Located in the north of the island of Tenerife, San Cristobal de la Laguna is a beautiful colonial town to discover. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it is a town that captures the imagination with its charming streets, fantastic architecture, and lively atmosphere. Although relatively small, La Laguna is packed with exciting things to do. From learning about the town’s unique history at one of the many museums or churches to trying some of the best cuisines on the island, visitors won’t tire quickly in La Laguna. There are also many accommodation choices in this gorgeous town, with options to suit all budgets.
Our Recommendations on Which Areas to Stay
- If you are traveling as a family, try to find somewhere close to Plaza del Adelantado. You will have excellent access to the rest of the town and can easily visit some of the island’s other attractions.
- La Laguna has lots to offer if you are looking for luxury accommodation. Look for somewhere within the historic center to experience what it feels like to stay in one of the opulent colonial mansions of the island’s former nobility.
- If traveling on a budget, look for accommodation near the University of La Laguna campus. After all, La Laguna is a university town, and in this area, you will find many great restaurants and bars that cater to students and visitors alike.
Our Recommendations on Accommodations in La Laguna are Shown in 5 Categories:
Luxury
Family sized
Room with a view
Low budget
Hotels
Neighborhoods – What to Know, Before Visiting
Discover the former capital of Tenerife by visiting La Laguna. The city of La Laguna was an essential political, economic, and cultural power in the Canary Islands. After its UNESCO designation in 1999, the town began rehabilitation, renovating its buildings and pedestrianizing its main streets. This is apparent as you walk around the streets and marvel at the town’s architectural beauty without worrying about passing traffic.
A Trip into La Laguna’s Historical Past
A great place to start your visit to La Laguna’s historic center is Plaza del Adelantado. The Town Hall, the courts, and the Hermitage of San Miguel are in this square. You will also find the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a spectacular building dating from 1606, which houses a church and a free museum. The plaza is quiet, shady, and a perfect place to rest before going for a stroll around La Laguna. Also, if you are staying out of the center and traveling by car, there is free and low-cost parking nearby.
Laying claim to being the most attractive street in La Laguna is the Calle Obispo Rey Redondo. Starting from Plaza del Adelantado, a walk along this street will take you past some of the most outstanding stately homes in the city that were inhabited by merchants and nobles. The first of the houses you see when entering the street is the Casa del Corregidor, which was the residence of the civil governor. Dating back to the 16th Century, it was also used as a prison. Continuing down the street, you will pass a beautiful blue house, the Casa de la Alhóndiga, and then next door, you will find the Casa de Los Capitanes Generales, the former civil guard barracks which today houses the San Cristóbal de La Laguna City Council and also the Tourism Office. Peek inside to look at the beautiful courtyard and visit the tourism office to learn about the different cultural events taking place during your stay.
On the parallel street of San Agustín, the Lercaro Palace stands out. This stunning building dates from the end of the 16th century and is now home to the Museum of the History of Tenerife. One of the best museums in Tenerife, here you can get a picture of the island’s past and learn about the evolution of its industries over the centuries. Most of the descriptions are only in Spanish; however, if you have your smartphone and a pair of headphones, you can take advantage of the free audio tour available in various languages.
One of the most impressive and unique facades to see in La Laguna is also on this street. Casa Salazar, built in the Canarian baroque style, was the residence of the family that gave it its name. Later, the “El Porvenir” casino occupied it until it was acquired by Bishop Ramón Torrijos y Gómez, who converted it into an episcopal residence. Today it still has that function, but its doors are open to visitors. Pay a visit to discover its beautiful patios, one of which is full of tropical plants and flowers.
Look up when walking around La Laguna’s historic center, and you will most likely be able to see the spire of the Iglesia de la Concepcion. This impressive church has a lovely interior, and if you climb to the top of its bell tower, you will be rewarded with the best views the town has to offer. Right next to the church is the Plaza de la Concepcion, a relaxing square with a fountain and seats that offer the chance to sit back and take in this area’s wonderful atmosphere. Surrounding the plaza are colorful buildings, pretty cottages, and an array of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.
