Tenerife City Card
Eating
There is a wealth of restaurants on the island offering varied international
cuisine, ranging from cheaper snack style bars to gourmet style restaurants.
With so much choice of international fare traditional cooking can be harder
to seek out. Traditional dishes are normally based around the staples of fresh
fruit and vegetables and fish, pork is also very popular. If you're keen to track
down where the locals eat then take a trip to the “Guachinches”,
the majority of these little eateries are situated along the roads of areas
such as Tacoronte, Acentejo, Geneto and surrounding la Laguna, busy with locals
at the weekend you are guaranteed the chance to sample some local wine too!
Tapas is also popular in Tenerife and will usually be available in any of
the local restaurants and café-bars. If fast food or home comforts
are your thing you will not be disappointed as there are several British style
cafes and restaurants serving up everything from Sunday lunch to fish and
chips!
Drinking
There is a vast array of nightlife on offer throughout Tenerife. The most
famous resort for this is Playa De Las Americas where Bobby’s (open
later than many) and Metropolis which with two great dance floors cater for
different tastes.
In Puerto de la Cruz you can experience Casino Taoro, a grand casino built
in 1892 that has a sophisticated atmosphere. The building also houses a grand
restaurant which is noted for its food. Or if you are a style seeker you may
wish to visit El Coto which is housed in hotel Botánico in Puerto de
la Cruz.
If you are looking for live shows try to visit Castillo Sam Miguel Medieval
Night in Los Gigantes, which is a fiesta in a mock castle. The Embjuro Show
in Playa de Las Americas offers a lively performance of Spanish ballet, performances
take place daily except on Sundays.
There are also several venues on the island that offer a home from home experience
for visitors, including several English and Irish bars and pubs.
Things To See And Do
There are plenty of museums, sea excursions, walks and events to keep you
entertained, here is just a taste of what’s on offer.
-Palace of Pearl - Situated in the South of the Island at Armenime. The ‘palace’
houses thousands of pearls and examples of pearl jewellery. Admission is free
every day of the week.
- House of Wines - The opportunity to sample some local wine and cuisine in
the captivating atmosphere of a renovated museum. Situated at Casa del Vino,
El Sauzal. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday.
- Whale Watching - Excursions depart from Puerto Colon and Playa de Las Americas
in search of pilot whales.
- Teide National Park - Guided tours of Tenerife’s National Park are
available but need to be booked in advance. For information call +922 29 01
29.
- Museum of Man and Nature - Showcasing the life of a pre-Hispanic man and
how he survived in the world around him. Open Tuesday-Sunday (free entry on
Sunday), 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Shopping
As Tenerife is a duty free area you will be able to purchase tobacco, wines,
spirits and perfumes at lower prices than in other EU countries.
There are a few shopping centres spread across the island, but Santa Cruz
(the capital) remains host to most of the larger centres and fashion boutiques.
The best places to visit are Villalba Hervás, Plaza de Espana and Plaza
de la Canelaria. If you are looking primarily for clothes the Calle del Castillo
and Rambla de Pulido are probably your best bets.
Further a field and particularly in the South, you will find an abundance
of souvenirs and amongst this there are treasures to be found in the form
of crafts, volcanic sculptures, fabric and embroidery.
If you are keen to visit a local market then you will be spoilt for choice.
There are large Sunday markets in Santa Cruz taking place on Avda. Jose Manuel
Guimerá, and Los Cristianos. A daily market takes place in Playa de
Las Americas on Barranco de Troya.
Cost Of Living
33cl bottle of beer - €1
One-litre bottle of mineral water - €0.90
36-exposure colour film - €7.50
City-centre bus ticket - €1.10
Three-course meal with wine/beer – From €12
Key Phrases
Please, thank you – Por favor, gracias
How much? – ¿Cuanto es?
Good morning/afternoon/night – Buenos
dias/buenas tardes/buenas noches.
Excuse me – Perdon
How are you? – ¿Como esta?
I don’t understand – No entiendo
Do you speak English? – ¿Habla
usted ingles?
I don’t speak Spanish – No hablo
espanol.
I would like… - Quisiera…
Is there a bank/post office near here? –
¿Hay un banco/correos cerca de aqui?
Do you have…? – ¿Tiene…?
The time – la hora
A double room – una habitacion con
cama matrimonial.
Where is…? – ¿Donde esta…?
The train station – la estacion de
ferrocarril
The bus station – la estacion de autobuses
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