What to do in Vigo this weekend

Known as the “gateway to the Atlantic” Vigo has grown from a fishing town into a modern industrial city. In the 19th century, it was the first city in Spain to install electric streetlights and also operated the first shipping line to Cuba, where many Galicians made their fortune.

Vigo’s passion for the sea is still thriving, and forms an essential part of its culture and its people. This is a city for exploring at leisure, taking your time to discover its landmarks. If you’re planning to spend a few days in the city, Vigo has several centrally located hotels overlooking the tidal inlet that will make your visit truly enjoyable, as there are countless things to do in and around Vigo. 

What to do in and around Vigo on Saturdays

When visiting Vigo, one option is to start in the west of the city and explore its historic quarter, the port area and some of its beaches, as well as the origins of this former fishing town.

The Old City and the Port  

The port area boasts a number of striking sculptures, such as the Bather, the Merman and the Swimmer. Other sculptures pay tribute to the men and women that emigrated to America and Jules Verne. A Pedra Market is famous for its stalls selling oysters and the restaurants serving seafood.

Among the narrow and winding streets of the historic quarter stands the Co-cathedral of Santa María, built in the 19th century in the Neoclassical style. In Constitución Square, formerly known as the Plaza Mayor, we find the City Hall with its Neoclassical façade. This is also the site of the first electric streetlight to be erected in Spain. You will also find an intriguing stone carving at the corner of a hotel where you can see either the sun or the moon, depending on the angle you look at it from.

Salinae

An exceptionally well-conserved archaeological site that shows the only remaining marine salt flat from the days of the Roman Empire.

Castro Castle (or San Sebastián Castle)

The building stands on top of O Castro hill, the original site of the city of Vigo, where the early human settlements can still be seen. It is the best spot from which to admire a magnificent panoramic view of the city, the Rias Baixas tidal inlets and the Cíes Islands.  

El Olivo Viewpoint

Situated on Alfonso Walk, this is another spot from which to admire the magnificent sight of the sun setting over the tidal inlet. Its name comes from the old olive tree that has stood on this site for over 150 years.

What to do in and around Vigo on Sundays

Day two of our tour around Vigo is centred in the eastern area of the city.

Porta do Sol

This is the point that separates the historic quarter from the “Ensanche” – the area where the city expanded, and is also known as “kilometre zero”. It is the starting point for Príncipe Street, the city’s most popular shopping area. The street leads us to the contemporary art museum, MARCO, a highly recommendable visit for everyone spending the weekend in Vigo.    

Ensanche

This is Vigo’s most affluent district, and is characterised by its Modernist buildings. It is also filled with shops and museums. Another attraction is La Alameda Park, a small botanical garden that conceals a delightful stone zoo.

A Guia Hill

At the top of this delightful natural setting stands the Shrine of A Nosa Señora Das Neves. This is another viewpoint offering sweeping views of the coastline.

What to see near Vigo

The numerous leisure options on offer in Vigo this weekend also include several ideas that will take you out of the city.

Moaña

At the Maritime Station situated in the port, you can buy a ticket for a boat trip across the tidal inlet and back. The crossing takes 15 minutes and brings you to Moaña, a small municipality that is ideal for relaxing in its coves and on the beaches, after visiting the three lighthouses at Cape Home or admiring the Donón Cliffs, which rise up to a height of more than 150 m.

Rande Bridge

This is one of the landmarks of Vigo’s tidal inlet. It connects Moaña and Redondela and offers stunning views of the Cíes Islands and their magnificent scenery, not to be missed when exploring Vigo and its surroundings.

Islas Atlánticas Maritime-Terrestrial National Park

Another absolute must for anyone spending the weekend in Vigo. The Cíes Islands and Ons Island are within easy reach of the city. The Cíes Islands are the site of Rodas Beach, considered one of the finest in the world, whilst Ons is suitable for camping as well as hiking.

Galician Museum of the Sea

Located some 6 km from the centre of Vigo, the museum houses an exhibition dedicated to the history of Galicia’s fishing industry. The facilities also include an aquarium offering a fascinating insight into the ecosystems of Galicia’s tidal inlets.

