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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Cuenca to Porto?
The direct drive from Cuenca to Porto is 453 mi (729 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 44 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Cuenca to Porto, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Madrid, Salamanca, Segovia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Coimbra, Avila, Aveiro, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Zamora, and Aranjuez, as well as top places to visit like Royal Palace of Aranjuez and Parque Warner Madrid, or the ever-popular Cervantes Birthplace Museum.
The top cities between Cuenca and Porto are Madrid, Salamanca, Segovia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Coimbra, Avila, Aveiro, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Zamora, and Aranjuez. Madrid is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Cuenca and 5 hours from Porto.
Aranjuez, a charming town in central Spain, is situated on the banks of the River Tagus. The Renaissance Royal Palace, influenced by French design, boasts an intricate facade and opulently adorned interior featuring a porcelain room. The surrounding grounds showcase ornamental gardens such as the Jardín de la Isla and the neoclassical Casa del Labrador in the Prince’s Garden.
Madrid is the central capital of Spain, famous for its elegant boulevards and manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. It's renowned for its rich European art collections, including works by Spanish masters such as Goya and Velázquez at the Prado Museum. The old Hapsburg Madrid boasts a portico-lined Plaza Mayor while the nearby baroque Royal Palace and Armory showcase historic weaponry.
Most popular city on this route
1 minute off the main route, 24% of way to Porto
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San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a municipality located in the Guadarrama mountain range of Spain. It houses the impressive Monastery of El Escorial, an exquisite complex built during the Renaissance era comprising of various courtyards and fountains. The Royal Library within it boasts of manuscripts from 15th and 16th century. Infante's House is another noteworthy attraction that was initially a hunting lodge for royals.
Segovia, located in central/northern Spain, is a province within the autonomous community of Castile and León. Bordered by several other provinces, it offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Exploring its hidden streets reveals intriguing anecdotes, stories, and lesser-known figures from the city's past. This includes tales of obscure kings and characters who have left their mark on Segovia's heritage.
6% as popular as Madrid
22 minutes off the main route, 35% of way to Porto
Ávila is the capital of the eponymous Spanish province and situated in the undulating terrain northwest of Madrid. The city boasts an unblemished medieval wall that comprises over 80 semi-circular towers with crenellations, along with nine gates such as the arched El Alcázar located on its eastern side. Visitors can walk along long stretches atop the walls during daytime, while at night, when illuminated, they offer a striking spectacle.
2% as popular as Madrid
2 minutes off the main route, 40% of way to Porto
I'll never travel to Porto without this trip planner again
Situated in the northwestern region of Spain, Salamanca serves as the capital of the province bearing its name and is located within the Castile and León area. This city boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient Celtic times, and it is recognized for its elaborate sandstone architecture alongside being home to one of Europe's oldest universities - Universidad de Salamanca.
Zamora, located in the Castile and León region of northwest Spain, is the capital city of Zamora province. The city center is situated on the north bank of Douro River and surrounded by well-preserved defensive walls and gates. One of its prominent landmarks is Zamora Cathedral which features a blend of architectural styles including Byzantine dome, Romanesque tower, and neoclassical cloister.
Situated in central Portugal, Coimbra is a former capital city with a charming medieval old town set alongside the river. The city boasts an esteemed university, which was constructed on the site of a previous palace and features notable landmarks such as the ornate Biblioteca Joanina library and an 18th-century bell tower. Meanwhile, in the old town area, visitors can discover the impressive Sé Velha cathedral that dates back to the 12th century and displays stunning Romanesque architecture.
4% as popular as Madrid
32 minutes off the main route, 85% of way to Porto
Aveiro, a Portuguese city situated on the western coast, is located along Ria de Aveiro lagoon. This area is known for its canals which are used to harvest seaweed and navigated by colorful boats called barcos moliceiros. The region also boasts of art nouveau buildings in its core, while the Cathedral of Aveiro with its prominent bell tower is not far away.
Vila Nova de Gaia is a central hub of the port wine industry, boasting numerous cellars offering tours and tastings to visitors. The area is also known for its sandy beaches like Praia da Madalena and scenic riverside road Cais de Gaia, with cafes offering expansive views across the Douro. Small restaurants in the old fishing village of Afurada serve grilled fish and seafood amidst picturesque tiled houses lining narrow streets.
5% as popular as Madrid
0 minutes off the main route, 98% of way to Porto
Best stops along Cuenca to Porto drive
The top stops along the way from Cuenca to Porto (with short detours) are Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, and Luís I Bridge. Other popular stops include Roman aqueduct of Segovia, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Plaza Mayor.
The Cervantes Birthplace Museum showcases reconstructed historical interiors and first editions in the home of the famed author of "Don Quixote." Visitors can witness authentic Spanish architecture from centuries ago without any admission fee. Located close to Madrid, Alcala de Henares provides a charming walking space with many dining options for tourists. Additionally, the museum offers a glimpse into Cervantes' life and era, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts.
I may as well post pictures of windmills (Consuegra, La-Mancha).
Sancho could be Samwise Gamgee if he had followed the right master. I’m just saying.
