OCIO GUIDE
Vigo has many fun and interesting activities to offer. Here are just some suggested activities and recommended places out of a very wide variety! For more information on Ocio activities in Vigo click here.
SITES
Casco antiguo: The old part of the city, also called casco vello in Galician, is the hub for many emblematic structures of Vigo and a perfect starting point to get to know the city. This area (pictured left) was declared a Center for Cultural Heritage by the Xunta de Galicia and is in the processed of being restored.
In the old area, you'll find many important monuments and structures, such as the:
In the old area, you'll find many important monuments and structures, such as the:
- 17th Century San Sebastián Fortress,
- Neoclassical Santa María Co-Cathedral (Rúa Palma)
- Penzol Library (Plaza Princesa, 2)
- Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Princess, and Calle Real
Fortaleza do Castro (Av. da Atlántida, 160): This 16th Century fortress (pictured right) is what remains of the city's medieval defense system and has one of the most spectacular views of the city, the ría, and its port.
Los Caballos (Praza de España): This emblematic sculpture (pictured in the Getting Around section) is a tribute to the wild horses that used to roam this area.
Vigo's Tourism Office is located on Rúa Cánovas del Castillo, 3, for more information on things to do and see, interesting activities, or restaurant and cultural recommendations. The Tourism Office is next to the A Laxe shopping mall.
Los Caballos (Praza de España): This emblematic sculpture (pictured in the Getting Around section) is a tribute to the wild horses that used to roam this area.
Vigo's Tourism Office is located on Rúa Cánovas del Castillo, 3, for more information on things to do and see, interesting activities, or restaurant and cultural recommendations. The Tourism Office is next to the A Laxe shopping mall.
FIESTAS PATRONALES
Las fiestas patronales, or more commonly just called las fiestas, are annual festivities that every individual Spanish town holds, usually they last from four days to a week. Each town has one or more patron saints and their fiestas are celebrated according to the date for their particular saint's day. Each town and region of Spain celebrates fiestas differently, with different traditions and attractions, but one thing that is for certain is that you will always find lots of food, drinks, loud music, and a great time!
Vigo's fiestas are called the Fiestas Cristo Victoria (though they are better known as "La Reconquista"), and they celebrate Vigo's victory against Napoleon's troops in 1809. Although these fiestas don't have a religious origin, the city has been celebrating this victory for centuries by accompanying the Cristo de la Victoria, a sculpture of Christ on the cross, all the way to the Santa María Church. The fiestas feature an enormous variety of programming over the first week of August, with a host of cultural, gastronomic, traditional, and musical activities, including the reenactment of the victory.
Vigo's fiestas are called the Fiestas Cristo Victoria (though they are better known as "La Reconquista"), and they celebrate Vigo's victory against Napoleon's troops in 1809. Although these fiestas don't have a religious origin, the city has been celebrating this victory for centuries by accompanying the Cristo de la Victoria, a sculpture of Christ on the cross, all the way to the Santa María Church. The fiestas feature an enormous variety of programming over the first week of August, with a host of cultural, gastronomic, traditional, and musical activities, including the reenactment of the victory.
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OTHER FESTIVITIES
Reyes: Traditionally, Spain does not have Santa Claus, but instead they have the Three Kings! They give children presents on the 6th of January, so expect there to be a big parade, or Cabalgata, with appearances from the Reyes Magos themselves on January 5th!
Carnaval: Most places will have a parade across the town all dressed up for Carnaval, with a live band/music and parties afterwards.
Semana Santa: Although not as big in Galicia as other places, like in Andalucía, Holy Week, or Easter, is very important in Spain and is still observed. Nationwide, it has been one of the most important times of the year since the Medieval Ages. Easter processions or procesiones pass every day of this week through the major streets of many cities and towns, reenacting the Passion of Christ in pasos, which are intricately constructed heavy sculptures, depicting the events, carried by locals, or members of cofradías (pictured left, carried by the Vigo police). Members of these processions may choose to carry candles or incense, wear robes, conceal their faces under masks or even walk barefoot or in chains. A marching band will accompany each paso playing lamentations, funeral marches, hymns, or marchas.
Letras Gallegas: Celebrated on May 17th.
Día de Galicia: Celebrated on the day of the Apostle Saint James, July 25th.
There are many other smaller fiestas and festivities celebrated in Vigo and its surrounding neighborhoods and towns, here is some more information.
Carnaval: Most places will have a parade across the town all dressed up for Carnaval, with a live band/music and parties afterwards.
Semana Santa: Although not as big in Galicia as other places, like in Andalucía, Holy Week, or Easter, is very important in Spain and is still observed. Nationwide, it has been one of the most important times of the year since the Medieval Ages. Easter processions or procesiones pass every day of this week through the major streets of many cities and towns, reenacting the Passion of Christ in pasos, which are intricately constructed heavy sculptures, depicting the events, carried by locals, or members of cofradías (pictured left, carried by the Vigo police). Members of these processions may choose to carry candles or incense, wear robes, conceal their faces under masks or even walk barefoot or in chains. A marching band will accompany each paso playing lamentations, funeral marches, hymns, or marchas.
