This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you click or purchase from them. Thanks for supporting cityandsee (and my coffee habit ).
The city of Cádiz can be overlooked amongst the many places to visit in Spain. Andalucia has so many cities worth seeing from Sevilla, to Córdoba to Granada and even before I moved to the Provence of Cádiz I knew very little or anything about it. Thankfully I’ve been able to explore it often now and have fallen in love with its stunning Cathedral, coastal location and rich history. It’s a wonderful city to visit if you find yourself in the south of Spain.
Cádiz is the oldest city in Spain and in Europe, the oldest that has been lived in continuously. It has a unique location that was essential to trade and you can walk from one end to the other in under 30 minutes. Although on the smaller side, you can still get lost with the small streets and numerous plazas.
How to get to Cádiz
By plane – The closest airports are Seville and Jerez de la Frontera. There are trains that run from both of these cities to Cádiz, but you will need to taxi to the train station once you leave the airport.
By car – Parking garages in a small, narrow city like Cádiz can be intimidating and a bit daunting. I prefer this open parking lot by the marina. It’s not covered, but a little out of the city (very easy and close to walk in) while being affordable.
City guide to Cádiz: Where to stay
Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas
Book Hotel Casa Cánovas for the perfect location in the city center, beautiful design, and lovely patios.
Áurea Casa Palacio Sagasta
A former baroque palace and embassy, this historic hotel is full of character and gorgeous rooms.
Boutique Hotel OLOM (adults only)
Nestled in the city center with an epic rooftop var, pool ad views up close of the Cathedral.
City guide to Cádiz: Where to eat
La Vaca Atada – A cafe with more variety than you will find in other cafes and I love the setting in a quiet street.
Restaurante Café Royalty – Indulge in the beautiful interior and a tremendous menu. I highly recommend for lunch or dinner when you are in the city. Make a reservation if you are visiting in a busier season.
Clandestine Library – A top pick for breakfast! A little different from your normal Spanish cafe menus and they have books in the cafe including a small kid section.
Restaurante Sonámbulo – A great option for a traditional dining experience.
Bar Brim – I have yet to visit, but coffee is their speciality with only a bar to sit.
BAR La Tabernita – I love the location, lively environment and tapas of this place! Sit on stools in the street and enjoy homemade food, sherry and after explore the street (stopping for ice cream).
Taberna Las Banderas – A beautiful and historic tapas bar with dishes to share, as well as meats, cheeses and dessert.
City guide to Cádiz: Things to do
Mercado Central de Abastos de Cádiz
Many Spanish cities have Markets with fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and more. The market in Cadiz is worth a visit for lunch or to walk around.
Catedral de Cádiz
A stunning grand Cathedral steps from the ocean. It’s hard to miss, so enjoy it with a coffee and donut from in Casa Hidalgo in the plaza.
Climb up Torre Tavira
Pay to climb up to the top of Torre Tavira for a beautiful view of the city and coastline. You can also have a tour where they show you the city in life time, I personally would skip it and just pay the 5 Euro to see the view.
Enjoy the many plazas
In true Spain fashion, there are countless plazas, to sit and read, enjoy a drink or go shopping in. Two of my favorites are Plaza de las Flores (small but I love seeing the vendors sell flowers). It is not too far from the Mercado also. Secondly, Plaza del Mentidero in the Spring. Enjoy the purple blossomed trees (they look like a painting), and you can sit by the fountain while you have a drink or some tapas.
Gran Teatro Falla
A stunning performing Arts Theater in Plaza Fragela famous for Carnival and perfect for photos or to see a concert.
Playa de La Caleta & Mirador del Castillo de Santa Catalina
A beach recognized as one of the backdrops in a James Bond movie, and truly magical at sunset. Not to far from Playa de La Caleta is this picturesque lookout to boats and the water.
Mirador El Vendaval
The iconic photo of the Cathedral dome alone the coast can be seen from this viewpoint – and the walk along the ocean wall makes for a lovely sunset stroll.
Teatro Romano de Cádiz
This Roman theater was only just discovered in 1980! It was constructed in the 1st Century BC making it the oldest stadium in the Iberian Peninsula.
Parque Genovés
An absolute must when in Cádiz. The gardens, ocean views, waterfall and a wonderful park if you are visiting with kids.
Jardines de Alameda Apodaca
A park and walkway with gorgeous bougainvillea, ocean views and ceramic filled fountains.
Local, Thrift and vintage shopping
One shop you must visit in Cádiz is Casa Lamar. Beautiful clothes, stationary, gifts and so much more – it is a beautiful store to pick up something during your trip.
Alright, let’s talk about thrift shops. If you follow me over on instagram you know I love heading to cities around me like Jerez and Cádiz for thrift and vintage shopping! Cádiz has a few vintage shops if you are looking to stop by when in the city. For a small curated shop head to King Vintage and then make your way to Libertaria for clothes, a few household items (and an overall fun vibe).
A few more “typical” thrift shops (still small but cheaper prices) peruse Moda Re- Cádiz and Madre Coraje Tienda Solidaria. Higher (typical) priced antique furniture and decor, Belle Epoque is your store. Used bookstores are my favorite thing in the city, and if it’s yours too head to Librería Raimundo.
Heading to Cádiz? Save this guide for later:
No Comments