San Cristóbal de La Laguna has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, which the Tenerife tourist board describes as a unique example of an unwalled colonial city; its 15th-century layout survives almost intact and was a template for colonial cities in the Americas such as Old Havana, Lima and Cartagena (read 7 November 2026). The main central streets are pedestrianised, with shops, cafés and taverns, and the board suggests 2 to 3 hours for a relaxed first visit.
Highlights
The old town on foot
Traditional wooden balconies, volcanic stone doorways, noble coats of arms and interior courtyards visible from some entrances.
The suggested route
The board's order is Plaza del Adelantado, the cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the church of La Concepción, the Casa de los Capitanes, the Nava Palace and the Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna.
Casa de los Capitanes Generales
Built between 1624 and 1631 for the Captain General of Tenerife, at Obispo Rey Redondo 5. It is now the City Hall and also houses the tourist office.
Palacio de Nava
Opposite Plaza del Adelantado, commissioned in 1585 by the governor Tomás Grimón; Baroque with Neo-classical and Mannerist touches, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1976. The tourist board does not list visiting hours.
The Mercado de La Laguna
In the historic centre by Plaza del Cristo: flowers at the entrance, fruit and vegetables in the central patio, fish at the end of the building, meat and dry goods at the sides. An agricultural market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Practical info
Tips
- The board lists no opening hours or prices for the palaces; the tourist information office, in the Casa de los Capitanes, handles guided tours, and self-guided visits are possible. Parks nearby include La Constitución, Pedro González (La Vega) and La Granja. The market and the old town are both in the historic centre, so one visit covers them. Candelaria and its basilica, the island's pilgrimage site, are covered on Candelaria. For the mountains behind the city, see Anaga Rural Park.
How to get there
The Tenerife Tram connects Santa Cruz de Tenerife with La Laguna, and the historic quarter is a few minutes' walk from the tram. By car, park in the areas close to the centre and continue on foot.
Opening hours
Nearby
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