Ourense combines heritage, walks along the Miño, and gastronomic proposals. This two-day itinerary includes visits around the city and its surroundings to help you prepare for your stay.
2 Days in Orense
2 days in Ourense
How to Get There
Day 1: Ourense
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa María** and its exceptional Pórtico del Paraíso. The entrance is through the Plaza del Trigo. (Prices and hours at the bottom)
- head to the 3 fountains of As Burgas, Plaza de la Herrería, Plaza and church of Trinidad, Plaza San Marcial, Plaza Mayor** and City Hall.
- explore the pools and thermal baths of the Thermal Circuit**. No wonder Ourense is the second thermal destination in Europe.
- walk along the banks of the Miño, and its numerous bridges, among which two stand out: the oldest, the Roman Bridge or Puente Viejo, symbol of the city; and the Millennium Bridge, built of steel and concrete, the most modern. Its two peaks are the best viewpoints of the city and the river.
Day 2: Allariz
- Explore the Gardens of Allariz, the well-kept banks of the Arnoia River, the Mill Museum until you reach the Roman Bridge**
- explore the old area of the Villa: a harmonious old town filled with valuable heritage.
- check out the Monastery of Santa Clara. In its Sacred Art Museum, you can see the original Virgen Abrideira, which opens up, revealing an altar of ivory inside.
- browse the deals at the outlets. You will find stores like Roberto Verino, Adolfo Dominguez, and Massimo Dutti among others.
What to eat
The cuisine of the area is based on pork and beef. In Ourense we recommend: lacón with grelos, cocido, or roasted ham hock. They also prepare the pulpo a feira very well. To accompany it, ask for a good Ribeiro, the local wine, generally white. The province also has D.O Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, and Monterrei.
In Allariz, take the opportunity to eat some beef dishes, which are well-known, and try some of their famous craft beers. We are sure that 2 days in Ourense will give you time to try some of all this.
For dessert, candied chestnuts, chestnut cake, almond cake, or filled pastries. It is essential to try bica (a delicious traditional cake made with butter). You can find it in any traditional bakery.
In Ourense, it is traditional to go for tapas, or de viños, around the Cathedral.
Practical information
- Hours and tickets Cathedral of Santa María »
- we recommend joining a guided tour, the best way to learn about the history and heritage of a city with a long past.
- The free thermal baths have reduced hours compared to the two paid ones, Chavasqueira and Outariz, which offer different outdoor pools, as well as extended hours and other services. They are also very affordable, so they are definitely worth it. It is necessary to bring flip-flops, a cap, a swimsuit, and a towel. In the paid ones, it is possible to buy or rent some of these items if you forget them.
- The thermal baths are generally quite crowded, as in addition to tourists, the people of Ourense frequently visit them.
- You can reach the thermal circuit by car or on a charming little train that departs from the Main Square.
Each of the thermal baths has different temperatures and properties, so their waters are suitable for various ailments. It is advisable to check this guide:
Thermal baths in the province of Ourense
The best experience
"Taking a bath in the thermal baths under the light of the moon and stars. If it is also cold or drizzling, the experience is fascinating."
GABRIELA GARCIA
Travel Blogger