My Stay at Mercure Lugo Centro: The Hotel That Made Exploring Lugo Effortless
Stayed in Lugo, Galicia | June 24–25
Images courtesy of Mercure Lugo Centro
Lugo wasn't originally on my list of places to spend several days exploring.
It was a one-night stop between A Coruña and my next destination, chosen mainly because it broke up the drive through Galicia. I knew about the city's famous Roman Walls, but beyond that, I wasn't expecting much.
Finding the right hotel was more important than finding a long list of attractions, especially when you only have 24 hours.
That's what led me to Mercure Lugo Centro.
Located just outside Lugo's UNESCO-listed Roman Walls, the hotel immediately stood out for its location. It was close enough to walk into the Old Town in just a few minutes, yet far enough away to feel peaceful after a day spent exploring. Once I'd parked the car, I never needed it again.
That simple convenience ended up shaping my entire stay.
Instead of worrying about traffic or searching for parking in the historic centre, I could wander through Lugo at my own pace. Mornings started with an easy walk into the Old Town for coffee, afternoons were spent exploring the Roman Walls and cathedral, and dinner was just another short stroll from the hotel before returning for a quiet night's sleep.
For a city that's best experienced on foot, Mercure Lugo Centro felt exactly where you would want to stay.
It also changed my first impression of Lugo.
What I expected to be nothing more than an overnight stop quickly became one of the most enjoyable surprises of my Galicia road trip. The city has a slower rhythm than Galicia's coastal destinations. There are no beaches or marinas here. Instead, nearly two thousand years of history surround you, with Roman walls, medieval streets, lively plazas, and local cafés all within easy walking distance.
Looking back, I don't think I would have enjoyed Lugo nearly as much had I stayed farther from the Old Town. Having everything within a few minutes' walk allowed me to make the most of my limited time and experience the city exactly as it should be explored: slowly.
Here's how I spent my 24 hours while staying at Mercure Lugo Centro.
The Best Thing About Staying at Mercure Lugo Centro
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Mercure Lugo Centro is that you can experience Lugo exactly as it was meant to be explored: on foot.
Within a few minutes of leaving the hotel, I was walking through the ancient gates and into the Old Town. From there, everything was within easy reach. The Roman Walls, Lugo Cathedral, cafés, restaurants, and lively squares were all connected by narrow streets that were a pleasure to wander without any real plan.
Walk the Roman Walls of Lugo
Image courtesy of Mercure Lugo Centro
The first place I headed to was Lugo's famous Roman Walls, just a short walk from the hotel.
Built during the late third century, they're the only Roman walls in the world that still completely surround an entire historic city. Stretching just over two kilometres, they're also one of Spain's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
What makes them special isn't just their history. It's that you can walk the entire circuit.
Access is free, and once you're on top, you're treated to changing views across the cathedral, medieval rooftops, and the modern city beyond the walls. I visited in the late afternoon when the temperature had cooled, and it felt like half the city was out enjoying an evening walk. Locals strolled past, runners completed their laps, and visitors stopped every few metres to take in the views.
The full circuit takes around 40 minutes, although I happily spent longer stopping for photos along the way.
If you're staying at Mercure Lugo Centro, this is the perfect way to begin exploring the city.
Visit Lugo Cathedral
Image courtesy of Lugo Cathedral
From the Roman Walls, it was only a short walk to Lugo Cathedral.
Standing in the heart of the Old Town, the cathedral has welcomed visitors for more than 900 years. While its impressive Baroque façade catches your attention outside, it's the peaceful interior that makes it worth visiting.
Without the crowds you often find in Spain's larger cathedrals, I was able to take my time exploring the chapels, admiring the stained-glass windows, and appreciating the mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
Even if you're not particularly interested in religious history, it's well worth stepping inside before continuing your walk through the city.
By this point, I'd spent the afternoon exploring without ever needing my car, which really highlighted why Mercure Lugo Centro's location worked so well for a short stay.