San Simón

Also known as the Isla del Pensamiento, or “Island of Thought”, this is a natural area of immense ecological and historical value. In fact, it was once the site of a monastery founded by the Knights Templar, was raided by the privateer Francis Drake and was used as a concentration camp during the Spanish Civil War.

Eating out in Vigo

During the festive season, Vigo attracts large numbers of tourists who flock to the city to see the Christmas lights, although the city is popular with visitors all year round. If you’re planning a break in Galicia’s biggest city and you’d like some ideas on where to eat in Vigo, read on. We’ve got the definitive list of the best alternatives for enjoying the city’s gastronomy.

You can eat outside or even inside the hotel, as there are accommodation options offering magnificent eateries, such as the restaurant with a terrace boasting panoramic views at the hotel Attica21 Wellness & Spa. There you can enjoy the delicious local gastronomy whilst you admire the best views in town. If you’re looking for a restaurant with a terrace in Vigo, then this is your best option!

Beira Restaurant

A new Atlantic-inspired gastronomic space in Vigo with a proposal based on the combination of tradition and avant-garde. Located in the Hotel Attica21 Wellness&Spa in Vigo, it has a large panoramic terrace to enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the Cíes Islands.

Crudeza Restaurant

Although this is a fairly new restaurant (opened in late 2021), it has already become one of Vigo’s most fashionable eateries. It stands out for its fresh, uncooked dishes, whose roots lie in Peruvian, Asian and Galician gastronomy, creating a delicious fusion of exotic flavours. This restaurant is also renowned for its extensive wine list and the tasting sessions that are held on the premises.

Morrofino Taberna for dining in Vigo

This is a tavern with lots of character that has become one of Vigo’s most popular choices for dinner. The philosophy is based on first-class produce and haute cuisine that combines Galician tradition and modernity. The tasting menu is one of its principal attractions and the décor is simple and minimalist, with meticulous attention to detail. Standing on Serafín Avendaño Street, it is popular with young people, making for a lively and entertaining atmosphere.

Detapaenceta: a trendy option for eating out in Vigo

This is another Vigo’s most popular eateries. The most striking feature of this restaurant is that it is divided into two clearly differentiated spaces, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and tastes. Downstairs the atmosphere is more relaxed, with high tables and even a bar with stools. Upstairs is perfect for those diners seeking a quieter, more intimate setting, and is furnished with low tables. Local produce lies at the heart of Detapaenceta’s menu, although the dishes are presented with a clever combination of tradition and the avant-garde.

Follas Novas Restaurant

If you’re looking for restaurants with a terrace in Vigo, then don’t miss the opportunity to visit Follas Novas. This restaurant opened in 1994 and is renowned for its fish and shellfish dishes with a modern touch. The setting is elegant and refined, and the terrace is truly delightful. This is the perfect option for those seeking traditional Galician cuisines at value-for-money prices.

Casa Marco Restaurant: traditional cuisine in Vigo

Casa Marco Restaurant stands out for the magnificent standard of service offered by its professional team and is well worth a visit whilst you are in Vigo. The food is prepared in traditional style, although with an elegant and modern twist. Its meat, vegetable and fish dishes are always of the highest quality.

El Temporal

This is another ideal option for dining out in Vigo, as it is only open from 8 p.m. onwards. El Temporal restaurant is located in the heart of this Galician city, serving dishes that combine classic recipes with contemporary ideas. The cuisine is Mediterranean with innovative touches, with curious twists guaranteed to surprise and delight diners.

Niño Corvo: one of the best options for eating out in Vigo  

Also located in the old city, this is another of the best options for eating out in Vigo. Market cuisine is the hallmark of this restaurant, with dishes based on locally sourced produce, but also with the influence of South American, Galician and also Asian cuisine. The aim of the culinary professionals at this eatery is to transport diners to another place, but always using first-class ingredients. In order to achieve this, each day they visit the city’s markets in search of the very best produce.

The Othilio Bar

Situated on Luis Taboada Street, The Othilio Bar also ranks among the city eateries not to be missed. This restaurant serves highly innovative dishes that stand out for their impeccable presentation and truly unique flavours. It is also noted for its industrial-style décor (with warm and welcoming touches).

