Cáceres

A UNESCO World Heritage old town packed with medieval and Renaissance palaces, towers and walls built by nobility and crusaders. Its atmospheric plazas and well-preserved architecture make it one of Spain's best-kept historic centers to wander at night.

Things to do

• Wander Plaza Mayor — The lively main square framed by porticoed buildings is the gateway to the walled old town and best experienced with a coffee at a terrace.
• Climb Torre de Bujaco — Climb this Almohad-era tower built into the old walls for sweeping views over the plaza and the monumental quarter.
• Visit the Concatedral de Santa María — This Gothic church holds a notable cedar retablo and offers rooftop access with panoramic views of the old town's towers.
• Explore Museo de Cáceres in Palacio de las Veletas — Housed in a noble palace, this museum preserves an intact 12th-century Almohad cistern (aljibe) beneath its galleries.
• See Casa del Sol — Admire the emblematic sun carving on the facade of this palace belonging to the Solís family, a signature image of the city.
• Stroll the Barrio Judío (San Antonio) — Wander the narrow cobbled lanes of the old Jewish quarter, one of the best-preserved medieval Jewish neighborhoods in Spain.
• Night walk through the walled town — Return after dark when floodlighting turns the medieval palaces and towers into a dramatic, near-empty stage set.
• Visit Iglesia de San Francisco Javier — Climb the twin white towers of this Baroque church in the Plaza de San Jorge for one of the best rooftop views in the city.

Food to try

• Torta del Casar — A creamy raw sheep's-milk cheese made with thistle rennet, traditionally sliced open at the top and scooped with bread.
• Jamón ibérico de Extremadura — Cured ham from acorn-fed pigs raised in the region's dehesa pastures, served thinly sliced as a tapa staple.
• Migas extremeñas — Fried breadcrumbs cooked with garlic, paprika and pork, often paired with fried eggs or grapes.
• Cordero asado — Slow-roasted lamb, a classic hearty dish reflecting the region's shepherding traditions.
• Zorongollo — A cold roasted red pepper and tomato salad dressed with olive oil, a refreshing local starter.
• Técula mécula — A rich almond and egg yolk tart originating from a Cáceres convent, popular as a sweet souvenir.

Local customs & good to know

• Expect midday closures — Many shops and some sights close for a few hours in early afternoon in keeping with regional siesta habits.
• Dress modestly in churches — Cover shoulders and knees when entering the cathedral and other religious buildings out of respect.
• Tapas often come free with drinks — In many local bars a small tapa is included automatically when you order a beer or wine.
• Old town streets are uneven cobblestone — Wear sturdy shoes, as the historic quarter's stone paving and steps can be slippery, especially at night.