What to see in La Laguna (Tenerife): step-by-step city guide

If you are looking for what to see in La Laguna, get ready to discover one of the most historic and charming cities in the Canary Islands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, known simply as La Laguna, preserves a perfectly laid-out old town full of palaces, churches, convents and cobbled streets that invite you to explore at a leisurely pace.

We are going to show you the essential sights so you can plan your visit.

If you want a full picture of the island before planning your route, take a look at our guide to what to do in Tenerife, where you will find the must-see spots, the best beaches, charming villages and experiences you shouldn't miss on your trip.

Quick answer: what to see in La Laguna

If you only have a few hours in the city, these are the essentials:

La Laguna Cathedral
Plaza del Adelantado
Calle Obispo Rey Redondo
Casa de los Capitanes Generales
Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena
La Laguna Municipal Market
Palacio de Nava
Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife

This route will show you the essence of La Laguna, a city where history, architecture, culture and student life come together perfectly.

Things to do in La Laguna (our recommendations)

If you are looking for things to do in La Laguna, you will find a city quite unlike any other town in Tenerife. Its extraordinary historic heritage, the presence of the University of La Laguna, its lively cultural scene and its proximity to Anaga Rural Park make it one of the island's essential destinations.

We recommend starting your visit in the old town, considered one of the finest examples of unwalled colonial urban planning in the world. Walking its streets you will find centuries-old churches, former convents, manor houses with wooden balconies and countless interior courtyards that reflect the importance the city held for centuries.

The best activities in La Laguna include exploring Plaza del Adelantado, visiting La Laguna Cathedral, discovering the Palacio de Nava, stepping into the Municipal Market, seeing the Casa de los Capitanes Generales and walking down the lively Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, considered the main axis of the old town.

If you only have a few hours, you can easily plan a route focused on what to see in La Laguna in a day, since most of its monuments are within a short walk of each other. If you have more time, we recommend rounding off the experience with the trails of nearby Anaga Rural Park, a designated Biosphere Reserve, or linking your visit with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, just a few minutes away by car.

The most important monuments in La Laguna

La Laguna Cathedral

The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, known as La Laguna Cathedral, is the city's main church and one of its most representative buildings. Its neoclassical façade and impressive interior make it an essential stop for anyone wanting to discover what to visit in La Laguna.

Plaza del Adelantado

Plaza del Adelantado has been the historic heart of the city since the late 15th century. Surrounded by some of the most important buildings in La Laguna, it is one of the best places to begin any tour of the old town.

Here you will find La Laguna Town Hall, the Palacio de Nava and numerous historic buildings that reflect the political and administrative importance the city held for centuries.

Casa de los Capitanes Generales

The Casa de los Capitanes Generales is one of the finest examples of Canarian stately architecture. Built in the 17th century, it was the residence of important governors and is today one of the most photographed historic buildings in the town.

Its elegant interior courtyard and wooden balconies are a perfect representation of Tenerife's traditional architectural style.

Palacio de Nava

The Palacio de Nava is one of the architectural gems of the old town. Its façade combines Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical elements, making it one of the most distinctive buildings in the Canary Islands.

Although the interior is not always open to visitors, it is well worth stopping to admire its spectacular façade from Plaza del Adelantado.

Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena

Founded in the early 17th century, the Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena preserves one of the most important religious complexes in Tenerife.

Beyond its historic and artistic value, it is known for housing the incorrupt body of Sor María de Jesús, one of the most venerated religious figures in the Canary Islands.

Iglesia de la Concepción

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is considered the city's founding church. Its distinctive bell tower dominates much of the skyline and is one of the most recognisable symbols of La Laguna.

Some of the prettiest historic streets in the town start from around it, so it is a must on any route through La Laguna.

The most charming neighbourhoods to visit in La Laguna

Although the main draw of La Laguna is its extraordinary old town, it is worth spending time in some of its most characteristic neighbourhoods. Each one has its own personality and helps you understand how the city has evolved since it was founded in the late 15th century.

If you are looking for places to see in La Laguna, we recommend walking without too rigid an itinerary. Much of the city's charm lies in getting lost among its cobbled streets, finding hidden courtyards and taking in the façades of its old manor houses.

The Old Town

The old town of La Laguna is the main reason thousands of travellers visit the city every year. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it keeps its original 15th-century street layout almost intact, making it one of the finest examples of a European colonial city.

