Travel blog - Tips to explore the world on a budget: San Cristóbal de La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, once Tenerife’s capital and now home to about 160,000 people, is the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the Canary Islands. Its grid layout, planned in 1497 by Alonso Fernández de Lugo, inspired many Latin American cities. The old town has 627 protected buildings, including 361 from the 16th to 18th centuries with Mudéjar architecture, which mixes Islamic and European styles. The Cathedral of La Laguna and the Iglesia de la Concepción, with its distinctive tower, stand out among wooden-balconied mansions and lively pedestrian streets. The city’s university brings a vibrant student scene, tapas bars, and cultural festivals. The Casa Lercaro Museum, in a grand 16th-century mansion, shares Tenerife’s history. With its cooler weather, authentic feel, and location near Santa Cruz, La Laguna is a top cultural destination in Tenerife.