Things to do in 

La Coruna

Stroll the patchwork of squares that make up La Coruna, and you'll see the city unfurling around every corner. The rhythm of waves lapping against the marina; the thrill of a pulsating football game; the gentle hum of conversation from a local café — 'things to do in La Coruna' aren't just about ticking off landmarks. You'll explore authentic neighbourhoods, uncover seasonal delights, and seek out hidden gems that breathe life into the city's cobblestones. Each experience here pulls back a new layer, revealing a city that's enthralling in its ordinariness, deeply rooted in tradition, yet prompt to surprise.

Explore La Coruna off the beaten path

Follow the sea breeze to alternative things to do, from easy cultural moments and small museums to quiet viewpoints and unfussy shops locals actually use.

Cultural experiences: Swing by Mercado de San Agustín late morning, snack on warm empanada, and watch the fishmongers at work. Around sunset, join the paseo along Orzán and Riazor, then stand at the counter at La Bombilla for old-school pinchos.

Small museums and galleries: Step into Casa Museo Picasso to see where a young Picasso sketched before leaving Galicia. Up the old-town slope, the Casa-Museo Emilia Pardo Bazán adds a literary thread to your walk. For contemporary shows, the Fundación Luis Seoane keeps things fresh without the crowds.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Bring a book to Jardín de San Carlos and look over the harbor in the late afternoon light. For wide Atlantic views, head to Monte de San Pedro in the morning or catch sunset at O Portiño’s rocky cove.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Mid-morning at the Plaza de Lugo market, pick up tetilla cheese and a jar of seaweed pâté to picnic later. On Rúa Real, the Sargadelos store sells bold Galician ceramics you’ll actually use at home. For easy-to-pack gifts, grab tins of mussels and bonito at Frinsa La Conservera nearby.

Popular neighbourhoods

Each neighbourhood within the boundaries of La Coruna, a radiant Spanish city, plays a unique role in stitching together the city's engaging cultural tapestry. From historic quintessence to modern sophistication, they offer a compelling mosaic of experiences to its visitors.

Ciudad Vieja: Watch history come alive as you navigate narrow cobblestone streets of this ancient quarter. Between its historic buildings and charming plazas, Ciudad Vieja is a timeless chronicle of La Coruna's past.

Pescadería: Savour the authentic taste of Galician cuisine in Pescadería, a neighbourhood known for its bustling seafood market. The scent of fresh seafood and local delicacies makes for a gastronomic adventure.

Orzán: Soak in the grandeur of La Coruna’s exquisite architecture as you stroll around Orzán. This neighbourhood's blend of meticulously restored period-era buildings and contemporary structures creates a fascinating architectural landscape.

Monte Alto: Reveal the city's creative side in Monte Alto, the Bohemian powerhouse of La Coruna. Populated with art studios, galleries, and unique boutiques, it’s a haven for art enthusiasts and the creatively curious.

Ensanche: Revel in the modern pulse of city life in Ensanche. The district's fashion boutiques and global eateries, interspersed with quiet residential streets offer an eclectic urban experience.

Things to do in La Coruna by season

Spring: Atlantic breezes soften and days lengthen, making it easy to loop the Paseo Marítimo and climb the Tower of Hercules for wide-open views. Gardens around San Carlos and Méndez Núñez green up, and café terraces suit unhurried lunches for couples or seniors.

Summer: City beaches at Orzán and Riazor hum with swimmers and volleyball, while late sunsets keep tapas runs going well past nine. Families catch street performers around María Pita, and warm nights turn the old town into a relaxed, sociable maze.

Fall: First rains return and seafood reaches peak flavour, with market stalls piled high for long, shared meals. Slip into galleries when showers pass and watch stormy swells crash below the lighthouse, a favourite for photographers.

Winter: Mild, wetter days bring clear breaks perfect for bracing walks along the headlands and museum stops near the harbour. Christmas lights brighten María Pita Square, and roscón de Reyes appears in bakery windows before the Three Kings parade.

San Xoán on 23 June lights up the beaches with bonfires and sardines, followed by August’s María Pita festivities and free open-air concerts like Noroeste Pop Rock. The city also celebrates Carnival each February and hosts the annual Viñetas desde o Atlántico comics festival in late summer, all easy to fold into a coastal stay.