If you’re looking to explore a different side of Tenerife, La Laguna is well worth a visit. This historic city in the north of the island is known for its colourful façades, charming wooden balconies and atmospheric old town. Wander through narrow streets full of character, stumble upon hidden courtyards and soak up the atmosphere in its lively squares. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of inviting bars and restaurants where you can stop for a coffee or enjoy a leisurely lunch. Wondering what not to miss? Here are our top tips for exploring La Laguna in Tenerife!
Wander through La Laguna's historic old town
La Laguna’s historic centre is undoubtedly one of the city’s highlights. It has a character all of its own, with colourful colonial façades, traditional wooden balconies and grand buildings that reflect its rich history. It’s no wonder the historic centre has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The best way to explore La Laguna is, of course, on foot. Take your time wandering through the city’s narrow streets, and don’t forget to look up to admire the beautiful façades. If the doors of the historic buildings are open, step inside to discover their courtyards. You’ll find some surprisingly beautiful patios hidden behind those doors. The city’s lively squares are also perfect for taking a little break and soaking up the local atmosphere.
What to do in La Laguna? Discover the best spots
La Laguna has plenty of sights to make your visit even more special, from historic churches and charming squares to iconic streets in the old town. There’s so much to discover!
1. Take a look at the Iglesia de la Concepción
One of La Laguna’s most famous landmarks is the Iglesia de la Concepción. The church is best known for its striking tower, which rises above the surrounding buildings. It has played an important role in the city’s history and is well worth a stop as you explore the old town.
Tip: For the best views of La Laguna, climb to the top of the church tower.
2. Visit the Cathedral of La Laguna
La Laguna’s cathedral is another must-see during your visit. The Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna is located in the heart of the historic centre and stands out with its impressive architecture. The current cathedral features a striking Neo-Gothic design and is one of the city’s most important religious landmarks.
3. Shopping on Calle Obispo Rey Redondo
If you love shopping, La Laguna is a great place to explore on Tenerife. Along Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, one of the city’s main shopping streets, you’ll find charming boutiques, souvenir shops and well-known high-street stores. It’s a lovely place to browse and pick up a few things between sightseeing stops. And with its beautiful façades and historic buildings lining the street, shopping here is all part of the experience.
4. Stroll through Plaza del Adelantado
Plaza del Adelantado is one of the city’s most famous squares, surrounded by historic buildings, including the town hall and Palacio de Nava. The palace is particularly eye-catching, with its striking façade combining Baroque and Neoclassical influences. If the doors are open, step inside to admire the traditional Canarian courtyard.
5. Spend the night in La Laguna
La Laguna makes a great day trip, but it’s even better if you stay overnight during your holiday in Tenerife. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the historic centre at your own pace and take breaks at some of the city’s charming cafés, bars and restaurants along the way.
Our recommendation is to book a night's stay in La Laguna at Casa Rural La Asomada del Gato. We stayed here during our visit to La Laguna. This charming accommodation is located in the historic centre, in a characterful 18th-century building. Its authentic atmosphere makes it a particularly special place to stay. The hotel rooms are arranged around a lovely courtyard garden and are basic but comfortable. Breakfast is self-service, with fresh and delicious options. In the morning, you can squeeze your own orange juice and enjoy homemade jams made with fruit from the garden.
Casa Rural La Asomada del Gato
A cozy boutique hotel right in the historic heart of La Laguna.
The best hotspots to visit in La Laguna
Of course, exploring La Laguna’s historic streets and sights calls for a few food and drink stops along the way. Here are our favourite spots to grab a bite or enjoy a drink!
6. Lunch at Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe
One of our favourite lunch spots in La Laguna is Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe. It’s a unique place that combines a historic house with a museum. If you fancy lunch here, simply step inside and grab a table in the charming courtyard. The menu is full of tasty options, from local cheese boards to generously filled sandwiches. And don’t let the term “mini sandwiches” fool you, they’re actually a perfectly normal size!
7. A coffee break at Tifawin
Coffee is a big part of everyday life in the Canary Islands. It’s a chance to take a break, catch up with friends and enjoy a little moment of relaxation. In La Laguna, we came across Tifawin, a cosy coffee spot with views of the cathedral. We spent some time relaxing on the terrace, sipping our coffee and soaking up the atmosphere.
Tip: In Tenerife, you’ll often find barraquito on the menu. This layered coffee drink is made with condensed milk, Licor 43, espresso, hot milk and milk foam. It’s a local speciality you simply have to try!
8. Enjoy the local cuisine at Tasca La Venta de la Esquina
The Canary Islands have their own food culture, too. In some ways, it’s more similar to Dutch food culture than to mainland Spain’s, at least when it comes to dinner times! Luckily, this means you can walk into a restaurant at around 7 pm and sit down for dinner without any problems. And the place might even be packed! In La Laguna, we stopped for dinner at Tasca La Venta de la Esquina, a real local favourite. Everyone around us, including the staff, was speaking Spanish. Always a good sign that you’ve found an authentic local spot. The menu was packed with traditional dishes, many of which were generous meat-based meals. We decided to go for a few smaller bites instead, including padrón peppers and the classic Canarian dish 'papas arrugadas con mojo'.
Tips for your visit to La Laguna
You can set aside around half a day to explore La Laguna’s historic centre. In two to three hours, you can enjoy a lovely walk past the main sights and get a good feel for the city. However, if you really want to soak up the atmosphere, we recommend staying overnight at a hotel.
How to get to La Laguna?
La Laguna is located in the northeast of Tenerife, close to the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s easy to get there by car or public transport, which is generally well organised across the island. Tram line 1 connects Santa Cruz with La Laguna, and there are also bus services linking the city to Tenerife North Airport and other parts of the island.
The best time to visit La Laguna
La Laguna is a lovely city to visit all year round. Just keep in mind that the weather in the north of Tenerife can be cooler and cloudier than in the sunny south. Even if you get caught in a little rain, you might find yourself walking in the sunshine again just a few minutes later. That’s all part of La Laguna’s charm!
Combine a visit to La Laguna with a visit to Anaga Rural Park
Close to La Laguna, you’ll find Anaga Rural Park, a lush natural area known for its dense laurel forests, dramatic mountain landscapes and panoramic coastal views. It’s a wonderful place to go hiking and take in the stunning scenery. It is one of fun things to do in Tenerife!
More inspiration for Tenerife
Of course, Tenerife has so much more to offer than the historic streets of La Laguna. From breathtaking natural landscapes and charming villages to beautiful beaches and unique sights, there’s plenty to explore. Planning your trip to Tenerife? Check out our other articles for more inspiration and helpful travel tips!
