San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a city on the island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, Spain. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it makes a good destination for a walking visit, with the historic centre at its heart.
The old town
The streets of the old town follow a grid plan, so the city is easy to explore on foot. Walking through it, you will see colourful colonial facades lining the streets, and historic churches standing among them. The pace is unhurried, and it rewards visitors who look up at doorways and balconies as they go.
Streets, cafés and tapas
Many of the streets are pedestrian, which suits a relaxed stroll. Cafés and tapas bars are scattered through the centre, and sitting outside with a drink is an easy way to spend an afternoon. Plan for a slow visit rather than a rushed one.
- Stroll the grid of the old town and its colonial facades.
- Visit the historic churches along the way.
- Stop for coffee or tapas on the lively pedestrian streets.
A university city
The city has a university, and its youthful atmosphere is part of its character. Students bring energy to the streets and cafés, giving the centre a lively, cultural feel that sets it apart from a purely historic town. For visitors interested in the cultural life of the Canary Islands, La Laguna offers a close look at how the city lives today.