Before you indulge, however, pay a visit to the Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe for a last stop on your historical tour. The museum is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet corner of Plaza de la Conception. Built-in 1703, the house was owned by a famous Canarian collector Cayetano Gomez Felipe and the objects on show in the house belonged to him and his family. The house is beautifully designed, with a fantastic courtyard, a modern cafe, and an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.
Great Mediterranean Cuisine
The streets of the historic center of La Laguna are full of bars and restaurants that offer a great variety of different cuisines and ambiance. One of the most lauded in recent years is Plantae Gastrobar. This cozy restaurant serves amazingly tasty vegan food! The menu is updated regularly to include seasonal locally sourced ingredients, and their incredible dishes will convert even the most pessimistic carnivore. This is a dining experience you must not miss. The prices are also very reasonable, with most main dishes costing around €10.
Restaurante Guaydil is located on Calle Dean Palaphi, close to the cathedral. It offers traditional dishes from the island at a reasonable price and surrounded by a very pleasant and recently renovated environment. Its star dishes are bacalao (salted cod fish) and carilleras ibéricas (Iberian pork cheeks).
Another restaurant cooking exceptional food is El Jinete Sin Cabeza. Delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes are served here with authenticity, personality, and flavor. The restaurant is relatively small (only 5 tables!), so book in advance.
For a special menu, fantastic food, friendly and quick service, and all at reasonable prices, pay a visit to La Hormiga. Try this place once, and you will, without a doubt, be returning soon to try some of the other unique dishes on offer.
Fancy somewhere relaxing to break up your afternoon of sightseeing? La Higuera Café is a lovely café with large coffee cups and delicious cakes. Or take a short stroll to the Mercado Municipal de La Laguna. This lovely market has a great atmosphere, and the stall owners are very welcoming for you to try some of their produce. This is a perfect place to buy some supplies for a picnic before traveling to the beach.
A Town of Culture and Tradition
One thing La Laguna is famous for is its various festivals that take place throughout the year. One of these is the Corpus Christi festival in May/June. The celebration is also known as the festival of flowers because the citizens decorate the streets with tapestries made from petals, bushes, plants, and heather. Although there are references to the celebration of Corpus Christi in the municipality since the end of the 15th century, the tradition of decorating the streets with carpets of flowers did not arrive until the beginning of the 20th century. Beginning the night before, many citizens participate in preparing the carpets in the streets through which the procession of the Blessed Sacrament will pass the next day.
The Fiestas in honor of the Cristo de La Laguna is celebrated during the month of September, the most important day being the 14th, declared a holiday in the Municipality. On the 9th, the image of the Sanctuary is transferred to the Cathedral. On the 14th, around noon, the image returns to his Shrine in procession. At night another procession takes place touring the town’s convents, and upon returning to the Plaza del Adelantado, an impressive fireworks display takes place. People travel from all around the island to view this spectacle, and throughout the month, different festive, cultural, and sporting events also take place.
La Laguna is also renowned for its spectacular fiesta in honor of San Benito Abad, a patron saint for the farmers and peasants of the Canary Islands. It is attended each year by people from around the island who dress in traditional costumes, sing folklore songs, and offer local food and drinks to those present. This extremely vibrant and colorful celebration is an excellent opportunity to learn about an essential aspect of Canarian culture. The festival is held on the 2nd Sunday of July.
Where to Stay on a Budget?
Beyond its historical center, the town is modern and young. This is where you will find the majority of students who flock to La Laguna every year to study at the oldest and most prestigious university in the Canary Islands. This is also a great area to stay in if you travel on a budget. Café Vórtice serves incredible options for breakfast and is also a great place to grab a few beers in the evening with friends. A couple of minutes away is Pizzería Manammè, where you can find the island’s best Neapolitan pizzas prepared by Italian cooks using imported ingredients from their home country. Prices are also very reasonable (Margherita for only €6.50).
