All our hotels in La Coruna

Between seaside walks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, cultural visits, discovering local cuisine and enjoying the vibrant nightlife of the city centre, you'll make happy memories of your stay in Galicia when you visit La Coruña. Read on to learn about all the activities in La Coruña, suggestions for dishes to taste and advice to help you organise your stay in northern Spain.

Perched on La Coruña's promontory, where the elements meet the green fields, the Torre de Hércules is the most renowned city landmark. This 57-metre Roman lighthouse, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, dominates its surroundings. After climbing to the top of the tower and admiring the spectacular view over La Coruña, head for the ornamental compass – known as the "Rosa dos Ventos" and made of blue, white and gold mosaic – at the foot of the lighthouse. It makes a perfect spot for enjoying a vibrant sunset over the north Atlantic.

Science lovers have three important museums to choose from in La Coruña. The Museo Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnología showcases the development of science from the Spain of antiquity to the present day. Here you can learn about anything from particle accelerators to how a plane's undercarriage works. Set in Santa Margarita Park, the octagonal Casa das Ciencias looks at the principles of science, technology and nature with interactive exhibits in three exhibition rooms. Under its 10-metre dome, the planetarium offers 4D films about the sky and the stars. Finally, Domus is set in a spectacular building designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, and offers immersive displays exploring the human body.

Around two kilometres north of Domus, the Aquarium Finisterrae is home to more than 600 species of marine life. To the delight of all kids, you can watch them from a room inspired by the study of Captain Nemo, from Jules Verne's novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea". Outside, there's an enclosure where you can watch seals being fed.

Go to Puerto Deportivo for a stroll down Avenida Marina, a seafront boulevard lined by tall buildings with ornate, glass-fronted galleries – their unique design has earned La Coruña the nickname "city of crystal". From there, wander along the Largo do Parrote promenade to admire the yachts in the busy marina. Take a dip in the ocean – La Coruña has two beautiful beaches accessible from Avenida de Pedro Barrié de la Maza: Praia de Riazor and Praia de Orzán. These sandy beaches are beloved of sun worshippers and swimmers. If you'd prefer to be somewhere quieter, head for Praia das Lapas, a few steps from the Tower of Hercules.

Shoppers won't be able to resist this mall, one of the biggest in Galicia and 10 minutes' drive from the city centre. Among Marineda City's highlights are food courts, a bowling alley, go-karting, a leisure centre and a cinema – families can entertain themselves there all day!

To sample typical Spanish cuisine in La Coruña, your best bet is the Praza de María Pita. This is the city's nerve centre, where you'll find a huge choice of pubs, restaurants and tapas bars to satisfy all your gourmet desires. Being on the ocean, La Coruña is an ideal place for fish and seafood lovers – popular local dishes include arroz con carabineros y zamburiñas – the local take on paella with rice, prawns and scallops. Galician cuisine makes the most of veal and beef, while pork loin is the main ingredient of raxo; this is the region's most emblematic dish and is served with fries and Padrón peppers. To round off your meal, sample creamy Tetilla cheese or a slice of tarta de Santiago almond cake, accompanied by a glass of Galician coffee liqueur.

Praza de María Pita is also the place to go for a lively night out in La Coruña. Night-owls can also enjoy the numerous bar terraces around Puerto Deportivo, and admire the views of the port while drinking the famous local beer, Estrella Galicia. For a more sedate night out, book a play, concert or opera at the Teatro Rosalía de Castro.

For your pick of the best hotels in La Coruña, Spain, whether you're staying for work or leisure, you have the option of choosing a modern, cheap hotel near La Coruña Old Town. Our stylish hotel in La Grela business park has a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and easy connections into the centre of the city.

There are a few flights each week to La Coruña Airport from London Gatwick, while other services require a change in Madrid. On arrival, you can get into the city by bus, which runs roughly every half hour; you also have the option of taking a taxi or hiring a car. During your stay in La Coruña, a network of trams and buses allows you to move around the city easily. Welcome to Galicia!