What to see in Cáceres in 2 days
Cáceres is one of the most beautiful and interesting destinations in Extremadura. Its historic monuments, mansions, cobbled streets and history have all helped make this city a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Old Town is a true marvel and a stroll through its narrow streets never fails to evoke the past. Follow our itinerary to make the most of your two days in Cáceres and ensure you don’t miss a thing. The capital of Extremadura will surprise you with its culture, history, magnificent monuments and excellent cuisine.
Itinerary day 1
9:30 -10:15
Breakfast in Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Cáceres’ main square and the city’s hub and meeting point for locals and tourists alike. It is a wide-open space flanked by white houses over bars and restaurants that are tucked in behind the columns on the ground floor. Begin your day with a good traditional regional breakfast, comprising toast with Iberian ham and Torta del Casar cheese, at El Pato restaurant.
10:30 – 11:30
Plaza Mayor de Cáceres
Plaza Mayor, Caceres’ main square is located just outside the walled historic centre. It is a charming place, surrounded by colonnades and white houses that contrast with the stone wall that acts as a boundary.
11:45 – 12:30
Cáceres Cathedral
Cáceres Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum are located in Plaza de Santa María. You can visit both, and even go up the bell tower for fantastic 360º views. Just next to cathedral, you will see the Episcopal Palace and Palacio de Hernando de Ovando, both of which date from the 16th century.
12:45 - 13:15
Palacio de Carvajal
Walk down Calle de la Amargura, and you will reach Palacio de Carvajal, one of the most important and interesting mansions in Cáceres. It is free to visit, so pop inside for a look at its pretty patio.
13:30 – 14:00
Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo
In Plaza de los Golfines, you will find this mansion where the Catholic Monarchs lodged when they visited Cáceres. Its main façade has a central body constructed with ashlars and with two side towers. The upper window is Gothic and under the windowsill you can see the coat-of-arms of the Golfin family, held up by two naked angels.
14:15 – 16:15
Restaurante El Figón de Eustaquio
Located at number 11 Plaza de San Juan, this long-running traditional restaurant uses only the highest-quality ingredients. El Figón de Eustaquio serves a wide range of traditional dishes, so you will be spoilt for choice. Its star attractions include expertly cut Iberian ham, and pork cheeks in wild-mushroom sauce.
16:30 – 17:00
Iglesia de San Francisco Javier
Back in the walled centre of Cáceres, head to Plaza de San Jorge. There you will find this Baroque church constructed in the 18th century. The church’s façade has a semicircular arch and a niche containing the image of San Francisco Javier (Saint Francis Xavier). It is flanked by two square towers.
17:15 – 18:00
Casa Museo Árabe de Yusuf Al Burch
If you walk down Cuesta del Marqués, you will reach the Yusuf Al Burch historic house museum, which dates back to the 12th century. This Moorish house has been restored and decorated authentically using the furnishings and architectural styles of the time. The house is said to be haunted by a resident ghost. It is also known as the ‘House of the Dead’.
18:15 – 19:15
Museo de Cáceres
In Plaza de las Veletas you will find Cáceres Museum, which houses a surprising Moorish cistern. The museum is located in the old Moorish alcázar called Palacio de las Veletas. The adjacent Palacio de las Cigüeñas has the tallest tower in the city.
19:30 -20:30
Convento de San Pablo and Old Jewish Quarter
Your next stop is the Convento de San Pablo (Convent of St. Paul) and Iglesia de San Mateo (Church of St. Matthew). Afterwards, head through the San Antonio district to the Old Jewish Quarter. En route you will pass seemingly endless palatial homes and mansions.
21:00 – 23:00
Restaurante en Terraza Colón
To round off your first day in Cáceres nicely, the restaurants of Hotel Barceló V Centenario are a perfect choice. Both restaurants – Terraza Barbacoa Colón and Hotel Barceló V Centenario – offer a wide range of range of dishes and typical products of the region of Extremadura, especially wines, Dehesa de Extremadura ham, cheeses and cold cuts.
Itinerary day 2
10.00 – 11.30
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Montaña
Located in the Sierra de la Mosca mountain range outside Cáceres, this sanctuary affords incredible views of the walled city. The complex was built in the 18th century for the veneration of the Virgen de la Montaña (Our Lady of the Mountains), the patron saint of the city since 1906. Inside it is Baroque in style, with a nave and a Churrigueresque altarpiece.
12:00 – 13:30
Cueva de Maltravieso
Visiting the Cave of Maltravieso is a journey back in time to the origins of the city of Cáceres. It is located in the city centre and boasts one of the most-striking examples of Palaeolithic art in Extremadura. Its walls are adorned with more than 30 depictions of hands and other engraved images. The 100-metre-long cave was discovered in 1951.
14:00 – 16:00
Restaurante La Esencia Extremeña
At number 1 Calle Alzapiernas, you will find the restaurant La Esencia Extremeña. This small and cosy establishment serves delicious dishes such as a regional variety of migas (delicious fried breadcrumbs), cold cuts of Iberian pork, and other traditional recipes.
16:15 – 17:00
Palacio de Godoy
Palacio de Godoy is a stately home built in 1545, and is one of the must-sees on any trip to Cáceres. As with many things in this city, the history of the building is linked to the voyages of discovery to the New World and the conquistadors.
17:15 – 17:45
Iglesia de Santiago
Make your way to Iglesia de Santiago de los Caballeros, a church built in the 12th century. It is a true architectural gem, but its crowning glory is its polychrome wooden altarpiece that was carved by Alonso Berruguete in the 16th century.
18:00 – 19:00
Parque del Príncipe
Parque del Principe is a refreshing green space at the heart of Cáceres. Take a pleasant stroll through its gardens, and explore the open-air sculpture museum and the botanical garden.
19:15 – 20:30
Shopping in Calle de los Pintores
Calle de los Pintores and the surrounding area is the city’s bustling shopping area. It is very close to the Plaza Mayor and is perfect for taking a break from browsing clothes and craft shops for a pre-lunch drink and appetiser at one of the bars.
21:00 – 23:00
Atrio restaurant
To end your visit to Cáceres in style, treat yourself to dinner in Atrio (1 Plaza San Mateo) – the only restaurant in Extremadura with two Michelin stars. Headed by local chef Toño Pérez, it represents dining at its finest and showcases a love for good food and the finer details. Prepare yourself for a true fiesta of flavours.