LA LAGUNA TENERIFE: ATTRACTIONS NOT TO MISS

La Laguna Tenerife has charms in abundance. Renowned as one of Tenerife’s prettiest towns, wander around and you’ll soon understand why it holds UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Where else can you wander streets lined with historical mansions, whose pastel coloured facades have exquisite rich wooden balconies and stone porticos?

Combine that with museums, lively plazas, friendly locals, and welcoming eateries, and you can see why San Cristóbal de La Laguna deserves a place on your Tenerife Itinerary.

Take a step back in time to the 15th century, and be prepared to be wowed by the striking architecture. Shop for fresh produce at La Laguna Market and watch the world go by from one of the pretty squares.

Follow our complete guide to this historic place and find out all the best things to see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Visiting this historic town is in the top 10 things to do in north Tenerife.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN LA LAGUNA TENERIFE

BRIEF HISTORY OF SAN CRISTOBAL DE LA LAGUNA TENERIFE

San Cristóbal de La Laguna was designated the capital of Tenerife when the island was conquered. Located on a lagoon which has long since disappeared, the city’s old town was laid out on a grid system, inspired by navigation charts.

This 15th century grid system remains largely unchanged today, with elegant buildings from the 15-17th centuries, helping the town to gain UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999.

Though its capital status was transferred to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1821, it still remains the second biggest city on the island.

This Canary Island’s town has a high concentration of churches and religious buildings as well as fine palaces and houses, belonging to the Mudejar architecture. Its university dates back to 1701 and its main building is an elegant building on the Calle Delgado Barreto.

Today, you can see Mudéjar, Neoclassical, Modernist, Rationalist, and Contemporary architecture as you wander the historic streets.

Read on to discover the best La Laguna things to do and see, including the old town heritage sites which are marked on the map below.

LA LAGUNA TENERIFE MAP OF SIGHTS

Below is a map showing the best things to see in laguna, the best accommodation options, plus some great places to eat.

1. PLAZA DEL ADELANTADO

Address: Plaza del Adelantado, 38201 La Laguna

One of La Laguna’s prettiest squares, Plaza del Adelantado is a great starting point for exploring this heritage town on foot.

With a central fountain, and shapely trees providing shade, it is a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Three impressive and historical buildings have their home around the square:

Ayuntamiento (Town Hall)

The Town Hall has undergone numerous changes since it was built in 1511 to house the council of the island. The façade retains the changes made to it in 1822. The neoclassical style is covered in stone slabs from a Tegueste quarry, and topped with a marble shield of the city.

Inside is the standard that Fernandez de Lugo was wearing when he conquered Tenerife.

Palacio de Nava

Located in the northwest corner of the square, this mansion’s history dates back to 1585, and has seen many changes up to the present day. What’s interesting though, in that the Canarian architecture is the mixture of baroque , neoclassical and mannerist elements.

Chapel Of San Miguel

Built in 1506 as a family vault, it was instead, used for council meetings. Tts present appearance dates back to the 18th century. Today, its used as an exhibition center.

Plaza Del Adelantado — Fountain and Church of San Miguel

2. MUSEO DE LA HISTORIA DE TENERIFE

MUSEO DE HISTORIA Y ANTROPOLOGIA DE TENERIFE

Address: Calle San Agustín 22

Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday & Holidays 10am-5pm | Cost: Adults €5 for entry to the permanent exhibition.

Casa Lercaro is one of the headquarters of the Museum of History and Anthropology (MHA). This 16th-century mansion is the real star though. Beautifully restored, the house offers a great vision of wealthy life in the Canary islands.

Alongside the stunning carved wooden gallery, creaking floorboards and outstanding art display, are exhibits covering the history of the islands and the life of the inhabitants over the last 500 years.

In a separate exhibition room off the garden area, at the rear of the museum are two amazing 18th and 19th-century horse drawn carriages, which are in amazing original condition.

The Casa Lercaro headquarters has a free audio guide service in 6 languages (Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and Russian), accessible from visitors’ own mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).

