Cádiz is a city full of surprises! We had arrived in the middle of one of Spain’s most vibrant festivals. The last day of Carnaval was in full swing and the streets were bursting with energy and noise. The crowd was thick, and the parade of floats around the Mercado Central de Abastos was mesmerizing. At times, the crush of people was overwhelming. This festival is definitely not for the faint-hearted!

We spent three days exploring Cádiz during February 2024 and our expectations were exceeded at every turn. Below are a few recommendations for where to stay, eat, drink, and what to do in this stunning city.

Cádiz is enchanting. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a rich history. Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and the Spanish Baroque era all left their mark. The city blends old-world charm with a vibrant modern culture. And it’s incredibly walkable. Narrow streets open up to sunlit plazas, while the sea is never far away.

Staying in Cádiz

The Parador Hotel Atlántico

We stayed at the Hotel Parador, a lovely 4-star hotel close to the Caleta beach and just 10 minutes walk to the cathedral

The location is ideal for exploring the city. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Carnaval pushed the price up for our first night but the following nights were reasonable and the final cost worked out at 400 euros for the three nights. This hotel is great value for money, and we would stay here again. Recommended.

Eating out in Cádiz

Mesón Cumbres Mayores – Calle Zorrilla, 4

On our first night, we wanted to dive into authentic local cuisine. Mesón Cumbres Mayores delivered just that. This cozy, rustic spot specializes in Andalusian dishes. We started with salmorejo, a cold, creamy tomato soup topped with jamón and egg. For the main course, we shared presa ibérica, a juicy cut of Iberian pork, grilled to perfection. It was served with simple fried potatoes.

To drink, we enjoyed a bottle of local fino sherry. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. Our meal came to €60.00 for two, including the sherry. Highly recommended.

Freiduria Las Flores – Plaza Topete, 4

No visit to Cádiz is complete without sampling the local fried seafood, and Freiduria Las Flores is the place to do it. This bustling spot serves up paper cones filled with freshly fried seafood. We ordered chocos (cuttlefish), pescaito frito (mixed fried fish), and calamares (squid). All of it was crisp and delicious. It’s simple food, but incredibly fresh and flavorful.

We grabbed a couple of cold beers and sat outside in the lively Plaza Topete. The total cost was €35.00 for two. A must-visit for seafood lovers.

Casa Manteca – Calle Corralón de los Carros, 66

One of Cádiz’s most iconic tapas bars, Casa Manteca, is a must for anyone wanting a true taste of local culture. The walls are covered in bullfighting memorabilia, and the atmosphere is lively. We tried the chicharrones (thin slices of seasoned pork belly in toasted bread), tortilla de camarones (shrimp fritters), and almadraba tuna from the nearby fishing village of Barbate.

El Faro de Cádiz – Calle San Félix, 15

For a more upscale experience, we dined at El Faro de Cádiz, a renowned restaurant that blends tradition with modern touches. We started with ortiguillas, fried sea anemones, a Cádiz delicacy, followed by arroz con bogavante (lobster rice). Every bite was divine, and the service was impeccable.

We paired our meal with a local Albariño wine. The meal was on the pricier side at €120.00 for two, but it was worth every penny. Highly recommended for a special night out.

Mercado Central de Abastos – Plaza de la Libertad

We always visit local markets, and Cádiz’s Mercado Central de Abastos didn’t disappoint. The market has lots of stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and more. We strolled through, admiring the bounty from the Atlantic—giant prawns, glistening tuna, and the famous cazon en adobo (marinated dogfish), a local favorite.

We stopped at the Rincón Gastronómico section of the market to sample some of the local dishes. We tried pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) and salpicon de marisco (seafood salad). Both were fresh and delicious. Highly recommended for food lovers.

Drinking in Cádiz

Taberna La Manzanilla – Calle Feduchy, 19

This small, traditional tavern is famous for its local manzanilla sherry. We stopped here for a drink and ordered a few small tapas to accompany our sherry—queso payoyo (local goat cheese) and morcilla de Cádiz (Cádiz-style blood sausage).

What to Do in Cádiz

Carnaval de Cádiz

If you’re in town during Carnaval, you’re in for a treat. Cádiz’s Carnaval is legendary, filled with vibrant parades, colorful costumes, and satirical performances. We were lucky enough to witness the final day of celebrations, known for the Humor Parade. The city’s streets were a sea of noise, laughter, music, and fun.

Later, we visited the Museo del Carnaval, (next to the Torre Tavira) which gave us deeper insight into the festival’s importance. Admission was free, and it’s well worth a visit to understand the cultural significance of Carnaval in Cádiz. Highly recommended.

The Cádiz audio guide

This was one of the highlights of our stay as it took us around the larger part of the city and to all of the main places and monuments to see. Its really easy to use as you just download the VoiceMap app to your phone, buy the tour (14 euros) and just follow the instructions. The tour starts at the top of the city by the Puertas de Tierra

Cádiz Cathedral – Plaza de la Catedral

Dominating the old town with its golden dome, the Cádiz Cathedral is a stunning mix of architectural styles. It took over a century to build, and you can see traces of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical influences.

We climbed the Torre de Poniente, one of the cathedral’s towers, for breathtaking views of the city and the sea. It’s a steep but manageable climb, with a ramp instead of stairs.

Walking along the Malecón

The Malecón, or seawall, offers one of the best walks in Cádiz. Stretching along the coastline, it offers stunning views of the sea, the cathedral, and the historic old town. We walked the full 8km circuit on our last day. which was flat and easy and also takes you past the really pretty Jardines de Alameda Apodaca and the port area.

Teatro Romano – Calle Mesón

Discovered only in 1980, the Teatro Romano is one of the oldest Roman theaters in Spain. It’s incredible to think that it lay hidden for centuries. Though only partially excavated, it’s still an impressive site.

Cádiz is a city that leaves an impression. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, vibrant festivals, or mouth-watering cuisine, there’s something for everyone. In just three days, we were able to experience a little bit of everything. However, we left feeling like we had only scratched the surface. We will definitely be back!

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