15 Best Things to Do in Vigo (A Local’s Guide)

Wondering if Vigo is worth visiting or if there are things to do in Vigo? Well, the short answer is yes. I love this city and after reading this list of things to do in Vigo, you will too. 

Vigo is a vibrant coastal city located in the northwest of Spain, in the region of Galicia. It is the largest city in Galicia and is known for its bustling port and maritime history.

Why visiting Vigo is worth it

I first fell in love with Galicia when I was an au pair one summer in Sanxenxo. I knew I wanted to live in Galicia so I applied to be an auxiliar de conversacion (language assistant) and was placed in Vigo. It wasn’t until I started exploring Vigo more in depth that I really fell in love. This city is underrated and has so much to discover.

Here’s my list of things to do in Vigo that you’ll love.

Visit Monte O Castro

There are many interesting things to do in Vigo and visiting Monte O Castro is one of them. Situated on O Castro hill is Parque Monte do Castro, this park isn’t for the faint of heart (or the out of shape) as you’ll need to climb up the steep steps to be rewarded with not only breathtaking views, but  the possibility of a caña at Cafetería O’Castro (P.º Rosalía de Castro, 9). 

On summer days you can find people with blankets spread out enjoying a picnic and the sun. If you’re into roller skating or skateboarding, on the western side of the park you’ll find a skate park.

I recommend wandering around taking different walking paths as you make your way up to explore the castle. Once you make it to the top, explore the castle and don’t forget to check out the underground tunnels–túneles da muralla do Castro– which you can access on a tour. The small guided tour is free, but you’ll need to book ahead to join (call +34 986 810 260). 

Mirador Olivia 

This is by far one of my favorite spots to sit, contemplate life, and watch the sunset. I have no idea why more people don’t know about Mirador Olivia or why it isn’t on everyone’s radar.

The views are impeccable and you can visit the oldest Olive tree in Vigo. What’s not to love? Come here, grab a coffee or beer from nearby, and watch the sunset behind Cíes Islands.

Stroll around Casco Vello 

Casco Vello, also known as the historic center or Old town, is a must visit. Take some time to explore the cobblestone streets, visit small squares, and discover traditional Galician houses. The area is known for its charming and lively ambiance, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the streets.

Things to do in Vigo’s Old Town 

• Plaza Puerto Sol: sit on the steps near the El Sireno statue (which is said to guard the port) and people watch or pick up some souvenirs from Nikis Galicia
• Plaza de Constitución: visit the cathedral Basílica de Santa María. Entrance is free but you do need to dress appropriately 
• Go to Plaza de Compostela: (which technically isn’t in Old town but its Old town adjacent) to say hi to Dinoseto

Eat Seafood

It wouldn’t be a trip to Vigo unless you try Galician cuisine. Historically, Vigo was a fisherman’s village. Here in Vigo fisherman and seafood go hand in hand.

The location of Vigo makes it the perfect spot for fishing. I’d argue that anywhere you go in Vigo will have delicious seafood but here are a few options to get you started: 

Where to eat in Vigo 

• The infamous seafood street (aka Oyster street), check out Bar Cocedero La Piedra (Rúa Pescadería, 3) (but honestly, any of the restaurants on this street won’t disappoint)  
• If you’re near Puerta de Sol, go to Taberna Eligio (Tr.ª da Aurora, n°4) for their pulpo (octopus) or sardines
• If you want a bottle of “free” wine with your puplo, Polbo bar (Praza da Constitución, 10) offers this promotion and the pulpo isn’t bad

What to eat in Vigo 

When people think of Spanish food, usually Barcelona or San Sebastian cuisine come to mind, but I think Galician food is one of the best the country has to offer. So, don’t miss out on Galician cuisine and try out these dishes:

• Pulpo á feira: cooked octopus seasoned to perfection with paprika. This is my favorite Galician dish
• Sardines: be sure to get them deep fried with freshly squeezed lemon on top
• Barnacles: while these are dangerous to cultivate, the flavor is unlike anything else
• Zamburiñas (variegated scallops): you’ll love the tender buttery notes of this dish 

Drink like Galicians 

Galicia has an array of diverse and distinct wines. Several grape varieties and protected wine regions contribute to the rich viticultural landscape of Galicia.

