The size and pedestrianised nature of Ourense city centre make it a perfect place to do a leisurely spot of shopping. Local shops reigns supreme in the city offering originality, craftsmanship, proximity and good prices. Ourense is known for being the cradle of major fashion designers and for the number of craft shops and shops selling products from different parts of the province.
In this article we will discover where to go shopping in Ourense and the main streets and shopping centres in the thermal city. An unparalleled thing to do to round off your trip to the city of As Burgas.
- Shopping areas in Ourense
- Shopping centres in Ourense
- Where to eat in Ourense
- Where to sleep in Ourense
Shopping areas in Ourense
Ourense’s historical quarter is one of the main shopping areas in the city. Its central location in the old town, pedestrianised streets and the quality of its shops make it the main place to go shopping. All of it falls under the Centro Comercial Abierto Ourense Centro, the association of merchants and restaurant establishments in the urban area that seeks to protect and revitalise traditional trade in the centre of Ourense.
The historical quarter of Ourense is home to several of the most well-known shopping streets. The first of these is Calle del Paseo, one of the most important shopping thoroughfares in the city. Opened in 1873 to link the town centre with the San Lázaro field, today it is known for its many shops and the statues that decorate it along the way. Always lively and very busy, on Calle del Paseo you will find everything from the major brands and usual franchises to more local shops, such as those selling fashion and jewellery.
Another important street for shopping in Ourense is Calle de Santo Domingo. This street also links San Lázaro park with the old town and is restricted to traffic. On it you will find a wide range of shops selling mainly clothes, footwear and accessories. Many of them are boutiques or local shops, which make shopping extra special, since they are increasingly rare in cities.
Right where Calle de Santo Domingo ends, on Plaza del Hierro, the small street Calle de la Paz begins, leading up to the front of the cathedral. In this part of the old town there are also a large selection of small shops perfect for browsing.
These are no less than three of the most famous shopping streets in the centre of Ourense. But don’t forget about the rest of the city’s historical quarter. Its small size means you can explore it in its entirety and discover charming shops that are full of surprises.
Be sure not to also miss the market, situated on the edge of the historical quarter on Calle Progreso, next to the Alameda park. In Galicia the markets are veritable gastronomic museums that usually attract as many tourists as any museum. You can pick up some great things to take home with you at them.
And if you would like to explore outside of the centre a little, you can head to the neighbourhoods of O Couto and A Ponte, where you will also find local shops.
Shopping centres in Ourense
Beyond its shopping streets and the Centro Comercial Abierto, Ourense has another large shopping area, the Ponte Vella shopping and leisure centre, situated on Avenida Ribeira Sacra, next to the river, very close to the Roman Bridge. This shopping centre has over 21,000 square metres of shops, including 76 establishments selling clothes, accessories, jewellery, sportswear, decorative items and other types of products. It also has eight cinema screens.
Where to eat in Ourense
When it comes to eating out in Ourense you can find both bars and taverns in the old town as well as good restaurants. The most popular place for tapas-hopping in Ourense is the so-called wine area, which spans the streets around the cathedral, such as Calle de Lepanto, Calle Fornos and Calle de la Paz, and Plaza del Hierro. There you will find Ourense institutions such as Sanmiguel, O Frade, Fuentefría, Orellas, A Casiña do Pulpo, Atarazana, O Pingallo and many more. When it comes to taverns and bars, like in most Galician cities, the options are endless.
If you prefer something more elegant and à la carte, in Ourense you will find interesting options such as the Michelin-starred Nova, on Calle Valle Inclán, La Garza, on Plaza de la Mercedes, and Pazo de Canedo, on the outskirts of the city.
Where to sleep in Ourense
A good place to stay in Ourense is the Barceló Ourense, a four-star hotel situated right in the city centre. Its location is perfect, next to San Lázaro park, just five minute’s walk from the old town and the Roman Bridge over the river Miño.
The hotel Barceló Ourense is a modern four-star establishment with 90 spacious rooms, a gym and five meeting rooms.
Elsewhere, in other places in the province of Ourense you will find spas offering accommodation, in case you are interested in visiting the hot springs, one of the main attractions in the area.
