Vigo Itinerary The Best Things to Do in 2 -3 Days
Vigo is Galicia’s largest city. At its core, it’s a city that grew due to its busy port and industrialized manufacturing zones.
Vigo can oftentimes be overlooked on a visit to Galicia. What it lacks in maybe that “love at first sight charm,” it makes up for with its diverse neighborhoods, lively nightlife, incredible sea views, and the luxury of being in the middle of the beauty of the Rias Baixas.
This Vigo itinerary includes how to get there, what to do in Galicia’s largest city, and recommendations for where to stay. I’ve also included some tips and inspiration for worthwhile day trips that can easily be explored from Vigo.
Here’s my best Vigo itinerary for one to three days and tips for visiting.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Vigo
- How Many Days in Vigo?
- 1 Day in Vigo Itinerary
- 2 Days in Vigo
- Vigo Itinerary for 3 Days
- Easy & Realistic Day Trips from Vigo
- Where to Stay in Vigo
- Tips for Visiting Vigo
- Conclusion⎥The Best Things to Do in Vigo & Beyond
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
How to Get to Vigo Spain
Vigo is found in the Pontevedra province of Galicia, Spain. As it is the most populous city in Galicia, it is well connected with plenty of public transportation options and has an airport.
Vigo Airport
Vigo Airport (VGO) is a medium-sized airport, so it has limited flights. Taxis are available to bring pilgrims into downtown Vigo, but always verify the price before committing. There is also a frequent bus that connects the Vigo Airport with the Downtown/ Port area of Vigo.
Vigo Train Stations
There are two main train stations in Vigo: Vigo Guixar and Vigo Urzaiz.
Vigo Urzaiz is the largest and most modern train station inside the main shopping center of Vialia Vigo. This is where you can find frequent departures to Ourense and Pontevedra and beyond.
Vigo Guixar is the smaller train station located closer to the sea. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Vigo Urzaiz and 10 minutes in the opposite direction from the ferry port. This train station is where most of the trains connecting to Portugal arrive. This station is less busy than Vigo Urzaiz.
➜ Verify the train schedules with Renfe
Vigo Bus Terminal
The main Bus Terminal in Vigo is also located right outside Vigo Urzaiz. Multiple bus companies utilize this terminal, including Alsa, Monbus, FlixBus, and more.
➜ This is a super helpful website for local bus schedules in Galicia
Vigo With a Car
Having a car in Vigo can be a waste of money. The parking is expensive, and many of the streets are car-free, especially around the old town.
Most travelers can enjoy the best of Vigo without a car. There are urban buses and ferries to experience nearby villages and islands.
The Rias Baixas are spectacular, and I do suggest taking a road trip through the south of Galicia. However, it would be convenient to fly into Vigo, spend a few days here, and then pick up a rental car from the airport or the train station.
My best advice is to skip the car if only visiting Vigo for one day. Alternatively, plan to pick up the car from Vigo after spending a few days exploring the city.
Vigo & The Camino de Santiago
Vigo is found on the coastal route of the Camino de Santiago, Portuguese Way. In fact, as it is located a little over 100 Km from Santiago de Compostela, it is also increasing in popularity as a popular starting point for the Camino.
A majority of pilgrims who walk the Camino Portuguese often start in Porto. There are three routes of the Camino Portuguese: the Litoral Way, Coastal Route, and Historic Central Route. The Coastal Route merges with the Central Route in the village in the next village of Redondela.
No matter which route they choose, pilgrims arrive in Santiago de Compostela.
If considering walking the Camino de Santiago, make sure to pack light and check out these game-changing tips for first-time pilgrims. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Camino when preparing to walk this life-changing journey.
➤This is my detailed guide for pilgrims starting the Camino de Santiago from Vigo.
How Much Time Should You Spend in Vigo?
Vigo is one of those places that doesn’t seem appealing at first glance. It’s industrial and has a smaller Old Town, comparatively speaking, than other popular Galician cities like Santiago de Compostela. However, don’t let that discourage you from spending some time in Vigo. I live near Vigo now, and have discovered there are so many treasures in the city.
