Free walking tours in San Cristóbal de La Laguna and what to see

Must-sees

San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a World Heritage Site. Its layout of straight streets, without walls, served as a model for many cities founded in the Americas. The historic centre is almost entirely pedestrianised and easy to explore on foot. Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, known as La Carrera, and Calle San Agustín are lined with stately homes, wooden patios and buildings such as the Palacio de Nava or the Casa de los Capitanes.

The cathedral of Los Remedios, with its neoclassical façade, and the church of the Concepción, whose tower you can climb, are the main religious sights. The Plaza del Adelantado, the Santa Catalina convent and the Museum of History and Anthropology, in the Casa Lercaro, are also worthwhile. As a university city, it has a lively bar and terrace scene.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours of the historic centre are common. They last about two hours and cover La Carrera, the Plaza del Adelantado, the cathedral and the Concepción, explaining the city's founding and its role in the conquest and in trade with the Americas. You pay what you like at the end. Among paid visits, the most recommended is the trip to the Anaga Rural Park, with viewpoints such as Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés and a descent to Taganana or the Benijo coast. Guided trips to Mount Teide and La Orotava also leave from here.

How long to spend

A full day is enough to get to know the historic centre well, with a museum visit and a climb up the Concepción tower. Add another day for Anaga, which starts a few kilometres away and deserves a whole day of routes and viewpoints. With a third day you can take the tram to Santa Cruz de Tenerife or combine La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz.

Where to stay

The historic centre is the best area to stay if you want to stroll quiet streets at night and have everything to hand. There are hotels in old houses and apartments in restored buildings. Another option is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with more choice and connected to La Laguna by tram. Bear in mind that La Laguna sits at altitude and is usually cooler and damper than the coast, so bring something warm.