Silvia X — Google review
Amazing to visit a house so old that raised Cervantes! Very well preserved and organised! Free entrance! And there are statues of Don Quixote and Sancho in front of the house! Loved it!
Prashanti Fernanda Koch — Google review
Even if you didn't read his masterpiece, if you are eager to see how a spanish house looked like few centuries ago. Then this is a must seen. And remember that the town is not far from Madrid, offers a lovely walking space with many restaurants. And the entrance is free of charge.
Hagop Araklian — Google review
Nicely renovated place. It’s an impression of the time when Cervantes was born. Very important for Spanish culture. Museum visit is free.
Matthias Lehmann — Google review
Very cool, I didn't know who Cervantes was until after the visit but I learned a lot and enjoyed the entire exhibition. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Alcala, it's free too!
K — Google review
A must see when visiting Alcala de Henares. It’s amazing to go back in time where Cervantes lived. Free admission.
Honesty Is the Key! — Google review
Took the Cercanías bus to visit Alcalá de Henares for the day to visit the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. There was an interactive show, you get to explore the home, all for free. Expect a line, but it moves pretty quickly.
Carlyn M — Google review
Alcalá is full of wonders and this old house is without a doubt one of them. It is however insanely crowded by ruthless tourists who flock for a gratis experience. Not a must have
Krzysztof Nosek — Google review
Intersting, even if you are not a fan of Cervantes' work, seeing how one lived during that era is fascinating. Can you spot the English grammar error in the sign? Hopefully, this stimulates the local tourist authority to fix it. This is a university town, after all. Such visible errors are....ironic, to say the least.
Alex Bruno — Google review
Free! Interesting old family home with helpful staff. Circular burners for embers for heating. Plates for shaving/bleeding.l
Richard Leathem — Google review
Worth seeing and visiting! No long queues and you can visit any time during their open days. It is inside the old town
的心臟良好 — Google review
Excellent display of his tory as if you're going back in time beautiful surroundings
Marcus Hunter — Google review
Free yes free. Self guided tour of the home of the author of Man of La Mancha. The street it’s located on is loaded with little shops and cafes. It not a heavy tourist area so the crowds were manageable It’s worth coming here for a visit
Paul Hansen — Google review
In center of Alcalá you can find the Cervantes Birthplace house and museum. The entrance is free and you can learn and see how was the lifestyle at that time. Very interesting and a mandatory visit in Alcalá.
Rui Adão — Google review
Must see for Cervantes fans! His birthplace and family home. Nicely maintained. Furnished in the style of the 16th century. Entrance was free.
Marcus J — Google review
Must see if you are visiting Alcala. The entrance is free.
Ellie — Google review
Although the museum is not that big, it’s nice to see the birth place of the most famous Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes. It’s also very interesting to see what the place used to look like from the exhibits. If you are in the area, it’s definitely worth visiting.
Will C — Google review
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4.0
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C. Mayor, 48, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez, an 18th-century royal residence, boasts ornately decorated rooms including a dance hall and throne room. Originally commissioned by Philip II in 1561 to replace the old Aranjuez residence, the palace was completed by Philip V in 1715. The palace features over 300 rooms filled with royal ornamentation and is reminiscent of France's Versailles. Located near Madrid, it's easily accessible by train from Atocha station for a day trip.
If you have ever listened to the well-known "concerto de Aranjuez" by Joaquin Rodrigo, then this is definitely a destination not to be missed since it was the inspiration for the masterpiece of Rodrigo!
A wonderful town with the amazing palacio real plus various gardens surrounding it invite you for a walk ,preferably during spring !
Ken Konrad Kramer — Google review
Nice palace, definitely come visit it for free if you can. It's a bit small though, and one would expect the garden to be more well maintained.
There are around 10-12 rooms accessible by the public where the Spanish monarchs used to spend their time surrounded by luxury.
Ricardo Sandez — Google review
Far from the biggest or the best palace I’ve ever seen.
The palace has small gardens that need quite a bit of maintenance and uplifting. There are scattered hours in which the fountains are on which would be nicer, I guess, but the gardens aren’t much to write home about.
As for the interiors, there are some lovely rooms inside the palace — the most extraordinary being the Moorish-influenced one, which really is stunning. However, there are not many rooms that are accessible to the public via the route given. You can be done with the interiors of the palace within 45 minutes. At a push, you could spend 1.5 hours. The staff are nice enough but this is also yet another palace/museum in the wider Madrid area that does not allow photography inside. Bizarre considering other palaces in Europe allow photography and this palace was quite a bit quieter than others I’ve been to.
Facilities inside are also limited. I would suggest to visit if you’re a completist but you’d be better off going to the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo for a day trip.
R S — Google review
Nice place to visit over the weekend just make sure to book restaurant before going. Chances to find anything without reservation is close to zero. Beautiful parks and a little train to go around the town with a bit of insight about it.
Darusik1 — Google review
A great place to visit close to Madrid. Ticket was 9 EUR and there were no queues. For me the most unique and spectacular room was the Porcelain room. Simply amazing! I am just sorry I visited in wintertime and the fountains and gardens were not so splendid as in the summer. Overall worth a visit.