Besides Vigo’s Old Town, the city has plenty of green spaces to explore, museums, lively streets, and a divine culinary scene worth exploring.
As a port city, this is the place to depart and explore the beautiful Cíes Islands. The Cíes Islands are famous for their incredible beaches, and nearby Ons has one of the best restaurants to try pulpo (Octopus).
If traveling from abroad, I think it’s nice to spend at least one extra night in Vigo to catch up on any jet lag. If visiting the islands, you’ll need a full day due to the ferry timetables. Two days in Vigo would allow for ample time to see the city, but three days would be a good combination of city and island hopping.
One Day in Vigo Itinerary
With one day in Vigo, I’d plan to spend most of my time between Old Town, Rua do Principe, Parque Monte del Castro, and the port area.
Keep in mind that a lot of the attractions shut down midday for a lunch break. Plan accordingly.
If it were me, I would spend 2 days exploring the city of Vigo and utilize one day exploring the nearby Maritime Natural Park Islands (Cíes or Ons). Of course, we are in Galicia, and the weather may have different ideas.
For those who are worried about the weather, I’ve included a 2 or 3 Day Vigo Itinerary
Here’s how to spend one full day in Vigo if short on time. This is a fairly aggressive sightseeing itinerary.
Optional Guided Tours of Vigo
As Vigo isn’t as popular as other cities in Galicia, like Santiago de Compostela or A Coruña, there are currently no free tour options in English. There are a few reasonably priced tour options that are available in English. I think tours are the best way to get a “feel of the city” from a local’s perspective.
➜ Discover Vigo: Historical and Cultural Walking Tour is a tour run by a local, Jorge, who is enthusiastic about Vigo and Galician culture.
➜ Small Group Historic Walking Tour of Vigo also offers highlights of the port and Old Town Vigo in English.
If visiting Vigo for only one day, I highly recommend joining this Electric Bike Tour of Vigo to see the best of the city and the coastline.
Puerto do Sol
Start the day in the Puerto do Sol Plaza. It feels like the “living room” of Vigo and provides access to all of the main spots surrounding Vigo’s Historical Center.
It’s easy to identify Puerto do Sol Plaza with the distinct El Sireno sculpture by local Galician artist Francisco Leiro. There are numerous coffee shops and restaurants to grab a coffee or breakfast.
Rúa do Príncipe
Next, take a stroll down Rúa do Príncipe, which is a fairly busy commercial street. I like the parallel streets that lead to local places like the Mercado Progreso or the thrift and record stores on Rúa do Doutor Cadaval.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Vigo (Marco)
The Modern Museum of Contemporary Art in Vigo is free to visit. There are rotating exhibits across two floors, and it is worth a visit. There is also a nice cafe attached to the museum.
MARCO | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 – 14:30 / 17:00 – 21:00, Sunday 11:00 – 14:30, closed Monday | Find it here: Rúa do Príncipe, 54
Stroll to Alameda de la Plaza de Compostela
Afterwards, casually take the stroll towards the port and the Plaza de Compostela. This is a nice plaza lined with bars and cafes. The Plaza has some green space, benches, and fountains, and is a great place to wander.
On the way to the plaza, if interested in the Roman history of current-day Vigo and its importance of Salt Mines, the Salinae Museum is worth a visit. The museum is small, but it explains how the area was mined by the Romans for its salt. Be mindful that this museum is underground and is only open in the mornings. It is free to visit.
Jules Verne Statue
Walking along the Ria and stopping at the Jules Vern Statue. This is the famous author who wrote “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” One of his chapters is titled “The Bay of Vigo.”
Rúa Pescadería
You may be working up an appetite at this point, so head towards Rua Pescadería. This is Vigo’s famous “seafood street” where many restaurants display men shucking oysters out on the street.
While these restaurants tend to be on the more expensive side, it’s definately an experience to have in Vigo.
If you don’t want to eat here, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Old Town.