3. CALLE SAN AGUSTIN

The highlight of La Laguna is its old town, is the number of elegant mansions and buildings from the 15th century-17th century. There’s no better place to view these buildings than along Calle San Agustin and Calle Nava y Grimon

Lined up next to each other, details of their fascinating history is documented on metal plaques along their facades.

Look for the metal plaques outside the noble facades; they have fascinating historical explanations about the buildings (in Spanish and English). Several of the buildings have been turned into offices (generally located around a grand central courtyard), which you can take a peek at.

If you are a history lover, another great town to check out is La Orotave Tenerife, just a 30 minute drive away.

4. CATHEDRAL OF SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LA LAGUNA

Address: Plaza de los Remedios.

Website | Hours and Cost

As you stroll around the town, you will notice quite a few religious buildings, but none is maybe as important as Catedral de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios.

Building began in 1515 on what was to be the second city parish church. However, in 1819, it was elevated to a Cathedral, and completely rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century, to its present state. It’s only original element is its large neoclassical façade.

In 1983 the Cathedral was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Inside, you will notice many architectural styles, including Neoclassical, Neo-Gothic and Baroque. Highlights include:

Mazuelos altarpiece in the chancel was brought from Flanders
Neo-Gothic high ribbed vaults
A monumental Italian marble pulpit carved by Genovese sculptor Pasquale Bocciardo
Artwork by by Cristóbal Hernández de Quintana, and Juan de Miranda

One of the best attractions in northern Tenerife, the Cathedral is also a top landmark in La Laguna, Tenerife.

5. CONVENTO DE SANTA CLARA

Address: Calle Nava y Grimón, 15 | Hours | Entry: Adult €3, Children Free

The presence and history of the Poor Clares in the Canary Islands dates back to 1547. The building you see today was originally finished in 1577, but ravished by fire in 1697.

The convent was further restored in 2010 and the decision made to turn part of the building into a museum.

A tour of the magnificent architecture shows the beauty of the convent. Before starting the tour of the various rooms of the Museum, you can watch a 10-minute audiovisual presentation (in English and Spanish) which explains the fascinating history of the convent, since the 16th century.

You can explore various rooms which contain sculptures, oil paintings, engravings, textiles, documents, and relics, from the convent collection.

Of particular note are:

Lattice-work wooden balcony and cloisters
A room dedicated to the Virgin Mary made up of Interesting canvases from the centuries XVII-XIX.
Magnificent 18th-century silver alter

6. IGLESIA Y EX-CONVENTO DE SAN AGUSTIN

Address: Calle San Agustín

The old convent was foundered by the Augustinian friars in the early 16th century. The church was destroyed in a fire in 1964, and is now roofless and ruinous, its skeleton frame being reclaimed by plants.

On the inside is one of the best preserved Renaissance cloisters in the island. Open to the public, together with surrounding rooms housing artwork, they are very pretty, and filled with flowers and tropical plants.

Open: Tuesday to Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm

7. PALACIO SALAZAR

Address: Calle San Agustín 28 | Hours: 10am-7pm Mon-Fri

Built in 1664 at the request of the first Earle of Salazar, the building became the Bishop’s Palace in the late nineteenth century. The facade’s stonework shows the social status of its owners.

It’s considered the best preserved civil façade in the Canaries, and a great example of early Canarian Baroque. In 2006, a fire completed destroyed everything except the grandiose façade, with its central balcony rails, columns, and two shields.

Today, the building is used as offices, but the peaceful patios have been restored.

palacio salazar la laguna — Beautiful tranquil patios

8. IGLESIA DE NUESTRA SENORA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN

THE CHURCH OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN

Address: Plaza de la Iglesia | Tickets can be purchased before entering the church, at the office.

Iglesia de la Concepcion, which was built in 1502, has a beautiful striking five-storey bell tower which can be climbed for wonderful views over the town. Inside the city’s oldest church, are several notable architectural elements to admire.

The traditional Mudéjar ceilings are beautiful, as is the ornate silver alter with the Santa Cruz de la Conquista dating back to 1494. The carved cedar altarpiece in the chapel, various paintings, and numerous sculptures are all worthy viewing.

Last but not least, is the font, which was used to baptise Guanche leaders who converted to Christianity. This historic church is free to visit, and located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s old town.