Letras Gallegas: Celebrated on May 17th.
Día de Galicia: Celebrated on the day of the Apostle Saint James, July 25th.
There are many other smaller fiestas and festivities celebrated in Vigo and its surrounding neighborhoods and towns, here is some more information.
FESTIVALS
- Portamérica - Music festival held in July
- Primavera do Cine - International film festival held in May
- SinSal Audio Festival - Independent music festival on a boat in the San Simón island, held in July
- O Marisquiño - Festival dedicated to urban culture and action sports, held in August
- ImaxinaSons - Jazz festival held in July
- ALT - Performing Arts festival held in March
- Festival Kerouac - Poetry and spoken word festival held in October
- Festivas Illas Círes - Festival promoting the cultural heritage of the Cíes islands
- Posidonia Green Festival - Environmental awareness festival held in July
- International Folklore Festival - World folk music festival held in August
- Son de Vigo - Music festival for new local artists, held in August
MUSEUMS/GALLERIES/EXHIBITS
Vigo has several museums with interesting, informative and interactive exhibits and information on history and cultural heritage, as well as art collections and cultural centers. Here is a list of Vigo's museums, along with the schedule and price of entry, if there is one.
If you want to see local art for free entry and in a quick amount of time (big museums can get overwhelming!), stop by any vigués art gallery. Here is a list with some art galleries, as well as recommendations.
Check out some temporary and permanent expositions that are being presented in Vigo here.
There is also an Agenda Cultural for the province of Pontevedra, with information on other upcoming expositions, events, festivals, conferences, or collections.
If you want to see local art for free entry and in a quick amount of time (big museums can get overwhelming!), stop by any vigués art gallery. Here is a list with some art galleries, as well as recommendations.
Check out some temporary and permanent expositions that are being presented in Vigo here.
There is also an Agenda Cultural for the province of Pontevedra, with information on other upcoming expositions, events, festivals, conferences, or collections.
SHOPPING
Generally, in Galicia, the main supermarkets are Gadis, Froiz, and Día with locations in various parts of town. Gadis is the most recommended out of the three by a past university lecturer. This lecturer especially liked this particular store "because they identify local products with a little scallop shell symbol, so you know you’re buying something fresh and supporting the local economy." In Vigo, there is only one Día in the outskirts of the city and there are plenty of Gadis and Froiz supermarkets spread around the city.
There are two Carrefours (a French quasi-hypermarket chain)—one in the Gran Vía shopping mall and one in the Travesía shopping mall—that can be good for a big shopping trip that might call for electronics, household goods, and food all at once. There are also two El Corte Inglés, the high-end Iberian department stores that feature an Hipercor in the basement (this is the Corte Inglés' hypermarket). It sells food and cheap clothes, appliances, and other home and kitchen goods. The Hipercor prices are very reasonable and it’s worth making a trip either to Hipercor or Carrefour to stock up on necessities. One is located on Avenida de Gran Vía, 28, and the other one is in the Centro Príncipe shopping mall.
There are several Mercados de Abastos in Vigo that are fantastic places to buy fresh local food, wine, and flowers. Here are the locations of the markets, with a few recommendations for you. Feel free to talk to the people managing the stands, they give great recommendations and even Galician recipes using what is in season! Markets are open every day except Sunday, but Saturday is the big market day, when, in addition to the regular vendors, older folks come in from the country to sell produce fresh from the garden.
Shopping malls in Vigo have a variety of stores, restaurants, cafés, services, and a movie theaters.
There are two Carrefours (a French quasi-hypermarket chain)—one in the Gran Vía shopping mall and one in the Travesía shopping mall—that can be good for a big shopping trip that might call for electronics, household goods, and food all at once. There are also two El Corte Inglés, the high-end Iberian department stores that feature an Hipercor in the basement (this is the Corte Inglés' hypermarket). It sells food and cheap clothes, appliances, and other home and kitchen goods. The Hipercor prices are very reasonable and it’s worth making a trip either to Hipercor or Carrefour to stock up on necessities. One is located on Avenida de Gran Vía, 28, and the other one is in the Centro Príncipe shopping mall.
There are several Mercados de Abastos in Vigo that are fantastic places to buy fresh local food, wine, and flowers. Here are the locations of the markets, with a few recommendations for you. Feel free to talk to the people managing the stands, they give great recommendations and even Galician recipes using what is in season! Markets are open every day except Sunday, but Saturday is the big market day, when, in addition to the regular vendors, older folks come in from the country to sell produce fresh from the garden.
Shopping malls in Vigo have a variety of stores, restaurants, cafés, services, and a movie theaters.