One of my favorite things to do in Vigo is grab a glass of wine and people watch at a terraza. Here are my top two wine varieties you gotta try while visiting Vigo. 

Types of Galician Wine 

• Albariño: My favorite wine and perfect for a hot summer day. It’s the most famous grape variety of Galicia. It has aromatic qualities, high acidity, and flavors of citrus fruits, green apples, and sometimes a hint of floral notes. Albariño wines are usually crisp, refreshing, and the perfect pairing for seafood
• Mencía: aka my favorite red wine. Mencía wines are known for their vibrant red fruit flavors, floral notes, and a touch of spice (just like me). These wines can be medium to full-bodied, with moderate tannins and refreshing acidity. 

Visit museums 

Get in touch with Galician art and learn about Vigo’s history. If you only have a few days here or you’re not that into museums and want to see the best Vigo has to offer then look no further: 

• MARCO: What was once a prison, now is Vigo’s modern art museum. It doesn’t have a permanent collection, so be sure to check out what exhibits are currently on display
• Quiñones de León Museum: located in Castrelos Park, has Galician art from ceramics, sculpture, paintings, drawings and more. If you come here be sure to also check out the surrounding garden area next to the museum 
• Museo do Mar: Learn about the rich history of Vigo’s fishing culture in this museum that has interactive screens and photography 

Climb Monte de A Guía

Another hill? Yes, I love a good panoramic view and Vigo is a hilly place. What can I say? At the top you’ll find a church that you can visit. At the bottom is a lighthouse that serves as a maritime navigation aid.

Other points of interest are Playa Areino and Paseo da Praia da Guía which serve as nice retreats from the city. If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty exploring Monte de A Guía be sure to check out Resturante Richote (Avienda de Dona Fermina, 23). 

El Mejor Banco del Mundo 

There are many benches around Galicia, and especially Vigo that claim to be the “best in the world” and it’s debatable which one is, in fact, the best. However, for me (and according to google maps) this is the official best bench in the world. 

Near Redondela and along the Camino de Santiago, you’ll find El Mejor Banco del Mundo. Here you will find hands down the best views of the estuary and Rande bridge. You can get here by car, bus, or hiking the Senda del Agua. 

However you decide to get here, you will love the view and you won’t regret putting this on your list of things to do in Vigo.

O Halo 

The much anticipated panoramic view of Vigo, O Halo, opened in early 2024; it connects lower and upper Vigo.  Come here for amazing views of the estuary and you can even take the elevator on calle Serafín Avendaño all the way up to the top. 

Go to Samil 

The best things to do in Vigo include going to Vigo’s beaches; Samil is a must-see. The white sand and aqua blue waters make Samil one of the best beaches in Vigo for its proximity to the city and beauty. A quick trip on a bus or short car ride, and you’re at the beach.

Madrileños (people from Madrid) love to come to Samil during the summer, and you will too.

Samil is connected to many other beaches around Vigo so feel free to make a day of wandering from beach to beach and stopping at a chiringuito (a small shop on the beach) for a caña along the way. 

Islas Cíes 

Your list of things to do in Vigo wouldn’t be complete without going to Islas Cíes and it just so happens to be one of my favorite things about living in Vigo. The day I moved here I booked tickets to explore Islas Cíes.

It’s an unforgettable trip where you’ll see incredible views, visit Vigo’s best beach, and go on amazing hiking routes. Make sure you book early as this is one of the most popular things to do in Vigo, especially during the summer.  

