Steam rises out of the stone fountains at As Burgas before you even reach the granite squares of the old quarter. The Minho river splits the valley below, spanned by Roman stone that has survived two millennia of flood and politics. You spend the daylight hours walking the quiet nave of San Martiño cathedral and the late afternoon soaking in thermal mineral pools at Outariz, before drifting through Rúa dos Viños for Ribeiro poured in white ceramic cuncas. Ourense is worth visiting if you want hot thermal bathing, unvarnished Galician cooking, and Romanesque art without tour crowds. Look elsewhere if you want coastal beaches, late-night clubbing, or a deep roster of major indoor museums.
Last updated 2 Sept 2026
Build a Ourense itinerary.
Choose up to 4 threads that pull you in. Your plan arrives organised around them.
The Bed
Where to stay in Ourense
Which part of town to book, and what each one costs you in walking, noise or quiet.
The Comparison
Ourense, or somewhere near it
The places you are realistically choosing between, and the honest case for each.
The Local Record
Where to read more about Ourense
The blogs, boards, guides and operators worth bookmarking.
What to do in Ourense Galicia Spain
Life here revolves around the thermal waters and the granite old town, where the rhythms of afternoon soaking give way to evening pincho crawls along Rúa San Pedro. It is an unhurried inland city that rewards travellers who prefer thermal bathing, ancient stonework, and regional wine over coastal resort flash. Everything in the centre is easily walkable on foot.
24 hours in Ourense Galicia Spain
Spend your morning admiring the Pórtico do Paraíso in San Martiño cathedral and exploring the sloped Praza Maior. Catch the thermal train out to Outariz for an afternoon soak by the river, then return to Rúa Lepanto for tender pulpo á feira and carafes of Ribeiro wine. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Ourense Galicia Spain
Cross the Ponte Vello on foot to explore the riverside parks before spending midday browsing produce at the Mercado de Abastos. In the afternoon, take a twenty-minute drive south to the preserved medieval grain stores and riverside gardens of Allariz for a slow roast pork lunch. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Ourense Galicia Spain
Use your third day to explore the dramatic terraced vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra. Take a morning catamaran along the Sil river gorge, visit the tenth-century monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, and finish with a tasting of Mencía reds at a hillside bodega.
Ourense Galicia Spain itineraries by interest
Thermal Baths in Ourense Galicia Spain
Soak in sixty-degree mineral springs at As Burgas in town or take the river train to the open-air Japanese-style pools at Termas de Outariz.
Local Wine in Ourense Galicia Spain
Drink crisp Treixadura and Godello from nearby Ribeiro and Ribeira Sacra, poured traditional-style from porcelain bowls in tiny tabernas.
Tavern Dining in Ourense Galicia Spain
Order pulpo á feira dusted with pimentón along Rúa Lepanto, accompanied by blistered Padrón peppers, tetilla cheese, and warm crusty bread.
Sacred Architecture in Ourense Galicia Spain
Inspect the polychrome carvings on the thirteenth-century Pórtico do Paraíso inside the Cathedral of San Martiño, Galicia's rival to Santiago.
Historic Bridges in Ourense Galicia Spain
Cross the pedestrianised Ponte Vello, built on Roman foundations across the Miño river, then contrast it with the sleek Millennium Bridge.
Food Markets in Ourense Galicia Spain
Browse the stalls at Mercado de Abastos for cured lacón, salt cod, local chestnuts, and freshly baked empanadas filled with tuna or scallops.
Day Trips in Ourense Galicia Spain
Drive forty minutes to the dramatic terraced vineyards and medieval monasteries perched along the steep granite gorges of the Sil Canyon.
Old Town Walks in Ourense Galicia Spain
Wander the sloped Praza Maior, past the neoclassical town hall and arcaded granite facades, before losing yourself in the Jewish Quarter alleys.
Art & Sculpture in Ourense Galicia Spain
Visit the Museo Arqueolóxico Provincial and seek out modern bronze statues honouring local writers and water-gatherers across city plazas.
Sweet Treats in Ourense Galicia Spain
Pick up glazed marrons glacés and almond bica pastries from old-school confectioneries tucked behind the cathedral cloister.
Riverside Trails in Ourense Galicia Spain
Follow the shaded footpaths of the Paseo Termal along the banks of the Miño, connecting six kilometres of public hot springs and parks.
Craft Traditions in Ourense Galicia Spain
Seek out traditional leatherwork, hand-carved Galician bagpipes, and regional ceramic cuncas sold in small artisan workshops off Rúa Viriato.