Museums of Tenerife – 7 Best Museums to Visit For Adults & Older Kids

This list of the best museums in Tenerife is entirely personal and based on my own experiences. I explain why I think each museum deserves your attention and what to know before going.

I understand that when you come across an article titled “Best Museums in …. Destination,” you might feel both intrigued and skeptical. After all, deciding whether a museum is interesting is a matter of taste, preference, and even who you’re traveling with – whether with little kids, older children, or on your own if exploring Tenerife solo.

I’ve taken all of this into account and created a list of Tenerife museums that caters to most travelers (excluding little kids, for them I’m prepping a separate article about Tenerife for families). It includes exhibition centers that are great for adults, museums primarily geared toward older children, and some cultural centers that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age.

And the best part? Many of them are free to visit!

So, here’s my curated list of the best museums in Tenerife (and yes, I’ve personally visited every single one of them, and even gone back to a few for a second time).

The only thing to keep in mind is that they are located in Northern Tenerife because the South of the Island doesn’t really have museums that offer rewarding experiences.

Excellent Museums in Tenerife That Are Absolutely Worth Visiting

Military Museum of the Canary Islands

• Location – Santa Cruz, the capital
• About – Canary Islands Military History in One Place
• Entry – free

Personally, this is my number one favorite museum in Tenerife because it’s not just about the history of the military fleet and military events around the Canary Islands, but also about the Guanche people, the period of life when Spaniards came to the island, and even about life in Tenerife B.C.

This museum doesn’t overwhelm you with endless halls or dry displays (although there are two floors with different expositions and info boards as well as one exhibit outside) – it’s compact, engaging, and full of fascinating facts.

You’ll see actual cannons, vehicles, maps, and military artifacts that tell the story of pirate attacks and famous 1797 Battle of Santa Cruz, where locals defended Tenerife against the British fleet led by Admiral Nelson.

Exhibits include weapons, uniforms, maps, and models of historic battles, helping to take a deep dive into Tenerife’s past conflicts.

Even if military history isn’t your thing (and even if you are visiting Tenerife for the first time), the way everything is presented here will draw you in.

Who will enjoy it?

This museum is perfect for adults and older kids who enjoy learning something new without feeling bored.

It’s less about battles and more about clever strategies and unique stories from Tenerife’s past. Small kids might not find much to do here, but teens and curious travelers will love it.

How much time to spend?

1–1.5 hours if you don’t plan to take time to read about the battles and see all the artifacts

READ MORE: Visiting Military Museum of the Canary Islands – what you’ll get exactly from a visit & tips from me

Casa del Carnaval

• Location – Santa Cruz as well
• About – The Spirit of Tenerife’s Biggest Festival
• Entry – Free

Tenerife’s Carnival is one of the biggest and most colorful in the world, and Casa del Carnaval museum brings its energy to life year-round.

It is basically a museum about the history, costumes, and traditions of the island’s famous Carnival, featuring interactive exhibits, past winners’ gowns, and a chance to try on real festival outfits.

It’s small in size, but that works in its favor because you can spend only a couple of hours here and get a clear understanding of the Carnival, its history, costumes, when is the best time to visit, and everything related to this event.

Inside, you’ll find elaborate costumes from past parades (massive, glittering, and incredibly intricate), interactive displays, and videos showing the event’s scale and history.

One of the highlights is the collection of Reina del Carnaval (Carnival Queen) gowns that are huge and heavy, weighing up to 400 kg.

When we were there, it was allowed to try on real Carnival costumes, and I believe that is still part of the museum’s experience, which is fun and allows you to feel like participating in the celebration.

Who will enjoy it?

Perfect for adults and older kids curious about local culture. The museum is less about history and more about the energy and artistry of the event.

Also for anyone who loves festivals and can’t visit during the actual Carnival in February. Because with the visit here you’ll learn everything about Tenerife’s Carnival and how much fun it is.

How much time to spend?

From 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much you plan to interact with the exhibits.

Cañada Blanca Visitor Center

• Location – Mt. Teide National Park
• About – Deep Dive into Mount Teide’s Landscape
• Entry – free

This is not really a museum, but a visitor center, but it had to be on this list as it’s one of the best places to learn about Teide National Park’s volcanic landscape, its seasons and climate, as well as its unique ecosystem before exploring the area.

Located inside the park on the opposite side of Roque Cinchado, this visitor center explains in detail (with lots of original photos) Teide’s volcanic origins, extreme weather patterns, and rare plant and animal life.

This center is new, this is why exhibits use new models, visuals, and interactive screens to showcase how Teide formed and why the landscape is so distinctive and once-of-a-kind.

It’s a great place to learn about the environment before heading up the volcano or after exploring its trails.

The center also offers panoramic views of the park (because there is a nice cafe inside) and is close to Parador de Cañadas del Teide, the only hotel inside the park.

Who will enjoy it?

Best for people who love nature, hikes, and who want a deeper understanding of the volcanic landscape of Tenerife. Families with kids will also find it educational.

How much time to spend?