Explore Vigo’s Old Town (Casco Vello)
There are plenty of places to see in Vigo’s Old Town. Don’t miss the areas around the Basílica of Santa María of Vigo and the Praza da Constitución. Numerous streets twist through the old town, so take time to explore.
Both of these main plazas also offer plenty of bars, cafes, and places to people watch.
Mirador Olivia
After exploring the labyrinth of streets of Old Town, head to the Mirador Olivia (Miradoiro da Oliveira). This is a stunning viewpoint of the distant Cíes Islands with a few quieter cafes. It also is home to Vigo’s oldest Olive Trees.
Parque Monte del Castro
One of the best places to watch the sunset or spend a few hours is Monte O Castro. Be mindful that there are LOTS of stairs to reach the top of Monte O Castro. However, there are numerous things to see and do here.
There are old Castros on the hillside (Celtic ruins). The hike up includes numerous sculptures. For me, the best thing here is the old fortress with numerous information boards and gates.
Enjoy the Nighlife in Vigo
After a full day in Vigo, you may just want to relax and enjoy the nightlife. If coming down from Monte O Castro, the street of Rúa da Ronda de Don Bosco has lots of lively bars. Otherwise, head to Old Town.
2 Days in Vigo Itinerary
With 2 days in Vigo, we’ll add the lively Bouzas District. Again, if you only have two days, you may prefer to spend the day at the Cíes Islands, so check out my Day 3 here.
Revisit Your Favorite Plaza to Grab Breakfast
On day 2 of this Vigo itinerary, head back to one of your favorite plazas or explore and find a new one. Grab a coffee and enjoy some breakfast.
Museo do Mar de Galicia
In my opinion, the Museo do Mar de Galicia is the best museum in Vigo. It’s located outside the central area of Vigo and in the neighborhood of Alcabre.
The Sea Museum shows Galicians connection to the sea. There is also a section dedicated to the Camino de Santiago (pilgrims get a discount). The museum is beautifully currated and it combines a mix of modern and old.
Outside the main building, it’s possible to see old Celtic remains.
Another building showcases the history of fishing, whaling, and canning on the Vigo Estuary. The final building is a small but interesting aquarium. The museum is conveniently positioned along the sea, so after visiting the museum, head out and walk to the lighthouse or laze at one of the surrounding beaches.
There are numerous city buses that connect with this area, as it’s between Samil Beach and Bouzas.
Museo do Mar de Galicia | Find it here: Av. da Atlántida, 160 | Hours: Tues – Friday, 10:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 19:00 / Sat & Sun 11:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 -20:00, closed Mondays | Admission Fee: €3
Lunch in Bouzas
Bouzas is a fantastic area of Vigo. In fact, it was officially independent from Vigo until 1904. Now a barrio of Vigo, this is the old fishing area of Vigo.
Bouzas has fabulous beaches and is known for its incredible seafood restaurants. This is where people from Vigo come to eat. There is a wide variety of budget-friendly tapas bars to high-scale seafood restaurants.
On Sundays, there is a weekly flea market on Sundays that is set up across from the Church of San Miguel of Bouzas.
Sunny? Spend Time at the Beach
Vigo’s most iconic Beach is Samil, which is located on the outskirts of Vigo. It’s about 15 minutes by car from downtown.
Samil is a long stretch of white sand and is the largest beach in Vigo. There are plenty of services, and it is a popular place in the summer months.
Another great activity on a sunny day is to follow the Senda Azul trail. This trail follows Samil, but reaches all the way from Praia Canido to Bouzas. This trail would be a great way to spend a few relaxing hours in Vigo, especially if stopping for a swim or drink along the way.
Slow Down & Explore More of the Places You Missed Yesterday
After Bouzas or the beach, head back in to Vigo. You could slow down the activities on Day 1 or go back and visit any place you missed (or loved).
3 Days in Vigo
With 3 Days in Vigo, don’t miss a chance to visit one of the Islands that are part of the Atlantic Maritime National Park of Galicia. The most famous is the Cíes Islands, with nearby Ons Island. However, there are four islands in total, with Salvora and Cortegada being two of the lesser-visited islands.