Walking its streets you will find historic buildings such as La Laguna Cathedral, the Casa de los Capitanes Generales and the Palacio de Nava, along with numerous convents and elegant houses with wooden balconies that reflect traditional Canarian architecture.

If you only have a few hours, this is where you should concentrate most of the things to see in La Laguna.

Coromoto

The Coromoto neighbourhood offers a more residential, quieter side of the city. Although it has no major monuments, it is interesting for getting a feel for everyday life in La Laguna and an atmosphere very different from the old town.

It is also an easy starting point for reaching various green spaces and connecting with other parts of the town.

San Benito

The San Benito neighbourhood is known for the Church of San Benito Abad, one of the most important churches in the town and the setting for the popular Romería de San Benito Abad, considered one of the most important traditional celebrations in the Canary Islands.

Every summer it brings together thousands of people in traditional Canarian dress, accompanied by decorated ox carts, folk groups and typical island produce. It takes place on the second Sunday in July.

For us, it is one of the best times of year to experience the essence of La Laguna, combining tradition, music and food in a uniquely festive atmosphere.

Squares, gardens and open-air spaces in La Laguna

Alongside its historic buildings, La Laguna has squares and gardens that invite you to pause during your visit. These spaces are ideal for a rest while you carry on exploring the city's remarkable heritage.

Plaza del Cristo

Plaza del Cristo is one of the most popular spots among locals. Presiding over the square is the Royal Sanctuary of the Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna, one of the most revered places of worship in Tenerife.

Its size and atmosphere make it a perfect place to stop before continuing through the old town. Together with Plaza del Adelantado, it makes up the pair of liveliest open spaces in the historic centre.

The Fiestas del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna take place every September and are one of the most important religious events in Tenerife. Over several days there are cultural events, concerts, exhibitions and processions that draw both locals and visitors from across the island.

Gardens and historic courtyards

One of the greatest charms of La Laguna lies behind the façades of many of its manor houses. Numerous buildings preserve old Canarian courtyards decorated with wooden galleries, tropical plants and traditional fountains.

We recommend paying attention to these small corners, as they are an essential part of the town's domestic architecture.

What to see in La Laguna in a day

If you only have one day to discover the city, this itinerary brings together the main places to see in La Laguna.

Morning

We would start at Plaza del Adelantado, then move on to the Palacio de Nava, the Casa de los Capitanes Generales and La Laguna Cathedral.

Next, we recommend walking down Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, one of the most emblematic streets in the old town, lined with historic buildings, cafés and traditional shops.

Midday

The best option is to head to the La Laguna Municipal Market, where you can try some of the most representative products of Canarian cuisine before carrying on with your visit.

Afternoon

In the afternoon we suggest visiting the Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife, exploring the area around the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and finishing your walk in Plaza del Cristo.

With this route you will have seen the city's main attractions and will understand why La Laguna is considered one of the most important cultural destinations in the archipelago.

Tips for visiting La Laguna

Before planning your visit to La Laguna, there are a few tips worth keeping in mind to get much more out of the experience.

Explore the old town on foot. Most of the monuments and historic buildings are just minutes apart, so walking is the best way to discover every corner of the city.
Give it at least a full day. Although many people look for what to see in La Laguna in a day, we think a full day is the ideal amount of time to visit its monuments, step into one of its museums and enjoy the local food without rushing.
Wear comfortable shoes. The cobbled streets and constant walking around the historic centre make suitable footwear a good idea.
Combine your visit with other nearby destinations. Thanks to its excellent location, you can round off your itinerary with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, head into Anaga Rural Park or carry on through the north of the island.
Explore the city without too rigid an itinerary. Part of the charm of La Laguna is getting lost in its streets and finding historic courtyards, small squares and buildings that often go unnoticed.
If you are driving, plan your parking. The old town has many pedestrian streets, so it is easier to park in the designated areas around the centre and continue on foot.

How to get to La Laguna

Getting to La Laguna is very easy thanks to its strategic location in the north-east of the island and its excellent connections with the rest of the municipalities.

By car

If you have a hire car, you can reach La Laguna comfortably from anywhere on the island. Approximate driving times are:

From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: about 15 minutes.
From Puerto de la Cruz: around 30 minutes.
From the Costa Adeje area: approximately 50 minutes.
From Los Cristianos: between 45 and 50 minutes.

This option is particularly handy if you then want to continue on to Anaga Rural Park or keep exploring other highlights of northern Tenerife.

