La Laguna
San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife
Serving as Tenerife’s capital up until the 18th century, the lively student town of La Laguna—or San Cristóbal de La Laguna—is the historic heart of the island. Visitors come to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, where the cobbled streets and colonial architecture afford endless photo opportunities.
The Basics
The best way to discover La Laguna is on foot. Stroll the cobblestone lanes and palm-fringed plazas of the Old Town, stopping to admire the colourfully painted townhouses, ancient churches, and colonial-era mansions. Don’t miss a visit to the landmark Church of the Conception, where you can take in the views from the bell tower; the early 20th-century Teatro Leal, with its exquisite interior paintings and murals; and the Cathedral of San Cristóbal, the island’s only cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Laguna is known for having some of the best local nightlife in Tenerife—the streets of the Old Town are lined with tapas bars, live music venues, and nightclubs.
- Foodies should head to Plaza del Cristo, where La Laguna’s main fresh food market is held each morning.
- The weather in La Laguna is notoriously changeable and it is often cooler and rainier than the coastal cities. Pack a light raincoat and dress in layers.
- Although most of La Laguna’s attractions are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, the cobblestone lanes of the Old Town might make it tricky to get around.
How to Get There
La Laguna is located in northern Tenerife, six miles (10 kilometers) inland from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The easiest way to get there is to ride the tram from Santa Cruz, an about 15-minute journey. If you’re traveling by car, the TF-5 highway runs between the two cities and it’s an about 15-minute drive. Tenerife North Airport is located just outside the city and is also connected by tram.
When to Get There
La Laguna is a popular spot for summer sightseeing and it’s worth lingering into the evening hours to enjoy the nightlife. The most atmospheric time to visit is during the annual Semana Santa celebrations at Easter, when a giant parade takes over the Old Town, or the Corpus Christi festival (May/June), when the streets are blanketed with flowers.
Museums of La Laguna
La Laguna is home to some of Tenerife’s most important museums. The Museum of the History of Tenerife at Casa Lercaro has exhibitions on Tenerife’s colonial era, while the Museum of Science and the Cosmos is a family favorite, full of hands-on science experiments and interactive exhibitions. In neighboring Santa Cruz, the Museum of Nature and Archaeology houses a fascinating exhibition on the life and culture of the Guanche people, and the Historical Military Museum of the Canary Islands displays WWII tanks and artillery.
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