Boats are more frequent in the spring, summer, and fall. If visiting during the winter or can’t get a permit to visit, I’ve included a few more of my favorite places to visit in Vigo.
Visit One Island of the Galician Atlantic Islands Marine-Terrestrial National Park
Again, Cies or Ons are two of the easiest islands to visit from Vigo. Both Cíes and Ons Islands require permits during the high season, which is Easter week and every day from May 15 to September 15.
To visit during this period, you must have an authorization permit that is issued by the Xunta of Galicia.
➜ Here’s the official website to request a permit for the Cíes or Ons Islands
Cies Island
The natural beauty of the Cíes Islands is enchanting, and they were referred to as “the Islands of the Gods” by the Romans.
When visiting the Cíes Islands, you are actually visiting two islands connected by a footbridge. The two main islands of the Cíes archipelago are Monte Agudo and O Faro. These islands offer hiking trails, beaches, and plenty of bird-watching. In fact, Cíes Island is famous for having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
There are also a few eating options on Cíes Islands including two restaurants and a cafe.
If you prefer picturesque beaches, shorter hikes, and epic viewpoints, the Cíes Islands are for you.
Ons Island
If visiting Ons Island, you will be visiting the largest island in the entire Atlantic Maritime National Park of Galicia. Ons offers scenic hiking trails, white sand beaches, delicious cuisine, and opportunities to view wildlife.
There are four hiking trails on Ons Island. Ons has a handful of white sandy beaches. They are not as famous as those on Cíes, but they are still beautiful. My favorite beach on Ons was the nudist beach, Mielde Beach.
There are three main restaurants in the main settlement of Curros. In fact, Restaurante Casa Acuña is famous for its polbo á feira, a traditional way to cook octopus. The owner won a competition in Galicia for having the best Octopus.
If you want more hiking trails with fewer people, visit Ons Island.
More Places I Love in Vigo
Again, if you can’t get a permit or want to spend more time in Vigo, here are some of my favorite places to see in Vigo.
➤ Calvario Neighborhood is a lively and fun neighborhood based around the Calvario Market. The main street past the market is always lively and typically filled with locals out for a stroll or street performers out playing. There are lots of little fun shops and cafes that line this street.
➤ Monte da Guía is another lovely place to go for a stroll around sunset. At the top is a restored old chapel where you can climb the tower for 2€. Alternatively, enjoy the views from the walls around the church
➤ Castrelos Park & Pazo Quiñones de León is Vigo’s largest park and offers lots of fun activities. In the summer, there are free concerts by fairly large artists. The Pazo Quiñones de León is located in the park and is another free museum built in an old palace. The palace gardens are lovely to walk through.
➤ Senda Da Auga is a fabulous trail that follows along the hillside of Vigo all the way to Redondela. The Senda da Auga is actually part of the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way. The route offers a stunning walk through the woods with views of the Vigo Estuary.
Easy Day Trips from Vigo
Vigo is a popular place to visit in Galicia and is the centrally located heart of the Rías Baixas (Lower Estuaries).
Vigo is a great place to explore nearby gems in Galicia, too. Those pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese may decide to take a rest day in Vigo and take a day trip to the Cíes Islands.
I’ve included only a few popular day trips from Vigo. I made sure that these day trips from Vigo were all under one hour from the city.
While many of these places could easily be day trips from Vigo, I also prefer to visit these locations as standalone destinations. For example, Pontevedra is wonderful and is worth at least 2 days.
➤ Pontevedra has a fantastic Old Town and twists along the Lerez River. The city has museums, lively plazas with tapas bars, and worthwhile fishing villages like Combarro nearby.
🚗 30 mins by car / 🚆 Under 1 hour by train
➤ Tui is a hilltop medieval village known for its unique Cathedral, lovely Old Town, stunning nature of the Monte Aloia Nature Park (Muinos do Tripes Trail), views of the Minho River, and its extremely proximity to Valença, Portugal. Did I mention it’s close to some awesome hot springs, too!
