Visitors to Cáceres will find a clear focus in the walled Old Town, which they can complement with art, birdwatching and culinary discoveries. The city is easy to explore on foot. When planning your trip, consider whether you would like to focus on historic buildings, museums, or a combination of urban and nature-related experiences.
Old Town and architecture
The Old Town is a 9-hectare urban ensemble surrounded by a 1,174-metre-long wall. Its architecture combines Roman, Islamic, northern European Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles. This juxtaposition offers a way to explore different architectural traditions within the same historic centre, rather than limiting the view to a single period. The fortifications are also a distinct part of this history: the Walls of Cáceres are an exceptional example of the fortifications built by the Almohads in Spain. In this way, the variety of the Old Town stands alongside a striking example of Almohad military architecture.
Museums and cave art
The Casa de los Caballos building houses a permanent exhibition of archaeological, pictorial, sculptural and craft exhibits dating from prehistoric times to the 18th century. The exhibition spans a broad period and features different types of objects, offering a different perspective from the architecture outside. During the museum’s renovation, Spanish and Extremaduran art from the 19th to the 21st century was also displayed on the second floor, including sculptures, paintings and installations. If this art is a deciding factor in your visit, check the current exhibition programme in advance.
The Museo Helga de Alvear offers self-guided visits to the Helga de Alvear Collection and temporary exhibitions. Workshops and activities introduce visitors to contemporary art. Alongside the historic exhibits at the Casa de los Caballos, visitors can therefore explore changing and contemporary art themes; the two museums offer different ways to experience art in Cáceres.
Another focus of cultural history is the Cueva de Maltravieso. The cave is primarily a Palaeolithic sanctuary with negative handprints, some of which show incomplete fingers. The Centro de Interpretación Cueva de Maltravieso presents the cave using models, reconstructions and video projections. This makes it possible to explore the handprints as a specific feature of the cave and the centre’s visual presentation methods as a distinct way of interpreting them.
Film and birdwatching
For a different perspective on the city, the Ruta de Cine winds through cobbled streets to places where filming took place. The filming locations become the theme of a route through Cáceres, complementing its architectural appeal with a cinematic perspective. Bird enthusiasts can join ornithological walks and watch birds in Parque del Príncipe. The ZEPA Colonia de Cernícalo Primilla de la Ciudad Monumental de Cáceres bird protection area is also within the municipality of Cáceres.
The Festival de las Aves Ciudad de Cáceres includes guided routes and birdwatching at urban and nature-oriented locations. The specific programme varies by edition, so check the dates and activities for the relevant edition. Birdwatching options range from potential sightings in Parque del Príncipe to a festival programme featuring different types of locations.
Food and getting there
Typical specialities recommended in Cáceres include migas, Torta del Casar and morcilla patatera. The sweets made at the Convento de San Pablo are also well-known examples of convent baking. The culinary experience therefore includes both the specialities mentioned and sweet baked goods.
Cáceres railway station is about two kilometres from the historic city centre. Bus routes 1, 4 and 8 connect the station with the city centre, and their stops are the closest to the station. The bus therefore offers a direct connection to the centre, while Cáceres itself is easy to explore on foot. If you plan to take the bus, check the departure times for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Aldea Moret, La Garganta, Torre De Santa María, Guadalupe, Miajadas, Sierra De Fuentes, Navalmoral de la Mata, Caminomorisco.
Go to the main travel overview: Cáceres.
