Famous mostly for its contributions to Spain’s significant historical events, the 3000-year old City of Cadiz invites visitors to explore its ancient streets and discover fascinating historical spots. There is a wealth of museums, magnificent cathedrals, ancient monuments and other interesting architectural sites to be found in Cadiz besides lovely beaches, tapas bars and restaurants offering the finest seafood and typical Andalusian cuisine. Cadiz has it all.

A visit to Cadiz may begin in Las Puertas de Tierra which literally means “The Doors of the Land”. This 16th century entrance separates the modern and old Cadiz. Cadiz is divided into two sections – the New Town and the Old Town. Las Puertas de Tierra formerly consisted of several stone layers but later renovations had to be done to ease traffic in the New Town.
By far the best known landmark in Cadiz is the impressive Catedral de Cadiz with its recognisable golden-brick dome. It was constructed over a period of 116 years beginning in 1776. The design of this imposing cathedral is Neoclassical and Baroque largely due to the different architects that supervised its long period of construction. In its crypt lies the remains of Manuel de Falla, Cadiz-born composer considered to be the greatest Spanish composer of the 20th century.

Just like the Catedral de Cadiz, Gran Teatro Falla was built for a period of 20 years and completed in 1905. It was earlier known as Gran Teatro but renovations in 1920 gave way to the new name Gran Teatro Falla in honour of Manuel de Falla.

At Plaza de Mina, itself a beautiful sight with its old colonial buildings lies the Museo de Cadiz. This museum is divided three sections – archaeological artifacts, Spanish fine art and ethnography. The archaeological displays include ancient Phoenician tombs while the fine arts section showcases works of Murillo, Alonso, Cano, Zurbaran and the world-renowned Quartet of Evangelists.

Oratorio de San Felipe Neri is not only a magnificent example of Baroque architecture but is also the site where Spain’s first liberal constitution was declared in 1812. The church’s interior is oval in shape topped by a large cupola and the image of the Immaculate Concepcion by Murillo displayed over the main altar.

Built in classic Baroque architecture, the Hospital de Mujeres was erected in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen. It has two beautiful courtyards and an imposing staircase.

La Torre Tavira is the tallest watchtower in existence in Cadiz. It was named after its first lookout, Antonio Tavira. The tower has a darkroom that houses the “Camara Obscura” made up of a pipe, magnifying lens and a concave drum which allows a panoramic view of the city reflected on the darkroom walls. The tower is now the headquarters of the Municipal Conservatory of Music of Cadiz.

Cadiz has also some of the loveliest beaches, seemingly endless miles of golden sand and crystal clear waters. Playa de la Caleta located in Barrio La Vina is one of the most popular beaches in Cadiz.

On top of all these, Cadiz has a vibrant shopping area. Its main shopping streets are San Francisco, Ancha and Columela.

Cadiz cuisine draws much from Phoenician, Roman and Moorish influences to produce a rich and sumptuous Andalusian dining experience.
Craving for authentic Andalusian cooking? Cadiz has plenty to offer. As Cadiz is close to the sea, its cuisine is predominantly about seafood. Cadiz offers savoury servings of oysters, squid, clams, shrimps, sea snails, prawns, lobsters and much more.

Pescadito frito (fried fish served Cadiz style) is a must-try Cadis seafood dish. There are numerous freidurias de pescado (fried fish bars peculiar to Cadiz) around town as well as stands along the beaches. From a window opening, you can buy a variety of fish fried in a batter served in a cartucho (thick paper funnel). Freiduria Las Flores in Plaza de las Flores is a must-stop for crunchy pescadito frito.

Other specialty seafood dishes are: abaja de pescado (fish stew filled with all the best ingredients there is in Cadiz); gambas al ajillo (garlic fried prawns); tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters); cazon en adobo (marinated dogfish); caldillo de perro (fish stewed in tangy orange juice) and bacalao en rosa verde (salt cod in vegetable and tomato sauce).