🚗 30 mins by car
➤ Baiona is seaside village that offers visitors a variety of things to do from exploring the trail around Monte Boi, strolling through the medieval quarter, or relaxing at one of the inviting sandy beaches.
🚗 30 mins by car / 🚌 1 hour by bus
➤ Cangas is a cute little seaside village known for its many beaches, Old Town, walking trails, and laid-back charm. Hop on the ferry and in under 30 minutes discover the portal to the Morazzo peninsula.
⛴️ 25 minutes by frequenty ferries
Of course, there are major cities that are within an hour’s drive, like Santiago de Compostela and Ourense. Again, I encourage travelers to spend more than a day in these places, especially Ourense, the gateway to the incredible Ribeira Sacra.
Where to Stay in Vigo Spain
Vigo is big, so there are a few different areas to stay in. There are some accommodation options close to Old Town, but around Vialia and the Bus and Train Station is the most common.
Stay Close to the Heart of Old Town of Vigo
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Vigo Near Old Town
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Vigo Near Vialia
Top-Rated Apartments in Vigo
- Precioso apartamento en el Casco Vello de Vigo
- Bow Homes by Como en Casa
- VAHIBAR Residences- Plaza de Compostela
- Moderno estudio en Porta Do Sol
➜ Browse All Accommodation Options in Vigo Spain
Tips for Visiting Vigo
Here are some helpful tips for planning a Vigo itinerary.
When is the Best Time to Visit Vigo?
The high season for Vigo is June to September, when many domestic tourists from the south of Spain come to Galicia to enjoy more moderate temperatures. The nearby beaches will also attract tourists. During the summer, you’ll find the beaches fairly full and lots of beach bars (chiringuitos) popping up.
The winter months can bring plenty of rain from the middle of November to mid-March. However, Vigo is a coastal city, so temperatures can stay more temperate around mid-50°F. Vigo is becoming a hot spot around Christmas time. The mayor of Vigo has amped up tourism and includes Christmas markets, a huge tree, parades, and events.
Carnival is also a big deal in Galicia. While it’s more celebrated in small villages around Oursense, Vigo also celebrates. Carnival is in February.
I live near Vigo, and the best thing to keep in mind is to dress in layers. For that heavy rain, you’ll need an umbrella and rain boots, a sturdy rainjacket, and some kind of quick-drying shoes. I prefer quick-dry shoes over waterproof, but that’s just me.
The shoulder season is a fabulous time to visit Vigo (April, May, and October). If you want to experience the beauty of Galicia without the crowds, the shoulder season is the best. You also don’t have to worry about permits to visit places (except around Easter).
Is Vigo Worth Visiting?
Yes, Vigo is worth visiting! While it doesn’t have the instant draw of other cities in Galicia, Vigo has a gritty feel that grows on you.
Vigo is located conveniently in the center of the Rías Baixas. This makes it easy to enjoy sandy beaches, adorable fishing villages, and vineyards. If based in Vigo, you’ll have access to some of Galicia’s most beautiful natural wonders.
As I live near Vigo, I’ve heard it described as a mini-Seattle, and after living a few years in the Pacific Northwest, I get the comparison.
Vigo is worth visiting on a trip to Spain, even if it’s only for a day.
Conclusion | What to See in Vigo & Beyond
In short, this Vigo itinerary highlights all the incredible things to see and do in Galicia’s largest city. This Vigo itinerary showcases how to spend one day in the city. I’ve also included how to spend 2 or 3 days in Vigo if you have more time to spare.
This quick guide includes how to get to Vigo, where to stay in Vigo, and realistic day trips to see from Vigo. I’ve also included a few helpful tips for first-time visitors.
Vigo is often a city that travelers either hate or love. I hope this Vigo itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Vigo so you can decide for yourself!
Have you visited Vigo? What did you think of this industrial city in Galicia? Anything in this guide that needs updating? Let me know in the comments below!
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Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
