buses). There are car rental offices at both the airport and the port. The company I always use — and recommend — in the Canaries is CICAR.
If driving isn’t your thing or you don’t have a licence, you can easily get around using TITSA’s green buses (guaguas). Bus 20 from the North Airport takes you to the main bus station in La Laguna in just over 10 minutes. From there, you’ve got loads of options to explore the island. I recommend downloading the TITSA App to check routes and timetables.
Where to Stay in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
There are plenty of places to stay in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. It’s a great option because it’s cheaper than the capital, close to the airport, and well connected to the rest of Tenerife. Plus, the tram links Santa Cruz and La Laguna in just about 30 minutes.
Where to Eat in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
There are all sorts of places to eat in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, so no worries if you’re on a tighter budget. Since it’s a university city, you’ll find some great foodie spots at very reasonable prices.
Some of the top restaurants in town include: Guaydil, Maquilla, and Jinete sin Cabeza.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Still got questions about your visit to La Laguna? Here’s a quick summary of the most frequently asked ones — plus a recap of the top things to see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
What can I see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna in one day?
In one day, you can explore Plaza del Adelantado and its surroundings, including Palacio de Nava, Casa de La Alhóndiga, and the Monastery of Santa Catalina.
Don’t miss the Casa de los Capitanes Generales, Casa Montañés and Casa Salazar – all great examples of the city’s historical architecture. You can also step inside the Cathedral of La Laguna, Iglesia de La Concepción and the Sanctuary of the Holy Christ.
If you’re into culture, you should definitely check out the Cayetano Gómez Felipe Museum and the History and Anthropology Museum, as well as the beautiful Teatro Leal. Finish up with a wander around the La Laguna Market to soak up the local vibe.
What can I see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna for free?
There’s loads to see in La Laguna for free – start with Plaza del Adelantado and the historic buildings nearby like Palacio de Nava, Monastery of Santa Catalina, and Casa de La Alhóndiga.
You can also visit Casa de los Capitanes Generales, Casa Montañés, Casa Salazar and the Cathedral of La Laguna without paying a thing. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at the market, admire the Teatro Leal, and step into churches like Iglesia de La Concepción, Iglesia de San Agustín and the Sanctuary of the Holy Christ.
Entry is also free to the Cayetano Gómez Felipe Museum and the History and Anthropology Museum.
How long does it take to visit San Cristóbal de La Laguna?
Honestly, you could see most of the places listed in this guide in just a couple of hours. But I’d recommend setting aside at least a whole morning, so you’re not rushing and have time to pop into the sites too.
What can I do in San Cristóbal de La Laguna with kids?
All the spots in this guide are great for visiting with children. The route is totally walkable, so just park up in La Laguna and enjoy discovering every corner of the city on foot.
Map of Places to Visit in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Here’s a Google Maps link with all the places I mentioned in the infographic — super handy for adding them straight to your phone.
What to See in Tenerife in One Week
If you’re planning to visit the largest island in the Canary archipelago, here’s a 7-day itinerary around Tenerife to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
