What to do in Cadiz: A Quick Guide

My sister, Sitara, recently went to Cadiz and loved it so much that I asked her to write up a quick “what to do in Cadiz” guide so that I could visit there next time I visit.

If you’re looking for a long weekend from Madrid, then check out Cadiz, a beautiful beachy city on the Atlantic.

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Getting to Cadiz

Take the four-hour train from Madrid-Atocha directly to Cadiz. The train station is located in the heart of the old town area, so most airbnbs and hotel accommodations are within walking distance.

Where to Stay in Cadiz

I recommend staying in the old town so you can walk to all the main attractions. It’s beautiful and has historical sites, as well as affordable food options. I liked the look of Bajo el Falla by Cadiz Time for a simple apartment, BYPILLOW Casa Gades for a boutique hotel vibe, and Soho Boutique Cádiz.

What to Do in Cadiz

You can access all the Google Map links for the sites on my list. Be sure to click save so you can access it offline.

Explore the Old Town

Teatro Romano de Cádiz – A Roman theater that’s free to enter (donations welcome).

Torre Tavira – For the best city views.

Gran Teatro Falla – A striking red-and-white theater.

Puerta de la Caleta – A picturesque city gate.

Catedral de Cádiz – The city’s most iconic landmark, with a lively plaza filled with bars and restaurants.

You can also go on a tour to see everything in town with a guide.

Castles and History

There are a few Castillos around Cadiz that are worth venturing to, as well like Castillo de San Sebastian and Castillo de Santa Catalina. The Museo de las Cortes de Cádiz is the spot for local history, and the Yacimiento Arqueológico Gadir is an archaeological museum of the ancient Phoenician city.

Seaside Walks

Cadiz is a city made for wandering. For a quiet break, head to Paseo Santa Bárbara, a park by the beach where you can bring coffee and pastries to enjoy outside. Another great coastal path is Garita, perfect for soaking up sea breezes and views of the coastline. Walk on Puente hierro towards Castillo de San Sebastian.

The walk down to Castillo de San Sebastian

Where to eat in Cadiz

There are a lot of bars and restaurants in the Cathedral Plaza. It is a great area to grab a drink and admire the Cathedral.  around town, check out Casa Lazo for tapas, Puerta del Eden for Middle Eastern food, Mesón Cumbres Mayores for traditional fare, El Patio for brunch, and El Café de Ana for cheap eats.

You can also go on a food tour to taste traditional Andalucian food! I usually like to do this on my first or second day, so I get an idea of where to eat for the rest of my trip.

Beaches Near Cadiz

A trip to Cadiz wouldn’t be complete without checking out the incredible beaches nearby. You could go on a day trip to the beach, which is what I did, or choose a beach town as your base for another couple of nights. To get to the beaches, you can easily rent a car and pick it up at the Cadiz train station. 

Playa de Zahara

The beaches I suggest are:

• Playa de la Barrosa (40 min drive)
• Punta Paloma Playa (1 hour 15 minutes drive)
• Playa Bolonia (1 hour 15 minutes drive)
• Tarifa (1.5 hour drive), where you can also see the dunes of Valdevaqueros

I also visited Playa de Zahora, Barbate and Los Canos de Meca. You can hit all these beaches as you drive down the coast.

Don’t miss the Baelo Claudia Roman ruins near Playa Bolonia. They are right on the beach and give a glimpse into the port city of Roman times.

Gibraltar Day Trip

Another great day or one-night stay trip by Cadiz is Gibraltar. There are beautiful seaside walks and cute restaurants and cafes to visit. I didn’t have time to visit Gibraltar, but if I did, I would have gone to Harding’s Battery, Europa Point Lighthouse, and the Moorish castle, where you can check out the only wild monkeys in Europe. 

A trip to Cadiz has everything: history, beaches, beautiful architecture, and stunning scenic drives along the coast.

Remember, you can access all the Google Maps links for the sites on my list. Be sure to click “save” so you can access it offline.