How To Spend 48 Hours In Cdiz Spain

The seaside city of Cádiz is one of Spain’s hidden gems. It offers everything you could want for a 48-hour visit: beautiful beaches and architecture, great tapas bars and an enchanting old town to explore. Read on for our tips on how to get the most out of two days in the city.

Cathedral and Lunch on Plaza de la Catedral

After a couple of hours wandering around the old city centre, visit Cádiz’s star architectural attraction. Constructed between 1722 and 1838, the Santa Cruz cathedral was nicknamed the ‘Church of Americas’, financed as it was by the roaring trade carried out between Spain and the ‘New World’ in the 18th century. The inside is every bit as spectacular as the façade, and from one of its two towers you can take in views of the Cádiz skyline. Afterwards, try La Barrica for lunch: it boasts a sunny terrace from which to admire the cathedral’s façade, friendly waiters and Andalusian fare at decent prices.

Catedral de Cádiz, Plaza de la Catedral, Cádiz, Spain, +34 956259812

Santa Cruz cathedral towers over the rooftops of Cádiz

Tapas in La Viña

Round off your first day in Cádiz by exploring the gracefully ageing fishing quarter of La Viña, which occupies the southwestern chunk of the city. La Viña is home to the legendary Casa Manteca, an old tapas-and-drinking den decorated with yellowed bullfight posters and press cuttings. Pull up a bar stool or grab one of its few tables and enjoy the lively ambience and the superb tapas and wines. Nearby Calle Virgen de la Palma is also lined with buzzing local hangouts.

1. Churros at La Marina

Bar, Cafe, Spanish

La Marina in Cádiz is famous for its churros

Begin a more leisurely second day in Cádiz with coffee and churros (fried dough pastry snacks) dipped in melted chocolate at Bar La Marina. This decadent breakfast is the house speciality at Marina and locals flock here in the morning and late afternoon to get their chocolate fix. It’s situated on the charming Plaza Topete, unofficially called Plaza de las Flores because of its several colourful flower stalls.

Hit the Beach

Cádiz boasts what are arguably the two best city beaches in southern Spain, so don’t visit without spending an afternoon lounging and swimming on either Playa Caleta or Playa de la Victoria. Playa La Caleta is a gentle curve to the west of the Santa Catalina castle and is where the locals moor their fishing boats. A little further to the east is Playa de la Victoria, a straight stretch of sand that seems to extend all the way to the horizon. Both offer wonderful bathing and chilled chiringuitos (beach bars) for snacks, cocktails and beers.