Major city · Spain
Ourense
Give Ourense one night, two if you want the free hot springs: the old town is a half-day, the riverbank pools are the reason to stay.
Ourense is a Galician city of about 105,000 on the River Miño, 2 h 30 min by train from Madrid and a stop on the Via de la Plata pilgrim route to Santiago. Its draw is unusual: a compact medieval quarter around a 13th-century cathedral, plus free geothermal pools on the north riverbank. Most travellers pass through; the ones who stay come for the water.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (inland heat, 30°C (86°F)+), Nov–Feb (wet)avoid Jul–Aug (inland heat, 86°F (30°C)+), Nov–Feb (wet)
- Airports
- SCQ · VGO · LCG
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ourense112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ourense, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyOurense is a calm, low-risk city; the real hazards are the 67°C (153°F) water at As Burgas, slippery riverbank pools and summer heat, not crime.Ourense is a calm, low-risk city; the real hazards are the 153°F (67°C) water at As Burgas, slippery riverbank pools and summer heat, not crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSCQ Santiago de Compostela (115 km (71 mi) northwest; usually the most convenient, with the widest European route network).SCQ Santiago de Compostela (71 mi (115 km) northwest; usually the most convenient, with the widest European route network).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: cathedral, Praza Mayor, As Burgas and the Ponte Vella all sit within about 1 km (0.6 mi).The centre is walkable: cathedral, Praza Mayor, As Burgas and the Ponte Vella all sit within about 0.6 mi (1 km).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the centre€6–10 (≈ US$7–12)
- Museum or sight ticketCathedral entry€8 (≈ US$10) adult, €7 (≈ US$9) child (check)
- Budget bedHostel or pensión bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €150 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SCQ Santiago de Compostela (115 km (71 mi) northwest; usually the most convenient, with the widest European route network) · VGO Vigo (90 km (56 mi) west; mostly domestic flights) · LCG A Coruña (170 km (106 mi) north; mostly domestic flights)SCQ Santiago de Compostela (71 mi (115 km) northwest; usually the most convenient, with the widest European route network) · VGO Vigo (56 mi (90 km) west; mostly domestic flights) · LCG A Coruña (106 mi (170 km) north; mostly domestic flights)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jul (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ourense: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: cathedral, Praza Mayor, As Burgas and the Ponte Vella all sit within about 1 km. Avanza runs roughly 30 local bus routes; buses 1, 3 and 33 link Praza Mayor with the railway and bus stations every few minutes. A tourist train runs about four times a day between Praza Mayor and the Outariz springs. For the western pools, a car or taxi is simpler.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min–2 h
Train from Ourense station, hourly service
Cathedral and medieval centre; doable as a day, better as an overnight.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min–2 h
Train toward Vigo Urzaiz
Fishing port with an old town; pair with a coastal afternoon.
Lugo
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Train, about four a day
Complete Roman walls; an easy half-day on foot.
Door to door: About 2 h
Train toward Vilagarcía and Pontevedra
Long for a return day; better as a stop on the way west.
Parador de Santo Estevo, Cañón del Sil
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Car, 25 km (16 mi) northeastCar, 16 mi (25 km) northeast
Scenic canyon and a monastery parador; no useful public transport.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town around the cathedral
Praza Mayor, arcaded streets and most bars within a 10-minute walk; best for one night on foot.
Praza Mayor and Rúa da Paz
The same core, slightly north; theatres, tapas and the tourist train stop are here.
North of the river, near the station
Cheaper and practical if you arrive late by train, but a 1 km (0.6 mi) walk to the centre.Cheaper and practical if you arrive late by train, but a 0.6 mi (1 km) walk to the centre.
Outariz and the riverbank
Only if the hot springs are the whole point; 3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi) west of the centre, so you need a car or the tourist train.Only if the hot springs are the whole point; 1.9–2.5 mi (3–4 km) west of the centre, so you need a car or the tourist train.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × €90 | €90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €80 | €160 |
| Train Madrid–Ourense, one way2 × €55 · check | €110 |
| Local bus single ride2 × €2 · check | €3 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €38 |
| Trip total≈ €211 per person per day, bed included | €421≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euros; travel to Ourense excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día at lunch | €12–20 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pulpo a feira (octopus) portion | €15–22 (≈ US$18–30) |
| Glass of Galician white wine | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Cathedral entry | €8 (≈ US$10) adult, €7 (≈ US$9) child (check) |
| Free hot-spring pools | €0 (≈ under US$1) |
| Taxi across the centre | €6–10 (≈ US$7–12) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- As Burgas water comes out at about 67°C (153°F) and the pools are unsupervised: test with a hand before you step in.As Burgas water comes out at about 153°F (67°C) and the pools are unsupervised: test with a hand before you step in.
- The archaeology museum is closed for renovation; check before you plan around it.
- Some free pools at Outariz and Canedo close temporarily without notice.
- Summer inland heat is stronger here than on the Galician coast: 30°C (86°F)+ days, little shade in the old town.Summer inland heat is stronger here than on the Galician coast: 86°F (30°C)+ days, little shade in the old town.
- Bring flip-flops for the riverbank pools; the surfaces are rough and slippery.
Emergency numbers
- All services
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
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OurenseOurense
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A este enderezo, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassy in Ourense; the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand all run embassies in Madrid, with consulates in Barcelona and, for some countries, A Coruña or Bilbao (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Madrid Chamartín → Ourense: about 2 h 30 min, roughly €40–70 (≈ US$50–85) (check)
- Train Ourense → Santiago: hourly, about 1 h 30 min–2 h (check)
- Bus Ourense → Vigo, Monbus: continues from Madrid, about 1 h 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Ola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Grazas — Thank you (GRAH-thas)
- Por favor — Please (por fah-VOR)
- Canto custa? — How much is it? (KAN-toh KOOS-tah)
- A conta, por favor — The bill, please (ah KON-tah por fah-VOR)
- Onde están as termas? — Where are the hot springs? (ON-deh es-TAN as TER-mas)
Galician is the everyday language here and is closer to Portuguese than to Castilian; everyone also speaks Spanish, and hospitality staff often speak English.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ourense. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (inland heat, 30°C+), Nov–Feb (wet) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for SCQ, VGO and LCG: last train and bus times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: cathedral and Praza Mayor, As Burgas and the Ponte Vella, the north riverbank pools, Outariz.
- Place pages with verified hours (cathedral, San Francisco cloister, Montealegre garden) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hot-spring fixtures: water temperatures, temporary closures and flip-flop warnings checked before gates go green.