Are you planning a trip to Tenerife and looking for a cultural stop on your itinerary? We recommend spending a day in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the island’s former capital and one of the most charming UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Canary Islands. Its colorful facades, Baroque churches, and bustling squares tell the story of four centuries of colonial history.
With our one-day itinerary for visiting La Laguna, you’ll be able to make the most of those few hours.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical Tips for Visiting La Laguna in One Day
What can you see in La Laguna in one day? The must-dos
In just one day, you can already admire the main squares and monuments of the historic center and soak up its colonial atmosphere.
You can explore the cathedral, its churches, and its small museums.
The historic district is compact and easy to get around.
If you only have half a day, it’s a tough choice. We recommend you:
– stroll through the city
– Visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception
– go up to the Conception Tower
– take a look at the Cas de los Capitanes Generales
– Visit the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and see its frescoes
To create your own itinerary, check out our selection of the best attractions in La Laguna.
How to get to La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is located in the north of Tenerife, between the airport and the city of Santa Cruz. It’s about a 6-minute drive from Tenerife North Airport and a 15-minute drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
If you’re not driving, the 102 and 015 buses stop at La Laguna. We recommend that you check the schedules before you leave. More details here.
To help you find your way as you read through our itinerary below, here is our map of the main tourist attractions in La Laguna:
And if you’re spending the day on a road trip around Tenerife, check out our article featuring our selection of the best hotels in La Laguna.
Getting Around in La Laguna
You can explore the historic center of La Laguna entirely on foot: the must-see sights are just a few blocks apart. We decided to park our car at the Aparcamiento Adelantado parking lot, which is free and located just a stone’s throw from the Plaza del Adelantado. We recommend this option so you can easily explore the historic center and its surroundings without having to worry about moving your car throughout the day.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
9:00–9:45 a.m.: Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cathedral
Start your day at the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cathedral, one of the most iconic religious buildings in La Laguna. Its origins date back to the 16th century, but the building underwent numerous alterations before its renovation in the 20th century. We were captivated by its neoclassical façade and the richly decorated chapels lining the nave.
In fact, the cathedral was designated a Site of Cultural Interest in 1983. There, you can also admire a treasure that has been preserved for several centuries. We recommend setting aside between 30 and 45 minutes for this, before the crowds start to arrive.
See more photos.
- Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays, except to attend Mass
- Price: €7. Book your admission ticket including audioguide
- Visit the official website for more info here
9:45–10:30 a.m.: Torre de la Concepción and Church of La Concepción
Right next to it, the Torre de la Concepción has towered over the historic center since the 17th century. We recommend climbing the steps: the view stretches over the rooftops of the old town and the surrounding mountains, and sometimes extends as far as the neighboring island of Gran Canaria.
Adjacent to the tower,the Church of La Concepción is the city’s oldest religious building, constructed in the early 16th century. We particularly appreciated its Mudejar-style coffered ceilings and its Baroque decor, which draws on the traditional craftsmanship of the Canary Islands. A combined ticket provides access to both sites.
- Tour: Hours: Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price: €2 (combined ticket)
- Church: Open daily. Price: €2 (combined ticket)
- See the latest news on theLa Laguna Tourist Office website here
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth going up the tower, here’s a photo of one of the views of the city, or check out our article:
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Plaza del Adelantado
Take some time to stroll through the Plaza del Adelantado, the beating heart of the historic center. We spotted several notable buildings there: the Hermitage of Saint Michael the Archangel, the Nava Palace, the Church of Las Catalinas, and City Hall. The square is lined with trees arranged around a fountain, where locals gather during the hottest part of the day.
We enjoyed stopping at a sidewalk café to watch the local hustle and bustle before continuing on our way. You can also admire the Baroque façade of the Nava Palace, a blend of Mannerist and Neoclassical styles, although the building is not open to the public.