Breakfast at Urbe - Café de Especialidad
Images courtesy of Urbe - Café de Especialidad
The following morning, I made the short walk from Mercure Lugo Centro to Urbe - Café de Especialidad, a cosy café that has become a favourite among locals for its quality coffee and relaxed atmosphere.
The café has a clean, modern interior, but with the weather on my side, I chose to sit outside and enjoy a slow breakfast while watching the city come to life. It's the kind of place where people linger over their coffee rather than rush through it, making it the perfect way to start the day.
The menu focuses on speciality coffee, freshly baked pastries, and simple breakfast dishes made with quality ingredients.
I ordered avocado toast topped with feta and cherry tomatoes, along with a buttery croissant and a decaf flat white.
The coffee was smooth and well-balanced, while the avocado toast was fresh, light, and exactly what I was looking for before another morning of exploring. The croissant was flaky, buttery, and the perfect excuse to stay just a little longer before heading back into Lugo's historic streets.
Located just a short walk from the hotel, Urbe - Café de Especialidad is well worth adding to your itinerary if you're looking for a relaxed breakfast and one of the city's best coffee spots.
What I ordered: Avocado toast with feta and cherry tomatoes, a croissant, and a decaf flat white.
Price: Around €12-18 per person.
Best for: Speciality coffee, fresh breakfasts, and a relaxed start to the day.
A Memorable Dinner at Campos Restaurante
Images courtesy of Campos Restaurante
After spending the afternoon exploring Lugo's historic centre, I headed back to Mercure Lugo Centro for a short break before walking into the Old Town again for dinner. One thing I quickly appreciated during my stay was never having to think about driving. Everything I wanted to do was within easy walking distance, making the whole experience feel far more relaxed.
For dinner, I booked a table at Campos Restaurante, one of Lugo's best-known restaurants and only a few minutes from the hotel.
The restaurant has been serving traditional Galician cuisine for decades, combining fresh local ingredients with recipes that have stood the test of time. The dining room feels elegant without being overly formal, making it just as welcoming for solo travellers as it is for larger groups.
I started with the grilled king prawns, simply prepared with garlic, olive oil, and parsley. They were incredibly fresh and let the quality of the seafood speak for itself.
For my main course, I chose the aged Galician beef sirloin served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Galicia is well known for its exceptional beef, and this was easily one of the best steaks I enjoyed during my road trip. Perfectly cooked, full of flavour, and paired with simple sides that complemented rather than distracted from the meat.
To finish, I ordered a slice of homemade cheesecake with a decaf coffee before slowly walking back through Lugo's beautifully lit streets to the hotel.
It was the perfect way to end my only evening in the city.
What I ordered: Grilled king prawns, aged Galician beef sirloin with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, homemade cheesecake, and a decaf coffee.
Price: Around €40-70 per person.
Best for: Traditional Galician cuisine, excellent local beef, and a relaxed dining experience.
Why I'd Stay at Mercure Lugo Centro Again
Looking back, staying at Mercure Lugo Centro made my short visit to Lugo incredibly easy.
Its location meant I could leave the car parked from the moment I arrived and experience the city entirely on foot. From walking the Roman Walls and visiting Lugo Cathedral to enjoying breakfast at Urbe – Café de Especialidad and dinner at Campos Restaurante, everything was just a short stroll from the hotel.
For a one-night stay, that's exactly what I look for. Less time navigating unfamiliar streets and searching for parking, and more time discovering what makes a city special.
Lugo may not receive the same attention as some of Galicia's larger destinations, but that was part of its charm. The city feels relaxed, authentic, and rich in history, offering a different side of the region that's well worth experiencing.
Mercure Lugo Centro complemented that experience perfectly. Comfortable, modern, and ideally located, it provided an excellent base for exploring one of Spain's oldest cities at a slower pace.
I arrived expecting a convenient overnight stop.
I left feeling like I'd only scratched the surface of what Lugo has to offer.
