Even though Cádiz is a smaller city, it is filled with remarkable history, preserved castles, charming plazas, beautiful parks and memorable restaurants. With the Old Town spanning a little over a mile, you can walk from one end to the other, something I quite enjoy doing on the weekends. I had never really heard of Cádiz until we moved to Andalusia. With beaches that rival any other town in southern Spain, I can’t believe it’s not more popular.
Cádiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and you’ll find ancient artifacts in the museum and a Roman theatre to prove it. It’s also filled with beautiful architecture, boutiques (I’m looking at you, Casa Lamar) and tapas restaurants. Situated on a peninsula, you’re never far from an ocean view. Stroll along the path that runs along the perimeter of the ancient port city and you’ll pass by bougainvillea-filled parks, fountains, castles and beaches.
Most of the best things to do in Cádiz can be done in just one day. I’ll share my favorite things to do in Cádiz that you just can’t miss, along with some tips on where to stay.
*This post was originally posted in 2021 and updated since. It also contains affiliate links which help support this site at no cost to you. Thank you!*
Where to Stay
Hotel Casa de las Cuatro Torres– Exposed oyster stone, original Italian marble tile and thoughtful details remain intact in this historical building after a recent restoration. Spacious apartments with kitchenettes also available.
Parador de Cadiz – Modern 4-star hotel with a spa, restaurant, multiple rooftop pools and balcony rooms that overlook Parque Genovés with ocean views.
Things to do in Cádiz
Visit the Cádiz Cathedral
Construction of the Cádiz Cathedral started in 1722 and lasted over 100 years with the design getting altered as time went on. The grand cathedral with 16 smaller chapels inside was built during a prosperous time when Cádiz was the center of trade to the Americas.
As if the facade isn’t beautiful enough, the view from the top of the bell towers is absolutely worth the climb. I would avoid being up there though when the bells ring (every 15 minutes). Entry is 7 euros and I always buy tickets at the door with a minimal line.
To the left of the cathedral on the side of the plaza, don’t overlook the older Santiago Church built in 1635.
See Gran Teatro Falla
I stopped in my tracks when I came around the corner and saw this stunning building. The architecture instantly reminded me of Morocco. The Gran Teatro Falla was rebuilt in Moorish revival style during the late 19th century after a fire devastated the original structure.
Unfortunately, I’ve yet to attend an event here, but I have gotten a quick look of the inside when the back door was open. It’s grandness looks similar to the San Carlo Theatre in Naples, Italy.
Walk through the Parks
Parque Genovés is a historical park at the water’s edge complete with orange trees, an outdoor cafe, a large waterfall cave structure (a must for kids). Follow the main walkway around the corner a few hundred meters to see another park near the Marquis de Comillas monument. Fellow bougainvillea and tile lovers won’t want to miss this park.
Visit the Mercado
With over 100 stalls, the Mercado is where locals do their shopping for cheese, vegetables, meats and fish. Although I go there for the stalls around the perimeter serving a variety of tapas and local specialties. You can find me at the corner stall serving paella for a few euro with a glass of manzanilla from next door.
I also enjoy the nearby La Poeme and Churrería la Guapa (recognizable by the long line in the morning) on the recommendation of my Spanish teacher.
Enjoy Local Food & Drinks
Being in a prime location on the ocean, fried fish is a popular specialty in Cádiz. You can find a number of restaurants in town serving fried fish, potato salad and other local favorites.
I love starting the day with a café con leche at Café Royalty, a lovely historic spot from 1912. Service is relaxed (welcome to Spain). All the more time to enjoy the interiors from a past era and admire the ornate molding.
Normally, I’d say to pass on gelato shops right next to a tourist location. However, Narigoni is an exception. Pop in the gelato shop opposite the cathedral for a sweet treat on a sunny day. Two doors down is Pastelería Casa Hidalgo that also always has a line out the door for cakes and pastries.
In the early evening (I think they open around 5 or 6pm), I like to have a tinto de verano at LaColonial Alameda. They set up tables and chairs around a charming fountain with classic tiles.
Visit Plazas
Conveniently, there’s a parking lot directly under Plaza de San Juan de Dios which means you’ll be welcomed by this beautiful plaza when you first enter the city. It is home to the city hall (ayuntamiento), a number of cafes with outdoor seating, and a yellow building with white covered balconies that always catches my eye.
Head to San Antonio Plaza to see locals relaxing and having a drink in one of the outdoor cafes spilling out onto the square. You also can’t miss the San Antonio Church. Check out this two-bedroom apartment rental if you want an accommodation with a view of the church and plaza.
Plaza de las Flores is another favorite with several flower stalls, as the name would suggest. If the post office at the end of the plaza is open, be sure to peak in for a look at the staircase with rose gold tiles.
Go to the Cádiz Museum
The Cádiz Museum anchors Plaza Mina, a nice square with a massive ficus tree worthy of seeing by itself (there are a number of these trees spread across the city). The museum boasts an archaeological section with Roman statues, an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and fine art paintings. The ancient jewelry and vases on display are particularly beautiful and had me wishing there was a gift shop with replicas.
Check the website for opening hours. Admission: 1,50 euros (free for EU citizens).
Visit Castles
Both of the castles in Cádiz look like they could have been a Game of Thrones film set. Castillo de Santa Catalina is the 16th century castle in the shape of a star with a small chapel. Within the castle is also an exhibition on the accidental military explosion of 1947 leaving 150 dead and thousands injured. Free entry.
Walk out on to the long path that leads to Castillo de San Sebastian on a small island. The first structure on the island was a chapel built in the 15th century by Venetians recovering from the plague, but the castle itself wasn’t built until almost 250 years later.
Go for a swim at La Caleta Beach
Sandwiched between the two castles, you’ll find La Caleta Beach. This beach was actually where the Havana scenes in the James Bond film Die Another Day were filmed. While the bar was sadly just a film set, there is another small bar next to the Castillo de Santa Catalina that is the perfect place to stop for a beer.
Visit the Roman Theatre
This 1st century Roman theatre was discovered in 1980 after a fire. This is one of the more interesting theaters because it is only partially excavated and modern day buildings sit right on top of the sides. Can you imagine living in one of those buildings and suddenly getting a front row view of an ancient Roman theatre? Talk about an unexpected upgrade.
Check the website for opening hours. Free entry.
How to get to Cádiz
Cádiz is served by two airports, Seville and Jerez (30 minutes by car). Seville is the largest nearby international airport and is also a nice addition if you are planning a trip to Andalusia. The train from Seville to Cádiz is under 2 hours.
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