9. CASA DE LOS CAPITANES GENERALES

Address: Calle Obispo Rey Redondo 5 | Hours

Home to the tourist office, this is a great spot to stop for information about the town and join a free guided tour of the town.

It’s worth exploring the building and garden in a bit more detail though, as it’s quite impressive.

Built in the mid 1600’s, the building has an impressive entrance, flanked by two pilasters, with a balcony above which is supported by corbels. Set in red stone frames, the windows are arranged asymmetrically on the façade.

The central patio with fountain and palms, is a quiet place for a wander and respite from the bustling town. Built by the then Captain General of Tenerife Diego de Alvarado Bracamonte, this grand building is today, used as the town city hall.

10. FUNDACION CRISTINO DE VERA

Address: Calle San Agustín 18 | Hours

Located in a beautifully restored house, along historic San Agustin, is the town’s prime arts venue. There is a permanent collection of contemporary works by acclaimed artist Cristino de Vera, born in 1931 in Santa Cruz.

Housed inside a beautifully restored Canarian townhouse, the decor is a fusion of the old and the new, combining character with contemporary touches.

There are temporary and touring exhibitions as well as workshops and film screenings. If you are a lover of Spanish art, the venue is a must-see during your visit to San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN LA LAGUNA

If you have more time to spend in this incredible town, here are some more suggestions for things to see:

Book one of the free guided tours organised by the Tourist Office, which start on the beautiful Calle Carrera. Lasting roughly one hour, tours are provided Monday to Friday (exc. holidays) and given in different languages.
Museum of Science and the Cosmos – a fun interactive museum with hands-on exhibits and a planetarium.
Romería San Benito Abad – The popular pilgrimage of San Benito Abad in San Cristóbal de la Laguna, takes place every year on the second Sunday of July. Declared a Cultural Asset and World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it involves lots of music and dancing with locals dressed in traditional dress.

WHERE IS SAN CRISTOBAL LA LAGUNA TENERIFE?

La Laguna town is located just inland from the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you are arriving into Tenerife North Airport, the town is only 15 minutes away by car.

Driving in Tenerife is easy, as is renting a car in Tenerife, so having your own wheels is the ideal way to reach La Laguna. From the airport, simply follow TF-152.

La Laguna sits in the Aguere Valley at the foot of the Anaga mountains. Be sure to drive up into the hills, as the surrounding countryside and views of the town below are fabulous.

A tram service links the town with Santa Cruz, where you will also find plenty of attractions to enjoy.

SELECTION OF LA LAGUNA RESTAURANTS

When it comes to restaurants, La Laguna Tenerife has some good options. Whether you are looking for a bakery, café, restaurant with a balcony or local bars, here are some for you to consider:

Makika & Co: Calle San Juan, 15 Patio interior – great spot for breakfast, with delicious cakes, coffees etc. Plus, a delightful outside seating area.
Boutique del pan Doradito: Calle Viana 24 – wonderful bakery with great selection of pastries. Good luck choosing!
Restaurante Guaydil: diverse dishes with an explosion of flavors.
Tasca 61: Calle Viana 61 – delicious, though limited menu, including locally sourced produce.

LA LAGUNA TENERIFE HOTEL CHOICES

While you can easily visit La Laguna as part of day trips from Puerto de La Cruz Tenerife and Santa Cruz, why not stay overnight and really immerse yourself into this beautiful town.

Below are some San Cristobal de La Laguna hotels that you might consider:

FINAL THOUGHTS – IS LA LAGUNA WORTH VISITING?

Without a doubt, La Laguna Tenerife is worth a visit, and rightly deserves its position amongst world heritage sites. The charms of San Cristóbal de La Laguna are many and varied.

It’s location in northern Tenerife makes a great base to visit other outstanding attractions, such as Anaga Rural Park and Teide National Park.

We hope this guide on what to see in San Cristóbal de La Laguna helps you organize your trip, and plan your Tenerife Itinerary with ease. However, if you have any questions on La Laguna, or would like to share your own experience of the town, please leave a comment below.

LA LAGUNA TENERIFE: HOW TO VISIT THIS ATTRACTIVE TOWN