Major city · Spain
Vigo
Give Vigo 2 nights: old town, seafood and a Cíes Islands boat in summer. Skip it if you want monuments — Santiago and Pontevedra do that better.
Vigo is Galicia's working port: a big fishing fleet, a car plant and a steep old town, Casco Vello, above the harbour. It is not a sightseeing city in the Santiago sense — it is a city for eating seafood, walking the waterfront and taking a boat to the Cíes Islands. Two nights covers it; three if you add the islands or a beach day. The Atlantic rules the weather: mild, wet winters and cool, damp summers. Rain falls on roughly 12–14 days a month from October to April. The best window is June to September, when the Cíes boats run and the beaches are usable, though July and August are busy with Spanish holidaymakers.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (rain), Easter week (crowds and prices)
- Airports
- VGO · SCQ · OPO
- Nights
- 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 Vigo112 ▾
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 Vigo, 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
- SafetyVigo is a safe city by Western European standards; the usual big-city rules apply.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergency 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.
- AirportVGO Vigo–Peinador (15 km (9.3 mi) east of the centre; bus L9A runs downtown.VGO Vigo–Peinador (9.3 mi (15 km) east of the centre; bus L9A runs downtown.
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: Urzáiz station to Casco Vello is about 15 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café con leche)€1.30–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña in a bar€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride (Vitrasa)€1.50 (≈ US$2) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room€95 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €105 (≈ US$130) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
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
- VGO Vigo–Peinador (15 km (9.3 mi) east of the centre; bus L9A runs downtown. Frequent flights from Madrid, daily from Barcelona, some UK summer routes.) · SCQ Santiago–Rosalía de Castro (About 90 km (56 mi) north; train or bus onward to Vigo.) · OPO Porto (Portugal) (About 150 km (93 mi) south; direct bus to Vigo in roughly 2 h 15 min.)VGO Vigo–Peinador (9.3 mi (15 km) east of the centre; bus L9A runs downtown. Frequent flights from Madrid, daily from Barcelona, some UK summer routes.) · SCQ Santiago–Rosalía de Castro (About 56 mi (90 km) north; train or bus onward to Vigo.) · OPO Porto (Portugal) (About 93 mi (150 km) south; direct bus to Vigo in roughly 2 h 15 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Dec (15 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Vigo: 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
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
15 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: Urzáiz station to Casco Vello is about 15 minutes on foot. Vitrasa city buses cover the rest, including the airport L9A and the beaches. Mar de Ons ferries run from the harbour to Cangas and, in summer, to the Cíes Islands. Taxis are metered and cheap for short hops.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cíes Islands
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Mar de Ons ferry from Vigo harbour, about 40 min
Summer only; numbers are capped, so book ahead. Rodas beach is the draw.
Cangas do Morrazo
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Mar de Ons ferry from Vigo harbour, about 20 min
Cheap crossing to a beach town and market; runs year-round.
Pontevedra
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Train from Vigo Urzáiz, about 25–30 min
Well-preserved old city and a good half-day.
Santiago de Compostela
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Train from Vigo Urzáiz, about 1 h
Cathedral and old town; doable as a long day, better as an overnight.
Tui
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Train toward Guillarei, then walk or taxi up
Hilltop border town; check connections, some services are slow.
Porto
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Bus from Vigo bus station, about 2 h 15 min; or train from Vigo Guixar
Portugal is a different trip; sleep there rather than turning back.
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.
Casco Vello and the harbour
Old-town streets, tapas bars and the waterfront on foot; best for a short first visit.
Around Urzáiz station
Trains, the bus station and El Corte Inglés within a few minutes; practical with bags.
Praza de Compostela and García Barbón
Central, quieter, mid-range and upscale hotels; 10–15 min walk to the old town.
Bouzas and the beaches
West along the coast; local feel, seafood restaurants, 15–20 min by bus from the centre.
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
- €45–75 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–140 (≈ US$95–170) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 2 nights × €95 | €190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €105 | €420 |
| Airport bus L9A, one way2 × €2 · check | €3 |
| Cíes Islands ferry, return2 × €25 · check; summer only, book ahead | €50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €68 |
| Trip total≈ €188 per person per day, bed included | €751≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café con leche) | €1.30–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Glass of Albariño wine | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Menu del día at lunch | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Plate of percebes or clamsPrice varies with the market; ask before ordering. | €15–30 (≈ US$18–35) |
| Beer, caña in a bar | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| City bus ride (Vitrasa) | €1.50 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rain is frequent from October to April; pack a waterproof shell, not an umbrella for the wind.
- Cíes Islands boats are summer-only and visitor numbers are capped — book ahead on the official operator site.
- The Cíes crossing can be cancelled in bad weather; keep a spare afternoon.
- Old-town streets are steep and some are cobbled; wear shoes with grip.
- Parking near the centre is scarce and expensive; use the station car parks or leave the car outside.
Emergency numbers
- All emergency services
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
VigoVigo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A este enderezo, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergency services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassies in Vigo; the US, UK, Canada and Australia have embassies in Madrid, and several countries keep consulates in A Coruña or Bilbao. Check your own country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- VGO airport → centre, bus L9A: about €1.50 (≈ US$2), about 30 min (check)
- Ferry Vigo → Cangas: about €5–6 (≈ US$6–7) return, about 20 min (check)
- Ferry Vigo → Cíes Islands: about €25 (≈ US$30) return, about 40 min (check; summer only)
Say or show
- Ola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Grazas — Thank you (GRAH-thas)
- Por favor — Please (por fah-VOR)
- A conta, por favor — The bill, please (ah KON-tah por fah-VOR)
- Ten unha mesa? — Do you have a table? (ten OO-nah MEH-sah)
- Onde está o baño? — Where is the toilet? (ON-deh es-TAH oh BAH-nyo)
Galician is co-official here; Spanish works everywhere and English is patchy outside hotels.
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 Vigo. 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: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (rain), Easter week (crowds and prices) · 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
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for VGO: L9A times, taxi fallback and a late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Casco Vello, the harbour and A Pedra, Praza de Compostela, Bouzas.
- Place pages with verified hours (co-cathedral, MARCO, Museo do Mar, Castro de Vigo) and eat pages with last orders.
- Cíes boat fixture: booking window, weather cancellations and a wet-day alternative.
Sources
- officialVigo city council (official)
- officialAena — Vigo airport
- officialVitrasa city buses
- officialMar de Ons ferries
- officialMuseo do Mar de Galicia
- officialMARCO — Museum of Contemporary Art
- secondaryWikivoyage: Vigo, revision 5245539 (CC BY-SA 4.0)