45 minutes to 1 hour is enough to see everything, but if you’re combining it with a hike or cable car ride, plan for a longer visit.

Casa de Cayetano Gómez Felipe

• Location – La Laguna, first Tenerife’s capital
• About – real Canarian-style house from the 18th century
• Entry – €5

This is another museum that I really like because it lets you step into the past as if visiting a home from several centuries ago, and understand how wealthy people on the island lived in those times.

The small but fascinating museum is set in an 18th-century Canarian house with traditional wooden balconies, a beautiful courtyard, and antique furnishings (there is even one room with Ottoman-style furniture and tableware).

It focuses on Tenerife’s past, showing historic household items, religious artifacts, and beautifully preserved handmade furniture.

In my opinion, Casa de Cayetano Gómez Felipe is a hidden gem in La Laguna, providing a glimpse into a way of life that was once inaccessible, hidden behind the doors of a luxurious home. The house itself is just as interesting as the exhibits.

We also like to return here to visit the courtyard cafe, which also reflects the atmosphere of that time.

Who will enjoy it?

People who love history and architecture, or anyone interested in seeing how life in Tenerife looked before modern tourism. Those who enjoy less touristy cultural spots will appreciate it.

How much time to spend?

We were there with my mom who visited us and spent around 2 hours (although could have spent longer if it wasn’t for this walking tour around the town).

But you definitely can finish faster in an hour if reading info boards is not your thing.

Casa del Plátano

• Location – Icod de los Vinos
• About – Discover Tenerife’s Banana Legacy
• Entry – €5

This small but interesting museum in Tenerife is dedicated to the history and cultivation of bananas, the island’s most important crop.

It explains how bananas arrived in the Canary Islands, their role in the local economy, and the traditional farming techniques still used today.

There is a real working banana plantation here, where you can walk through and see different banana varieties up close.

At the entrance, you’ll walk through the museum’s shop that sells various banana products (like banana wine and various snacks), try their red banana (if it’s on sale) which is a rarety on the European continent.

Since Casa del Platano is located in the historic center of Icod de los Vinos, it’s easy to combine a visit with a stop by the Drago Tree.

Who will enjoy it?

Anyone interested in agriculture, local traditions, or simply curious about the bananas they see all over Tenerife (and in the world).

How much time to spend?

30–45 minutes, including the plantation walk and taking photos.

Casa del Vino

• Location – El Sauzal
• About – Wine, History, and Tastings in a Historic Estate
• Entry – free

Set in a 17th-century estate, Casa del Vino gives a good presentation of Tenerife’s wine-making traditions, from ancient techniques to modern production.

The museum is small but covers well topics about Tenerife’s volcanic soil and how it influences the wines.

There is also a wine tasting room where you can try different local wines, paired with Canarian cheese and honey. But in my opinion, tastings there are quite simple (more like just buying different wines yourself and trying them on your own without having anyone from the museum’s side provide any info).

If you enjoy tastings, I would better recommend joining the tour and going on an arranged trip to one of the bodegas.

This museum is next to an outdoor terrace which I also need to add to my list of panoramic restaurants with beautiful views of the north coast.

Unique Guided Tours to Wineries & Farms

Who will enjoy it?

Wine and history lovers, foodies, and anyone who appreciates local experiences.

How much time to spend?

1–2 hours, depending on whether you stay for tastings or a meal at the restaurant.

Casa de los Balcones

• Location – La Orotava
• About – Another View of a Traditional Canarian Home
• Entry – €5

I am not a big fan of this Tenerife museum (mainly because it is always crowded as one of the most popular things to do in northern Tenerife). But I will admit that it does a fair job presenting Canarian architecture and skills. And the historic house itself is impressive.

This 17th-century mansion in La Orotava (famous for interestingly carved wooden balconies) is one of the best places in Puerto de la Cruz area to see an example of an old traditional home that belonged to rich people.

But I’d say this – if you are on a road trip around Tenerife and plan to visit La Laguna, then I’d better choose Casa de Cayetano Gómez Felipe mentioned above (since it is more impressive and has more details).

But of course, if you’re on a quick visit (let’s say spending 5 days around the island or a week), spending mainly a day in Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava areas without plans to go further, then coming here will make much sense.

Inside, the museum recreates well life in an old Canarian household, displaying historic furniture, embroidery, and crafts. So you’ll get a very good understanding of the history. The inner courtyard, filled with plants and wooden details, is quite nice too.

Who will enjoy it?

Just like with Casa de Cayetano Gómez Felipe, this museum is great for anyone interested in architecture, history, and development of traditional handiwork. It’s also great for photography.

How much time to spend?

30–45 minutes for the house, more if you visit the nearby historic streets. Find more details and purchase tickets either directly at their location or on casa’s website.

More Places in Tenerife to Get to Know the Island

• Guimar village & surroundings – what to see & what to skip
• Loro Parque Shows – how to spend time in the park with my best tips
• Things to Do in Tenerife South – cool activities for different ages
• H10 Atlantic Sunset – my review & recommendations for a good stay