- Gran Vía shopping mall (Av. Ribeira Sacra, 50), located right behind the Gran Vía
- Travesía shopping mall (Travesía de Vigo, 202)
- A Laxe shopping mall (Calle Cánovas del Castillo, 1), located in the port
- Camelias shopping mall (Plaza de América, 1), located by the Camelias area
- Plaza Elíptica shopping mall (Praza Francisco Fernández del Riego, s/n), located in the center by the Gran Vía
- Centro Príncipe shopping mall (Rúa do Príncipe, 51), located in the center by the Gran Vía
MOVIES |
SHOWS |
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Movies are usually dubbed in Spanish, unless they are in V.O.(S.), that is, Versión Original (Subtitulada), some carteleras will put V.O.(S.) next to the movie title, or they will put the language in the details. Here are the locations and showings of different Vigo movie cinemas:
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Vigo has the Teatro Afundación Vigo (Rúa Policarpo Sanz, 13) and the Teatro Cine Fraga (Rúa do Uruguay, 1), with various theater and opera performances, and comedy shows.
Songkick Vigo - For live music concerts Nvivo Vigo - For other concerts around your area |
RESTAURANTS
Galicia is known for is excellent food, and Vigo is no different!
Here are some recommendations from past grantees:
Here are some general restaurant recommendations:
Here are some recommendations from past grantees:
- A Mordiscos
- Cielito Lindo
- Gamboa Vinte
- O Canario
- O Porton
- Picadillo
Here are some general restaurant recommendations:
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & SPORTS
Vigo has many green spaces and sports facilities available to you. Here is a list of large green spaces around the city for you to enjoy. If you would like to join a sports club/team, or use a facility to practice a sport in Vigo, the Town Hall has lots of information for you.
Other interesting outdoor activites are:
Other places of interest in the Vigo area, reachable by public transportation, are:
O Castro, Parque Castrelos, Baiona, Praia America, Praia Patos/Monteferro, Cangas-Cabo Home, Senda Rio Eifonso, A Guia, Mirador/Banco de Redondela, Isla de Ons, GR53 Senda Panoramica de Vigo (Monte do Pozos, Monte Alba, Monte Cepudo), Combarro (Pontevedra), A Guarda, Tui, and Valença (Portugal). There are also many opportunites for surfing sailing, and swimming. In particular, at Patos beach a month of surf classes only costs 55€.
Other interesting outdoor activites are:
- Visiting the Cíes Islands, where you can camp, find beautiful beaches, and go on a boat ride.
- Samil Beach
- A Fontaíña Beach
- Lagares river trail
- Aquasports
Other places of interest in the Vigo area, reachable by public transportation, are:
O Castro, Parque Castrelos, Baiona, Praia America, Praia Patos/Monteferro, Cangas-Cabo Home, Senda Rio Eifonso, A Guia, Mirador/Banco de Redondela, Isla de Ons, GR53 Senda Panoramica de Vigo (Monte do Pozos, Monte Alba, Monte Cepudo), Combarro (Pontevedra), A Guarda, Tui, and Valença (Portugal). There are also many opportunites for surfing sailing, and swimming. In particular, at Patos beach a month of surf classes only costs 55€.
NIGHTLIFE
Vigo has a very energetic, young, and cosmopolitan nightlife, it's known as the party city of Galicia. University students will begin to go out on Thursdays and the hours are late in Spain. Many students will organize parties in different locales, or establishments, to raise money for their graduation trip. You can find almost anything it Vigo for your liking, price-range, and comfort. There are many bares de copas, places to terrazear, indie bars and breweries, and even after-hours events.
From 22:00 to 00:30, you will find most people having a glass of wine with a tapa, or pincho in bars. Unless you want to order a bigger portion, or a ración, the tapa comes free with the drink! You probably will also see people coming to dine as late as 22:30-23:00.
From 22:00 to 00:30, you will find most people having a glass of wine with a tapa, or pincho in bars. Unless you want to order a bigger portion, or a ración, the tapa comes free with the drink! You probably will also see people coming to dine as late as 22:30-23:00.
You can start off your night with a drink around the Casco Vello, or old part of the city, in areas with high concentrations of bars and pubs, such as Calle Teófilo Llorente, Calle Oliva, Praza da Constitución, or Calle Real. Some cheap student locales with great deals are Maracaibo (Calle Velázquez Moreno), La Graciosa (Calle Uruguay), and Trastevere (stairs going down Calle Uruguay). Locales usually close at about 02:00-03:00.
People usually go to clubs after 1:00, and in Spain they close from 5:00-6:00. You can head out to the clubs of Beiramar, Samil beach, Embassi, Quomo, and Loft.
You will find the Vigo indie scene in the Churraca area, around Calle Cervantes, Rogelio Abalde, Irmandiños, Martín Códax, and down to Alfonso XIII. Here, locales will play rock, alternative, reggae, independent, and funk music.
Here are some recommendations, opinions, and reviews for different bars, pubs, and clubs in Vigo.
People usually go to clubs after 1:00, and in Spain they close from 5:00-6:00. You can head out to the clubs of Beiramar, Samil beach, Embassi, Quomo, and Loft.
You will find the Vigo indie scene in the Churraca area, around Calle Cervantes, Rogelio Abalde, Irmandiños, Martín Códax, and down to Alfonso XIII. Here, locales will play rock, alternative, reggae, independent, and funk music.
Here are some recommendations, opinions, and reviews for different bars, pubs, and clubs in Vigo.
