Best Things to do in Cadiz – Unmissable Experiences in Spain’s Ancient Coastal Gem
Cadiz is a sun-kissed jewel on Spain’s Atlantic coast and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. You’ll love Cadiz’s 3,000-year history, golden beaches, beautiful ocean views, and calm, Spanish feel. Travellers seeking culture, gastronomy and seaside bliss will find them all in this Andalusian jewel in equal measure.
If you’re planning a visit to Cadiz, you’re in luck. This guide covers the very best things to do in Cádiz, including hidden gems, cultural must-sees and picture-perfect places to unwind. You’ll also find tips on getting to Cádiz, where to stay, and the best local eats—so you can plan the perfect Cádiz escape.
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I first visited Spain as a 4 year old in the 60’s. I have returned countless times to the country I fell in love with all those years ago. My current trip is a month-long train odyssey using an interrail pass. These are the resources I used to plan my trip.
Hotels – Booking.com
Tours and Activities – GetYourGuide
Train Bookings – Rail Europe
Amazon Links
Travel Guide – DK Spain (Travel Guide)
Travel Guide – Slow Trains Around Spain
Best Things to Do in Cadiz
Explore the Cadiz Cathedral and climb the Poniente Tower
Cadiz’s Catedral Nueva, a beautiful golden-domed building that blends Baroque and Neoclassical styles, is a must-see for visitors.
Ineptitude, funding crises, and dying architects were all part of the cathedral’s story. The bi-toned walls reflect the necessity to cut back the budget allocated to the second architect. The paving stones outside display the cathedral’s floor plan, serving as an insurance policy since the actual floor plans were lost… twice…
Inside, visitors can admire its marble chapels, vaulted ceilings and the atmospheric crypt.
Don’t miss:
Climbing the Torre Poniente for one of the best panoramic views in Cádiz. The ascent is via a sloped ramp, making it easier than expected, and the reward is a breath-taking 360° sweep of sea, rooftops and church spires.
Note that the bells chime every 15 minutes, so time your visit.
Stroll the Romantic Streets of La Viña
The old fishing neighbourhood of La Viña is the beating heart of Cádiz’s local life—vibrant, colourful and full of character. Lose yourself in narrow lanes, pastel building facades and lively tapas bars.
Check out Our Lady of the Palm church, central to a Cadiz miracle. The 1755 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed Lisbon also affected Cadiz. A priest seized the church’s banner and faced the approaching wave, which subsided before reaching him.
This district also forms the core of Cádiz’s famous Carnaval, so if you visit in February, expect costumes, music and chaos. (You can also visit the free Carnaval museum year round).
One of the best ways to get to know a city is through a guided walking tour. It’s always my first target when I arrive in a new place. I did this one in Cadiz, and it was excellent with Alba as a superb guide.
Visit Castillo de Santa Catalina
This star-shaped 17th-century fortress guards the northern edge of La Caleta. Wander its stone ramparts for tranquil sea views and explore its art exhibitions and cultural spaces. It’s free to get in too, making it a perfect budget-friendly activity.
Climb the Torre Tavira and experience the Camera Obscura
Cadiz’s grand houses feature many towers. There are over 130 of them. The city’s wealthy merchants relied on being the first to see ships returning with goods from exotic places. Most aren’t accessible to visitors, but the highest of them is.
Situated at the city’s highest point, Torre Tavira is a must-see attraction offering extraordinary views across Cádiz.
Tickets include a session at the Camera Obscura. Mirrors and lenses project a live 360° panorama of the city onto a concave surface, giving a unique perspective of Cadiz.
Note, you must reserve your slot ahead of time.
Shop and Snack at Mercado Central
Travellers looking for an introduction to the food of Cadiz should head straight to Mercado Central. Stalls in the market sell fresh seafood, Andalusian cheeses, jamón, olives and pastries. The outer area hosts food kiosks where you can graze your way through everything from fried chicharrones to sushi.
Pro Tip – Cadiz is world famous for tuna and has a million different ways to serve it. Look out for Tuna Roca (red tuna).
Discover Cádiz’s Roman Theatre
Dating from 70BC, Cadiz’s Teatro Romano is the second oldest stone theatre in the Roman Empire (after Pompeii). Unearthed only in 1980, the Teatro Romano is Spain’s oldest Roman theatre, and one of its largest.
The site includes preserved seating tiers, an exhibition area and a walkway through stone corridors dating to the 1st century BC. Entry is free.
Step Inside the Cadiz Museum (Museo de Cádiz)
Cadiz, as one of the oldest cities in Europe, has a long and complex history. The Museo de Cadiz is a great place for visitors to get an overview of the events that shaped the city.
Highlights include Baroque paintings, extensive archeological collections and two Phoenician sarcophagi, which are so rare the museum was founded and built around them.
Art enthusiasts will also enjoy works by Murillo, Zurbarán and other Spanish masters.
Enjoy Flamenco and Live Music
Cádiz is a cradle of flamenco and home to the alegrías, a joyful style typical of the city. Look for performances at Peña Flamenca La Perla, theatres, and intimate bars—many feature live shows several nights per week.
Taste local specialities like Red Tuna
Cádiz is a paradise for food lovers. Don’t leave without trying:
- Atún Rojo de almadraba – red tuna
- Tortillitas de Camarones – crispy shrimp fritters
- Chicharones – fried pork pieces
- Pescaito frito – mixed fried fish
- Manzanilla and sherry wines from nearby Sanlúcar and Jerez
It’s possible you’ll fall in love with Cadiz just because of its food and wine!
Perhaps try this tour to give you a starter in Cadiz’s cuisine
Take a Day trip to Jerez – Home of Sherry
Jerez is an easy 40 minutes by train or bus from Cadiz and it’s worth earmarking a day to visit it if you have a bit longer in Cadiz. Must visits are the cathedral and the Alcazar, but when you’ve finished with tourist stuff, the sherry houses are the place to go.
In Jerez, drinking sherry is serious business, not something your grandmother did. You can even pair the different varieties with foods the way you would with wine
Many sherry houses offer tours which take you through the history and process of making this most Spanish of alcoholic beverages, (and they all come with tastings). I recommend an historic boutique producer, Cayetano del Pino Winery. The sherries are top quality and the tour fascinating. (link to their tour below)
Final Thoughts on Cadiz
Cadiz blends ancient history with a laid-back seaside lifestyle like nowhere else in Spain. With its walkable old town, phenomenal beaches, rich gastronomy, warm locals and a rhythm that slows life to the perfect speed, it’s a destination you’ll fall in love with instantly.
Whether you’re here for the sun, the food, the culture or the sea breeze, Cádiz offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
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