San Cristóbal de La Laguna (UNESCO)

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — briefly "La Laguna" — is the old capital of Tenerife (until 1723) and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. The city was founded in 1496 as the first unfortified colonial city of Spain — its street grid served as a blueprint for the cities of Latin America: Havana, Lima, Cartagena, and many others were modeled after La Laguna.

Highlights

• The Old Town: A living museum of colonial architecture: colorful facades in ochre yellow, terracotta, and pastel blue, carved wooden balconies, courtyards with fountains and palm trees. Calle San Agustín and Calle Obispo Rey Redondo are the most splendid streets — every house tells a story.
• Catedral de La Laguna: The cathedral (1913, neoclassical) houses the remains of the conqueror Alonso Fernández de Lugo, who conquered Tenerife for the Spanish crown in 1496. The facade is impressive, the interior simple and elegant.
• Iglesia de la Concepción: The oldest church in Tenerife (1511) with a distinctive tower that dominates the cityscape. From the tower: panoramic view over the old town and the Teide in the background.
• Universidad de La Laguna: The oldest and most important university in the Canary Islands (founded in 1701) makes La Laguna the liveliest city on the island. 25,000 students ensure full bars, affordable tapas places, and a cultural diversity that the touristy south lacks.
• Museo de la Historia de Tenerife: In the magnificent Casa Lercaro (16th century) — one of the most beautiful colonial houses — the history of Tenerife from the Guanches to today is told. Entrance: €5.

Food & Drink in La Laguna

La Laguna has the best bar and tapas scene in Tenerife — student-influenced, authentic, and affordable. Calle Heraclio Sánchez and the Quadrángulo are full of bars and restaurants:

• Tapas Bars: Small plates from €2.50. Patatas bravas, croquetas, pulpo a la gallega, papas arrugadas con mojo.
• Bodeguitas: Traditional wine bars with local wines from the north.
• Student Prices: Menú del día from €7, caña (small beer) from €1.20. La Laguna is the cheapest place to eat in Tenerife.