3 day Itinerary for Ourense
Three days give you plenty of time to explore Ourense properly. This Galician city mixes medieval streets, natural hot springs and superb food. You’ll wander a Gothic cathedral, soak in riverside thermal pools and finish with a dramatic canyon boat trip. Here’s exactly how to spend each day.
Day One: Old Town and History
Start your morning at the Catedral de San Martiño. This Romanesque-Gothic cathedral hides the stunning Pórtico do Paraíso inside. It’s worth buying tickets ahead through the official cultural visit page, especially at weekends. Get directions.
Next, stroll over to Plaza Mayor. This lively square sits right beside the cathedral and buzzes with cafés. It’s the perfect spot for a quick coffee before continuing your walk. Get directions.
From there, head to the Claustro de San Francisco. This 14th-century Gothic cloister once belonged to a Franciscan convent. Its carved arches make it one of the city’s most peaceful corners. Get directions.
Stop for lunch at Bar Orellas, a historic tapas bar beside the Teatro Principal. Try the pincho perico, a classic pork loin sandwich, and finish with a homemade flan. Get directions.
In the afternoon, walk down to the Ponte Vella, Ourense’s ancient Roman bridge. It’s been rebuilt over the centuries, but it still offers gorgeous views over the Miño river. Afterwards, pop into the Museo Arqueolóxico Provincial, housed in the old bishop’s palace, to see Celtic and Roman artefacts from the region. Get directions.
Round off the day with dinner at Taberna Pulpería Atarazana. This lively pulpería serves Galician-style octopus on wooden plates, exactly as tradition demands. Get directions.
Day Two: Thermal Springs and Riverside
Ourense sits on some of Europe’s richest hot springs, so dedicate today to soaking them up. Begin at As Burgas, the free public hot springs bubbling right in the city centre. Locals have bathed here since Roman times, so it’s a proper Ourense ritual. Get directions.
Afterwards, follow the Miño Thermal Route along the riverbank. This five-kilometre pedestrian path links several natural pools and makes for a lovely, easy walk. Along the way, you’ll spot the striking Puente del Milenio, a sweeping modern bridge that lights up beautifully at dusk. Get directions.
Grab a budget-friendly lunch at Arco da Vella, famous for serving one of the juiciest Spanish tortillas in the city. It sits right in the buzzing Os Viños wine district. Get directions.
Then head to the Termas de Outariz, a Japanese-inspired thermal complex with fourteen mineral pools overlooking the river. Book ahead online, since weekend slots fill up fast. Get directions.
For dinner, treat yourself at Nova, the city’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Its tasting menus change daily around whatever’s freshest that week, so no two visits taste the same. Book well in advance, as tables go quickly. Get directions.
Day Three: Ribeira Sacra Day Trip
Save your final day for the spectacular Ribeira Sacra, less than an hour’s drive from Ourense. This dramatic canyon region is famous for its terraced vineyards and ancient monasteries.
Book a morning slot with Catamarán Río Sil for a boat trip through the Sil Canyon. You’ll glide beneath towering cliffs and impossibly steep vineyards. Reserve your spot online in advance, as sailings sell out quickly in summer. Get directions.
Afterwards, stop at the Cabezoa Viewpoint for one of the most photographed panoramas in Galicia. From there, visit the Santa Cristina Monastery, a tranquil Romanesque ruin tucked into the hillside forest. Get directions.
Round off the trip with a wine tasting at a local Ribeira Sacra winery. The steep, terraced vineyards here produce some of Galicia’s most distinctive reds and whites, so it’s a fitting way to finish. Head back into Ourense in the evening for a relaxed final dinner.
For your last meal, try Pacífico, a beloved family-run bistro known for its seasonal tasting menu and famously good brunch. It’s the perfect, low-key way to end your three days in the city. Get directions.
And that’s your three days sorted. Between the cathedral, the springs and the Ribeira Sacra canyon, you’ll leave Ourense with a real feel for what makes this corner of Galicia so special.