For meat lovers, Cadiz also serves guiso de rabo de toro (oxtail stew); perdiz estofada (partridge casserole) and other pork, lamb and chicken dishes. Not to be missed is gazpacho, the trademark Andalusian cold vegetable soup.

For desserts, Cadiz has alfajores (Arab pastries); turron (Spanish nougat); tocino de cielo (pudding made with syrup and egg yolk) and pestino (honey-coated fritters).

Tapas are small portions of local dishes served on a small platter usually eaten standing up and with a glass of beer or sherry on hand. Tapas may include slices of chorizo sausage, spicy prawns, slices of fresh squid and other foods mentioned above served with cheese and Iberian ham. Cadiz hosts the “Ruta del Tapeo” (Tapas Route), an annual contest where the city’s local restaurants and tapas bars compete for the title “The Best Tapas Bar” or the one with “The Most Unique Tapas”.

Cadiz cuisine is also influenced by the wine produced in the north of Cadiz known as the “Sherry Triangle”. Cadiz’ neighboring towns of Sanlucar de Barrameda, Puerto de Santa Maria and Jerez de la Frontera are homes to some of the most famous producers of wine and sherry.

For a taste of succulent Cadiz cuisine, the upmarket El Faro (San Felix 15) is a must try. It is one of the best fish restaurants in Andalusia. El Ventorillo del Chato on the road between Cadiz and San Fernando which dates back to 1780 offers a wide range of traditional Andalusian dishes and other Spanish favourites.
For budget meals, Plaza San Juan de Dios or the Calle Virgen de la Palma has several inexpensive restaurants. Plaza Tio de la Tiza, in the old fishing district near the beach, has various good fish eateries.

On the lookout for a tapas bar? Just walk around the city centre and take your pick. The tourist office in Plaza San Juan de Dios has maps of tapas bars belonging to the Ruta del Tapeo.

Enjoy your Cadiz gustatory treats!

In Cadiz, when the sun goes down, there is a cornucopia of nighttime delights to sample. You can head off to the tapas bars and mingle with ebullient customers spilled out onto the pavements. You can choose to chill out in the night clubs that stay open till the wee hours of the morning. You can also hie off to the beach bars (chiringuitos) for a few drinks. You can even take a leisurely boat trip around the coast. Whatever nocturnal activity you choose, you will surely have an enjoyable experience.

During winter, the plazas (squares) of the Old Town teem with night revelers. All the good bars are within easy walking distance from Plaza de Mina and Calle de Manuel Rances. O’ Connells on Plaza San Francisco is a great Irish pub. Marimba Bar on the beachfront is very popular with locals and tourists. Bar Jarra on Calle Jose Agullo plays some of the best Spanish music.

For tapas adventures, Casa Manteca in Corralon de los Carros 66 is a must-visit. It is the best known tavern in Barrio la Vina. It is also the hangout of local bullfighters and flamenco singers and dancers. Taps bars in the Plaza de San Francisco stay open until four in the morning. After that, locals and tourists head off to El Hoyo, a dance club in Calle Manuel Rances.

For serious partying, La Punta de San Felipe, the nightclub strip in Cadiz, is the place to be. Disco Sala Anfiteatro has resident disc jockeys dishing out hip dance music. El Malecon Sala Latino provides serious ballroom dancing.

During summer, focus shifts from the Old Town to the beachfronts. At night, the Paseo Maritimo seafront promenade resonates with life and energy. Locals and tourists converge in the beach bars for drinks and dance music. Others stay to watch the breathtaking sunrise. Beachfront nightspots include Barabass in Calle Munoz Arenillas known for its theme parties. Deep Ocean on Paseo Maritimo 28 is a favourite hangout of gorgeous models. La Cava on Calle Antonio Lopez is a cool flamenco club. Another seafront favourite is the intimate Woodstock Bar in the Edificio Europlaya, Paseo Maritimo 14. It attracts crowds in their 20s and 30s.