By tram

One of the most convenient ways to travel is the tram connecting Santa Cruz de Tenerife with La Laguna. The route crosses several neighbourhoods of the metropolitan area and ends very close to the old town.

By bus

The La Laguna bus station is connected to the island's main municipalities through the TITSA bus network. Some of the most useful lines are:

Line 014: connects Santa Cruz de Tenerife with La Laguna via La Cuesta. It is one of the most frequent and fastest routes between the two cities.
Line 102: links Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna and Puerto de la Cruz, an excellent option if you are travelling around the north of the island.
Line 343: runs directly between Tenerife North Airport, Tenerife South Airport and Puerto de la Cruz, stopping in La Laguna, which makes it very practical if you are arriving on or leaving the island by plane.

There are also other lines connecting La Laguna with towns such as Tacoronte, La Orotava, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and various places in the north and south of Tenerife, making it easy to get around without a car.

Tourist map of La Laguna with all the points of interest

To plan your visit, we recommend splitting the route into several areas.

Old town

La Laguna Cathedral
Plaza del Adelantado
Palacio de Nava
Casa de los Capitanes Generales
Convent of Santa Catalina
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
Calle Obispo Rey Redondo

Cultural area

Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife
Museum of Science and the Cosmos
Cristino de Vera Foundation

Surrounding area

Anaga Rural Park
Anaga viewpoints
Monte de las Mercedes

This breakdown makes it easy to organise a full route through La Laguna, whether you are visiting for a few hours or spending a whole weekend.

If you are planning to visit the capital during your trip, don't miss our guide to what to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with the main monuments, museums, squares and things to do in the city.

To discover the island's most authentic side, take a look at our guide to what to do in North Tenerife, with routes through charming villages, volcanic beaches, trails, viewpoints and the best things to do in the area.

If you are after sunshine, the best beaches and endless outdoor activities, take a look at our guide to what to do in South Tenerife, with excursions, water sports, whale watching, coastal routes and the essential sights of this part of the island.

If you are visiting this town during your trip, take a look at our guide to what to do in Puerto de la Cruz, covering the main attractions, beaches, gardens, promenades and activities in one of the most charming destinations in northern Tenerife.

Where to stay when visiting La Laguna

Bahia Principe Explore San Felipe

If your plan is mainly to explore the north of the island, Bahia Principe Explore San Felipe, in Puerto de la Cruz, is just 25 minutes from La Laguna.

It is the option we would choose to visit both La Laguna and Puerto de la Cruz, the Orotava Valley, Anaga Rural Park and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, cutting travel times considerably.

Other routes around Tenerife

If you already know how many days you are travelling for, or simply want to see your options, take a look at our guides on the itineraries you can do depending on the length of your stay in Tenerife.

Our travel expert's tip

If we had one piece of advice, it would be not to rush La Laguna. The best of this city is not just visiting its monuments but letting the details surprise you: stepping into one of its historic courtyards, looking up at the wooden balconies, sitting for a few minutes in Plaza del Adelantado or wandering the quieter streets of the old town. Our recommendation is to give it at least a full day and combine the visit with a trip to nearby Anaga Rural Park. Only then will you see why La Laguna is one of the cities with the most character in the whole archipelago.

Frequently asked questions about La Laguna

What can you see in La Laguna in a day?

In one day you can visit La Laguna Cathedral, Plaza del Adelantado, the Palacio de Nava, the Casa de los Capitanes Generales, the Municipal Market, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and the Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife.

Is La Laguna worth visiting?

Yes. La Laguna is one of the most important historic cities in the Canary Islands and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the excellent preservation of its old town.

How much time do you need to visit La Laguna?

Although the main monuments can be covered in a day, we recommend setting aside at least a full day to enjoy its streets at a relaxed pace and visit one of its museums.

What can you do for free in La Laguna?

You can explore the whole old town, walk through Plaza del Adelantado, discover Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, visit the area around La Laguna Cathedral and enjoy the city's student atmosphere without paying for anything.

When is the best time to visit La Laguna?

Any time of year works thanks to its mild climate. That said, the Fiestas del Cristo de La Laguna in September and the Romería de San Benito Abad on the second Sunday in July are an excellent chance to experience local traditions.

What places are there to visit near La Laguna?

From the city you can easily reach Anaga Rural Park, discover Santa Cruz de Tenerife, explore the north of the island or carry on to Puerto de la Cruz.