11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.: Casa de los Capitanes Generales
Not far from the square, the Casa de los Capitanes Generales, also known as the Casa Alvarado Bracamonte, served as the residence of the island’s captains-general until the end of the 18th century. We enjoyed this example of colonial architecture, built in the 17th century on the orders of Captain General Diego de Alvarado-Bracamonte.
The building now houses the City Museum as well asthe Tourist Information Office, where you can pick up maps and get tips for the rest of your day. We recommend you check it out, if only for its patio and azulejos.
See more photos.
- Hours: October through June (except on holidays), Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; July through September (except on holidays), Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Price: free access
- Visit the official website for more info here
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Tenerife Museum of History and Anthropology
Continue your morning at the Tenerife Museum of History and Anthropology, housed in Casa Lercaro, a traditional Canarian house featuring wooden galleries and shaded patios. There, we discovered archaeological artifacts and ethnographic objects that trace the island’s cultural evolution from its earliest inhabitants through the colonial period.
In particular, you’ll be able to view collections dedicated to maritime trade between the Canary Islands and the Americas. We found the exhibition design to be well-crafted and accessible, even without any prior knowledge of the archipelago’s history.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm, Sundays and public holidays 10am to 5pm
- Price: €5
- Visit the official website for more info here
12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch in the historic district
The historic center of La Laguna is full of places to enjoy hearty Canarian cuisine, including papas arrugadas, mojo, and fresh fish caught that day. We tried several restaurants during our stays there, with results that varied depending on the establishment. So we invite you to explore our selection of the best restaurants in San Cristóbal de La Laguna—based on these experiences—to choose the one that suits your tastes before continuing with the afternoon itinerary.
2:00–3:00 p.m.: Casa Salazar
Continue your tour with the Casa Salazar, also known as the Episcopal Palace, whose Baroque façade is reminiscent of that of the Nava Palace. Built in the 17th century by the Counts of the Salazar Valley, the mansion was acquired by the diocese in the 19th century before being destroyed by a fire in 2006.
We were surprised by the quality of the restoration, which was completed in just three years. You can wander freely through its courtyards—at no charge—and admire the details of its colonial architecture. We recommend this stop to fans of local history.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Price: free of charge
- Visit the official website for more info here
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
3:00–4:00 p.m.: Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church
Next, head tothe Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, whose unassuming exterior belies its remarkable interior decoration. Dating from the 16th century, it is recognizable by its dark bell tower with three bells, attached to the adjacent Dominican convent. We were impressed by the frescoes and murals covering the walls, as well as by the coffered ceilings that add rhythm to the space.
You’ll happily spend about thirty minutes there, as the decorative details are well worth a closer look. We recommend this tour to round out your exploration of the city’s religious heritage.
See more photos.
- Opening hours: the church is open every day
- Price: €2 (combined ticket with another city landmark)
- Visit the official website for more info here
4:00 p.m.–5:15 p.m.: Cayetano Gómez Felipe Museum
End your day at the Cayetano Gómez Felipe Museum, housed in a traditional 18th-century Canarian house that was once the home of the collector of the same name. There, we saw several thousand artifacts from Asia and the Americas, which bear witness to the trade that has shaped the history of Tenerife. V
You can extend your visit by stopping at the museum cafeteria for a break before heading back out. We enjoyed this quieter moment, which was perfect for reflection after a day packed with new discoveries.
DISCOVER San Cristobal La Laguna
What You Need to Know for Your Day in La Laguna
The Crowds at La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna attracts many visitors, but remains less crowded than the beach resorts in southern Tenerife.
The largest crowds are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The city is compact but not centered around a single square, so you can find some open space.
Adjusting Your Itinerary When It Rains
If it rains, La Laguna offers several options for sightseeing under cover. You can take refuge at the Tenerife Museum of History and Anthropology, the Cayetano Gómez Felipe Museum. We also enjoyed the Casa de los Capitanes Generales for its covered patio, a great option when the weather doesn’t allow for a stroll through the Plaza del Adelantado. These places make it possible to have a fulfilling day, even in the rain.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
The most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best excursions in Tenerife
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
