History
Vigo has a long history. The urban area of Vigo is built over both a hill-fort (Castro) and a Roman settlement. In fact, it is generally accepted that the name Vigo comes from the latin word Vicus. During Middle Ages the small village of Vigo was part of the territory of neighbouring towns, mainly Tui, and suffered several Viking attacks.
However, the number of inhabitants was so small that, historically, Vigo is not considered to be a real village until around the 15th century, when the earliest records began.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city was attacked several times. In 1585 and 1589 Francis Drake raided the city and temporally occupied it, leaving many buildings burnt. Several decades later a Turkish fleet tried to attack the city. As a result the walls of the city were built in 1656 during the reign of Felipe IV. They are still partially preserved.
During this time, and in spite of the attacks, the city of Vigo developed its earliest commerce, and was given several privileges from the kings of Spain.
In 1702 the Battle of Rande occurred, and in 1719, because a Spanish fleet which departed from Vigo attempted to invade Scotland, the city was temporarily seized by an English fleet. (see more in Wikipedia)

Walking
Shopping The main stores are in the city center: the Rúa do Príncipe (only pedestrians) and Rúa Urzáiz. In Rúa García Barbón you'll find XIX-century buildings with the main Banks of Spain.
Leisure One of the best places to take a drink is the Rúa Monteiro Ríos, close to the Alameda. There you will find so many pubs and restaurants with typical food.
History The old city is also in the center, in his historical streets you can see the Concatedral of Vigo (one step down that a Cathedral, because in ancient times the Cathedral of the land was in Tuy, a historical village close to Portugal), the Cesteiros Street (famous because the product they sell), the Rúa das Ostras (Oysters Street, you can buy&eat fresh oysters), the first electrical light of the city or the old city hall.
Beaches Beaches are in the West side of the city and is recomendable to take a bus (C15A,B,C and 10 to Samil Beach/ 10 & 13 to Bao). The most important beaches of the city are Samil Beach and Bao Beach, they are close. Samil beach has 3km to walk with so many restaurants and bars, green grass with trees...