Top 10 Things to Do in Cádiz

more than a year ago

The Bucket List way of travelling may no longer be as popular as it once was, but we’re not about to give up on listing those musts and must-dos in our cities. Cádiz is a city to give yourself to, but there are certain things that everyone must do in order to get a sense of this stunning place. In no particular order…

Get Lost in the Oldest Part of the Oldest City

Cádiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe and its oldest neighbourhood is the popular El Pópulo district. The streets are narrow, the buildings are tall, the history is tangible and the beauty of getting lost abroad is best experienced here.

Blend In at the Central Market

Life in Cádiz revolves around the Central Market, a statement that is as true for the morning as it is the evening (although it isn’t true at all on Sundays). Head here in the morning to see the gossip fly, while evenings are reserved for plenty of drinks and plenty of food.

Explore the Fish Market

While we’re on the market subject, be sure to nip into the Fish Market in the morning. Cádiz is renowned for its seafood and most of the city’s best restaurants get their produce from here, a mass of sea beasts of all shapes and sizes. You might even get to see a swordfish.

Climb to the City’s Highest Point

Cádiz is a city of 100 watchtowers, but none stretch as high into the sky as Tavira Tower. Constructed in 1778. Clamber up its 45 metres and enjoy the best view of the city available to anyone who isn’t a bird.

Go Wild at Europe’s Best Carnival

Cádiz Carnival is the grandaddy of European carnivals, second only to Rio de Janeiro on an international scale, and it is every bit as manic and insane as that suggests. It takes place in Spring, but carnival is never far away here.

Check Out the Cathedral

Built on the site of an old mosque, Cádiz Cathedral is arguably the finest tourist attraction in the city. The interior is the best example of Catholic influence in the city, and the views from the tower are extraordinary. If you can combine this with a religious celebration, you’re one lucky pup.

Relax on La Caleta

The city has a number of excellent beaches, but we’re suckers for the serenity of the city centre La Caleta. You won’t find a better sunset spot in Spain, maybe even all of Europe.

Go Tapas Crazy on Calle Virgen de la Palma

Cádiz isn’t short of tapas-friendly streets, but there is something about Calle Virgen de la Palma that we absolutely adore. This is foodie central in the city, a palm tree-lined (hence the name) walkway with tapas joints on either side and a magnificent church at the end. Eating doesn’t get any more Instagrammable.

Experience Flamenco at Peña la Perla

Have you even been to Andalusia if you haven’t experienced a night of flamenco? It was here that the art form originated, so you won’t get a more authentic flamenco experience than this. Peña le Perla gets our vote for best venue in Cádiz.

Walk out to Castle San Sebastian

The 17th century castle might be closed to the public at the time of writing, but you can still wander out to the grounds from morning to night. The pier-of-sorts makes for a very romantic spot, as the waves of the sea crash all around you. Another sunset sensation, to say the least.Essential experiences - an easy roundup of what to try, buy, eat and see.

Cadiz