San Cristóbal de La Laguna, usually just called La Laguna, was the first capital of Tenerife and is still its cultural heart. Its old town keeps the street plan laid out in the late fifteenth century almost intact: an unwalled grid of straight streets and squares that became the template for colonial cities such as Old Havana, Lima and Cartagena de Indias, which is why UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1999. Today the streets are largely pedestrian and lined with low houses in pastel colours, wooden balconies and shady courtyards. The cathedral, the church of La Concepción with its bell tower, the Royal Sanctuary of the Santísimo Cristo, Plaza del Adelantado with the town hall, and grand mansions such as the Palacio de Nava and the Casa de los Capitanes are all within a few minutes’ walk. As a university city, it has a young, lively feel, with bookshops, bars and cafés.
How it works: the old town is free to explore, and the easiest way to get there from Santa Cruz is the tram, which stops a few minutes’ walk from the historic quarter. If you drive, park on the edge and walk, since much of the centre is closed to traffic. The official tourism board suggests two to three hours for a relaxed first visit, and guided walking tours start from the tourist office. Some churches and museums charge a small fee or have limited opening hours, so check before you go.
What to expect: La Laguna sits on a high plateau and is cooler and often cloudier than the coast, so bring a light layer. Mornings are lively with students and the market by Plaza del Adelantado, and the bars on the streets around the cathedral fill up in the evening, especially on Thursday and Friday nights. Look into the patios of the old mansions, several of which are open to visitors.
Making the most of it: start at Plaza del Adelantado, walk Calle Obispo Rey Redondo to the cathedral and La Concepción, then loop back along the parallel streets. Combine La Laguna with a drive into the Anaga mountains, which begin just north of the city.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through a pedestrian colonial old town with churches, mansions, squares and cafés.
Best time
A weekday morning for the market and quiet streets, or an evening for the bar scene.
How long
Two to three hours for a relaxed first visit.
Tips
Take the tram from Santa Cruz, bring a light layer for the cooler plateau, and check church opening hours.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want history, architecture and local life beyond the resorts.
- Families
- Flat pedestrian streets make it easy with strollers, and the market is fun for children.
- Couples
- Wander the balconied streets, then share tapas in a bar near the cathedral.
- Pair with
- The Anaga Rural Park just to the north, or Santa Cruz and Las Teresitas by tram and bus.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Why is La Laguna a World Heritage Site?+
UNESCO listed it in 1999 as a rare example of an unwalled colonial city whose grid plan survives almost intact. Its layout served as a model for many cities in the Americas.
How do I get to La Laguna from Santa Cruz?+
The tram runs from Santa Cruz to La Laguna, stopping a few minutes’ walk from the old town. By car, park on the edge and walk in.
Is it free to visit La Laguna?+
Walking the old town is free. Some churches and museums charge a small entry fee.
How much time do I need in La Laguna?+
Two to three hours is enough for a relaxed first walk. Allow longer if you want to visit museums or stay for lunch.
Is La Laguna colder than the coast?+
Yes, it sits on a plateau and is often cooler, cloudier and damper than the coast. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.