Things to Do in Cáceres
Cáceres is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. This walled city in Extremadura hides a medieval old town so well preserved that film crews often use it as a backdrop. Cobbled lanes twist past palaces, towers, and storks’ nests. Best of all, the whole centre is easy to explore on foot, since almost every highlight sits within the old walls. Spring and autumn bring the mildest weather, so pack good walking shoes and set aside a full weekend if you can. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Cáceres.
Plaza Mayor
Start your visit at the Plaza Mayor. This lively square sits right at the entrance to the old town, so it’s the perfect meeting point. Cafés line the edges, making it a great spot for breakfast or a cold beer. Look up and you’ll spot the old town walls rising just behind the square. From here, several staircases lead you straight into the medieval quarter. Locals gather here every evening, so it’s also the best place to soak up everyday Cáceres life. Market stalls sometimes pop up on weekends, adding even more colour to the square. Grab an outdoor table, order a coffee, and watch the city wake up before you head uphill into the old town proper.
Torre de Bujaco
Next, climb the Torre de Bujaco. This Moorish watchtower guards the main entrance to the old town and dates back to the 12th century. The climb is short and not too steep, so most visitors manage it easily. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the Plaza Mayor and the rooftops beyond. It’s one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city, and a fantastic spot for photos. Since it’s a popular attraction, buying tickets ahead saves you time. Below the tower, you can also walk a stretch of the old defensive wall, giving you an even better feel for how the fortress once protected the city. Buy Tickets
Arco de la Estrella
Walk through the Arco de la Estrella to properly enter the old town. This elegant archway was built in the 18th century by architect Manuel de Lara Churriguera. Its wide, curved design let carriages pass through easily. Just beside it stands a statue of Saint Peter of Alcántara, the patron saint of Extremadura. Passing beneath this arch feels like stepping back several centuries, since the noise of the modern city fades almost instantly. It’s a lovely first taste of the monumental quarter. Take a moment to admire the honey-coloured stone up close, since the detail is easy to miss if you rush straight through.
Concatedral de Santa María
The Concatedral de Santa María dominates the square of the same name, and it’s easily one of the top things to do in Cáceres. Construction began in the 13th century, and the church blends Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside, don’t miss the striking 16th-century cedarwood altarpiece. Afterwards, climb the bell tower for panoramic views across the old town’s rooftops. Since the climb and audio guide need a ticket, it’s worth booking through the official visitor site in advance, especially during busy months. Look out for the Black Christ chapel too, since it holds one of the most revered images in the city and plays a central role during Holy Week processions.
Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo
For a glimpse of Renaissance nobility, visit the Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo. This grand palace once hosted the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. Its façade mixes Gothic and Plateresque details, with an impressive coat of arms above the entrance. Inside, the house-museum displays artwork and furnishings from the Tatiana Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno Foundation. Wandering its courtyard gives you a real sense of how the city’s noble families once lived. It’s a peaceful stop after the busier squares nearby, and the guides often share colourful stories about the rivalries between Cáceres’ old noble houses, many of which still show scars from centuries-old feuds.
Museo de Cáceres
Housed in the Palacio de las Veletas, the Museo de Cáceres is one of the region’s finest museums. Beneath the Renaissance courtyard lies a remarkably well-preserved Moorish cistern, one of the best examples left in Spain. Upstairs, exhibits trace the region’s story from prehistory through Roman times. Entry costs just over a euro, and it’s completely free on Sundays. Because it’s such great value, this museum earns a place on nearly every Cáceres itinerary. Give yourself at least an hour, since the cistern alone is worth lingering over, with its horseshoe arches and cool, echoing atmosphere.
Barrio Judío and Plaza de San Mateo
Wander through the Barrio Judío, the old Jewish quarter, for some of the city’s prettiest streets. Whitewashed houses lean over narrow alleys, and hidden courtyards appear around every corner. This neighbourhood eventually opens onto the Plaza de San Mateo, framed by the imposing San Mateo Church. Storks nest on nearly every tower here, adding to the timeless atmosphere. Grab a coffee at one of the small terraces and simply take it all in. Few areas capture medieval Cáceres quite like this one. Look out for small plaques marking former Jewish homes, remnants of a community that thrived here until the expulsion of 1492.
Casa Pedrilla
For a hands-on history lesson, drop by Casa Pedrilla. This free museum recreates a traditional Cáceres home, complete with period furniture and everyday objects. Volunteers often share stories about how families once lived within the city walls. It’s especially good for kids, since exhibits are interactive and easy to follow. Because entry costs nothing, it’s an easy addition to any walking route through the old town. Plan for around thirty minutes here, and don’t be surprised if a friendly local pops in to chat, since the museum feels more like a neighbour’s house than a formal exhibit.
Torta del Casar
No trip to Cáceres is complete without tasting torta del Casar. This creamy sheep’s milk cheese comes from a nearby town and has a rich, slightly tangy flavour. Locals usually spread it on warm bread, or serve it as a starter with a drizzle of honey. You’ll find it on almost every tapas menu across the old town. Pair it with a glass of local Ribera del Guadiana wine for the full experience. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Extremadura is so proud of this cheese. Many bars near the Plaza Mayor serve it alongside cured Ibérico ham, another regional speciality worth ordering while you’re there.
Iglesia de San Francisco Javier
For the best views in the entire city, head to the Iglesia de San Francisco Javier. This baroque church sits at the highest point of the old town, so its twin towers rise above every other building. Visitors can climb up to a rooftop terrace between the towers for a genuinely stunning panorama. From here, you can trace the whole layout of the walled city below. Sunset is the best time to visit, when the stone glows gold in the fading light. Bring a light jacket even in summer, since the terrace catches a breeze that the streets below rarely feel.
Day Trip to Trujillo
If you have an extra day, consider a short trip to Trujillo, about 45 minutes away. This Renaissance town is famous as the birthplace of conquistador Francisco Pizarro, whose statue stands proudly in the main square. Wandering its cobbled streets feels similar to Cáceres, though on a smaller, quieter scale. You’ll find palaces, storks, and sweeping countryside views from the hilltop castle. It pairs perfectly with a longer stay in Cáceres and rounds out your picture of Extremadura’s history. If you have even more time, our 7-day itinerary for Extremadura covers plenty of other towns worth exploring.
Cáceres rewards slow exploration more than any checklist. Take your time wandering the old town, pausing for tapas, and climbing towers for those unbeatable views. Whether you’re drawn by history, food, or simply beautiful streets, this walled city delivers it all. Pack comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and let Cáceres surprise you at every turn.