As you can see, the choice of places to eat out in Vigo is wide. Each eatery serves a particular type of cuisine. All you have to do is consider your budget and decide what type of food you fancy in order to enjoy a magnificent gastronomic experience during your stay in the city. Fish and shellfish are the principal ingredients to be found in the majority of dishes, although, as you will have discovered, Vigo has lots to choose from, with something to suit all tastes.

What to see in Vigo

Although in recent years Vigo has become Spain’s Christmas capital, with illuminations that attempt to put even New York in the shade, the truth is that this tourist area of the Rías Baixas has many other attractions. Galicia’s most populated city has lots to offer: discover everything you can do in Vigo in a day.

What to do in Vigo today

Shopping on Príncipe Street

Príncipe is a pedestrianised street that lies at the heart of Vigo’s shopping district. You’ll find footwear, jewellery, crafts and fashions from all the leading Galician brands. What’s more, it’s just a stone’s throw from O Progreso, one of the city’s most traditional markets.

Samil Beach

If you’re staying at a hotel close to Samil beach, you’ll be able to admire the magnificent views and even see the Cíes Islands. This one-kilometre long beach is great for families and a firm favourite with the residents of Vigo.

Discover the mechanical walkways on Gran Vía

The walkways were installed in 1945 on Gran Vía, another of Vigo’s best-known streets. You’ll be amazed by the brightly coloured walkways that lead from España Square to Urzáiz.

What to see in Vigo in a day

Noble buildings in the city centre 

If there’s one attraction that is admired by everyone who visits Vigo, it has to be the city’s noble buildings. A stroll around the city centre is an opportunity to view and photograph a number of buildings of this type, which make up one of the city’s most emblematic sights.  

• AFundación Headquarters: home to Abanca’s social foundation and is noted for its exhibition rooms and gardens.
• Bonin Building: standing on Arenal Street on the corner with Oporto Street, the most eye-catching feature of this building is its opulent Modernist decoration.
• Former Rectory Building: built in an eclectic and Classicist style, this building features a symmetrical composition. It is the only building on the street with a different alignment.

Co-cathedral of Santa María de Vigo

Known by the locals as the Collegiate Church, this is undoubtedly the most important temple to visit in Vigo. It was built in the early 19th century in the Neoclassical style, although its towers are Baroque. The interior houses the Christ of Victory, the most venerated image in the city. It can be visited from Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and also on Saturdays and Sundays between 6 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

Constitución Square

Constitución Square is one of the most iconic in Vigo and well worth a visit. Access is easy from Princesa Square. The Galician autonomous government (Xunta de Galicia) has declared Constitución Square a Historic Site. Forming a perfect rectangle, it is surrounded by historic stone buildings and presided over by the former City Hall.

What to do in and around Vigo

The Port of Vigo 

The marina is another of Vigo’s many attractions, running along Beiramar Avenue, where you can also see part of the fishing port, one of the largest in the world. In addition to boats and yachts, the marina is also the site of a number of eye-catching sculptures, a few of which are listed below:

• The Emigrant.

• The Bather on the Sands.

• The Swimmer.

• The Monument to Jules Verne.

You can also take a boat trip around Vigo Ria from the port. The trip also includes a tasting session of one of the local delicacies: mussels.

Porta do Sol

Surrounded by imposing monuments, one of the local landmarks is the sculpture of the Merman, symbolising the fusion between man and the sea. Another must-see in Porta do Sol is Princesa Square, with the Angelote Fountain in its centre (considered to be one of the city’s oldest monuments). There are also various street cafés where you can relax over a drink.

Discover Vigo’s gastronomy

The local gastronomy is always one of the greatest attractions for tourists. Eating out in Vigo is a great opportunity to enjoy the finest seafood caught freshly from Vigo Ria offering excellent value for money. What’s more, you should also experience the local custom of enjoying a delicious appetiser, going for tapas or feasting on succulent char-grilled meat at the weekend.

These are the absolute musts when visiting Vigo in a day. As you can see, there’s something to please all types of tourist. So if you’re visiting the city, make sure you take good note and enjoy an outstanding cultural, tourist and gastronomic experience in Vigo.

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