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Ourense
Your 4-day travel guide
Spring and Autumn for perfect weather
Ourense•4D•Couple
Ourense, Spain
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Thermal Waters and Roman Stones
Ourense feels like a secret that locals have been keeping for centuries. This isn't a city that shouts for attention, it whispers through steam rising from thermal pools along the Miño River and the quiet dignity of Roman bridges that have stood for millennia. You'll discover a place where ancient thermal baths sit alongside modern architecture, where every meal feels like a celebration of Galician ingredients, and where evenings are best spent watching the sunset from a medieval bridge. For a couple, it's perfect, offering intimate thermal experiences, leisurely walks through historic streets, and cozy restaurants where time seems to slow down. Get ready to soak in both history and hot springs.
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1
Roman Heritage and Thermal Introduction
Day 1 of your journey
Start at the iconic Ponte Romana, a medieval bridge built on Roman foundations that crosses the Miño River. Walk across for panoramic views of the city and river. Then, wander into the adjacent Old Town, a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, small plazas, and traditional shops. This area is the historic heart of Ourense, where you can feel the city's ancient layers. Allow about 2 hours to stroll without rushing, stopping at plazas like Plaza Mayor.
Ponte Romana and Ourense Old Town
Why Visit
This activity perfectly blends culture and romance. The bridge is a monumental piece of history offering beautiful photo opportunities for couples, while the Old Town provides an authentic, atmospheric setting to explore together, discovering hidden corners and the city's origins at a relaxed pace.
For the best light and fewer people, visit in the late afternoon. Address: The bridge connects the city center with the thermal zone on the river's west bank.
2
Art, Museums, and Riverside Strolls
Day 2 of your journey
3
Architectural Gems and Thermal Culture
Day 3 of your journey
4
Free Day & Local Exploration
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Ourense is very walkable. The city center and thermal river walk are best explored on foot. For the Outariz spa or other outlying thermal spots, taxis are affordable and readily available.
The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have some cash for small markets, tips, or the free thermal pools which may have locker fees.
While Spanish is the main language, Galician (Galego) is also official and widely spoken. Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated, but in tourist areas, you'll often find some English.
Ourense is generally a very safe city, even at night. Standard precautions for valuables in crowded areas apply.
Tipping is not as expected as in some countries. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is a generous gesture.
For the thermal baths (both free and paid), always bring your own swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops. Some spas rent towels, but it's not guaranteed.
Galician meal times are later than in many places. Lunch is typically 2:00-4:00 PM, and dinner often starts after 9:00 PM. Plan your schedule accordingly.
If visiting in summer, be prepared for hot days. The thermal river walk offers some shade, but sunscreen and water are essential.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Ourense are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for walking and enjoying the outdoor thermal pools. Summer (July-August) can be quite hot, though the thermal baths are refreshing in the evening. Winter is mild but can be rainy, however, it's a great time to enjoy the thermal waters when the air is cooler. The city is less crowded outside of peak summer and major Spanish holidays.
Local Insights & Tips
Ourense is deeply proud of its thermal heritage, which is a part of daily life, not just a tourist attraction. You'll see locals of all ages at the free pools. The pace of life here is relaxed. Meals are social events to be enjoyed slowly. While Spanish is understood everywhere, hearing the melodic Galician language is common. The city has a strong sense of community, evident in its plazas and markets. Dress is generally casual, but slightly smarter attire is appreciated for nicer restaurants in the evening. Embrace the 'termalismo' culture, it's the soul of the place.