How to book your visit 

• You’ll need to first get authorization to visit (this consists of giving your personal information and then they’ll send you a code which you need to use to buy your ticket) 
• Next go on the Mar de Ons official page and book tickets with the authorization code they emailed you in the previous step 
• Alternatively, you can book a tour guide and get a full immersive experience 

Bouzas 

Bouzas is a charming district of Vigo, it has many historical connections to the sea. Here are some things you might enjoy doing in Bouzas:

• Maritime Walks: Bouzas has recently been given a makeover and now has an updated boardwalk. There’s even steps that go straight into the ocean making it a great place to sit, relax and sunbathe. If you continue walking down the walkway you can leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoying the sea breeze, and taking in the picturesque surroundings
• Local Cuisine: Explore the local gastronomy by visiting restaurants and cafes in Bouzas 
• Visit Historic Sites: Enjoy the architecture of Bouzas and go to the San Miguel church.
• Relax on the Beach: If you visit during the warmer months, you can relax on Playa de Bouzas. Enjoy the sun, sand, and maybe even take a dip in the Atlantic waters.
• Enjoy the Sunday flea market: On Sunday mornings until about 2pm, you can enjoy all the hustle and bustle of the Sunday flea market. There’s also plants and food to enjoy!

Marikiná Park

Are you an adventure junkie? Want to climb to great heights to see Vigo from a different view? Then visiting Marikiná adventure park is one of your must things to do while in Vigo.

This is Galicia’s biggest nature theme park where you can hangout in the pine forest of Vigo crossing hanging bridges and flying on zip lines. This is an unforgettable experience for families and those who are kids at heart. 

Take a walking tour 

There’s no better way to get to know a city than by exploring it by foot. Vigo is rich with history and if you don’t know where to look, then you’ll miss out on really getting to know this wonderful city.

Here are a few walking tours that are given in English which I recommend to get learn more about Viguese life:

• If you’re looking to get all the highlights of Vigo in and are a bit of a history buff then the Vigo: Essential Walking Tour of the city’s Landmarks is for you. This one and a half hour tour includes history about Vigo, in depth knowledge about Vigo’s architecture, and stops at two of my favorite view points (Miradouro da Oliveira & Castelo de San Sebastián, Vigo).

• If you really want to get in touch with Viguese lifestyle and go on a walking tour but also want to have a few beers too, then the Vigo: Private walking Tour around the city with Beer or Wine is for you. You get the best of both worlds drinks and the essentials of Vigo.

Things to keep in mind:

Both of these tours are run by Vigo locals in English. The tour guides will take you through the streets of Vigo and give you insider information about Galician culture and Vigo’s history. 

These tours are wheelchair accessible and kid friendly. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time! 

Take a day trip 

Vigo is an amazing city to explore, but what makes it even better is how perfectly situated it is as a jumping off point to discovering nearby cities and towns. One of the best things to do while in Vigo is to take a day trip to many of the bordering cities like Ourense, Santiago de Compostela, Cangas, or even Portugal. 

Where to go in Portugal 

• Valença: it’s only about a 20 minute bus ride or 30 minute drive. Be sure to go on Sunday’s to checkout their flea market 
• Porto: only two hours away by car, you could spend the day sipping port wine, eating pastel de natas or listening to Fado while wandering aimlessly taking in the views

Where to go in Ourense 

• Take a dip in the thermal baths and take in the views 
• Check out nearby Ribeira Sacra to see how Galician wine is made and hike around the vineyards  
• Come experience a rock music festival–Ourensoundfest 

Where to go in Santiago de Compostela

• Marvel at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
• Take a dip in the nearby waterfalls, Fervenza de Rubio
• Enjoy the views at Miradoiro da Catedral

Where to go in Cangas 

• Hike the beautiful coastal route Cangas do Morrazo from Moaña to Cangas and beyond
• Check out the Caracola Costa da Vela lookout point to take a photo with the infamous snail shell 

Want to know about more things to do in Vigo? Follow my blog for updates.