Kalina Bakalova — Google review
Majestic palace about an hour south of Madrid's center, that's well worth a day trip. I didn't manage to get to inside, but it is just a pleasure to wander around it's courtyards and alcoves, under it's many arches and through its adjacent gardens. The town itself is beautifully situated along a river and well worth a stroll through.
Stuart McCleane — Google review
I didn't get to explore inside the palace, but I really enjoyed wandering through the gardens at the palace. These gardens are not so much flower or vegetable gardens, but well manicured mazes of shrubs, some flowers, and small grassy fields. The lanes are all lined with beautiful full canopy trees.
There are a couple of rivers bordering the gardens and a passing waterfall. In the centers of the intersections of the walking paths or lanes there statues, gazebos, and fountains. On the street sides of the gardens there are hotels, shops, and restaurants and bars.
I recommend visiting in the fall or spring when the temperatures are not so not. Luckily, there is plenty of parking available, some of which is free.
Joshua Michail — Google review
Imposing palace but it didn’t quite do it for me. The gardens are great and it oozes opulence but there are only a few rooms (about 12) and they charge €9 for entry so I didn’t go in. The gardens are beautiful and the architecture is great but not quite up there with some of the palaces of Europe.
david howells — Google review
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is situated not too far from Madrid, an easy train ride away. Just head to the Cercanias station in Atocha early in the morning and get a round-trip ticket. There are several trains in each direction every day. Aranjuez can be done in a single day, assuming that you start early. You can visit the palace, then the gardens. There are also several choices for lunch in town. They're a little pricier than many places in Madrid because they cater mostly to tourists. They're still affordable. The Royal Palace is mostly about architectural perspectives. So your enjoyment will improve if you take a long walk around it. The rooms of the palace are richly decorated, but won't add much to your experience if you've visited similar palaces in Spain. Focus on the gardens which are inspiring, even if they need to be maintained better.
Georges Younes — Google review
It is a nice palace with many different rooms to experience. The gardens were nice, but many of the fountains were not operating when we went.
Kyra Morris — Google review
It walk through the palace gives you a perfect 'picture' of the extravaganza of royal monarchs in Spain and in the world, in the past and today. The splurge, the excessive, the extreme. Based on what?
Mattew 23: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven."
Monserrate Malave — Google review
This palace was so beautiful. Sadly, they don't let you take pictures of the inside rooms, but it is worth the trip the gardens are impressive and accessible too.
marcela pena — Google review
Beautiful, well preserved palace with many original furnishings and breathtaking paintings on the walls and ceilings. Each room is described in both Spanish and English. Well worth the visit. Free visit on Sundays. Note: photography is not permitted once you enter the palace rooms.
Julie Amelkin — Google review
1. No photo inside (
2. it’s not too interesting for my opinion (
3. The most coolest places are outside and free of charge)
ekaterina Na — Google review
Really nice place with beautiful gardens. Shame the fountains are not always on, especially on the warmest of days.
I have attached a photo which shows which people get concessions, otherwise it's €9 to enter the actual building. We arrived a little late to do so, although I have been before many years ago.
We did do a walk around the gardens and enjoyed the scent of the roses and seeing the little birds in the aviary.
Bear in mind, in the summer it is very hot and often little in the way of shaded areas in some parts of the grounds, however under the trees its a few degrees cooler and rather pleasant.
Really worth the visit, very historical and quite romantic. The walks alongside the river are also very nice and I did see some people enjoying jumping from the bridge into the river and also other swimming. I'm not sure how safe that is however so I would ask locals before doing so.
There is also a boat trip along the river where you can also see the sights, but best to book as it was already fully booked the day we went.
Sabrina Fenn — Google review
Nestled along the banks of the Tagus River, Aranjuez exudes charm, history, and natural beauty. As I navigated its streets virtually through Google Maps, I was captivated by the rich tapestry of sights and experiences this Spanish gem offers.
Aranjuez is renowned for its breathtaking Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site I enjoyed virtually touring. The intricate architecture and lush gardens surrounding the palace are a testament to Spain's royal heritage and left me in awe of the country's rich history.
When my friends and I were trolling along the Calle de la Reina, I felt as though I was transported back in time. The quaint streets lined with traditional Spanish houses and vibrant cafes exude a timeless charm that is truly enchanting. Using Street View on Google Maps allowed me to immerse myself in the bustling atmosphere of Plaza de San Antonio, where locals and tourists gather to soak in the vibrant culture of Aranjuez.
One of the highlights of my virtual journey was exploring the Jardín del Príncipe, a sprawling garden oasis that spans over 150 acres. The meticulously landscaped gardens, adorned with elegant fountains and tranquil ponds, offer a serene escape from the bustle of city life. Thanks to Google Maps' satellite view, I could appreciate the grandeur of these gardens from above, marveling at their intricate design.
In addition to its architectural wonders and natural beauty, Aranjuez is also a haven for gastronomes. Google Maps led me to discover many authentic Spanish restaurants where I could indulge in delicious tapas and regional specialties.
My virtual exploration of Aranjuez through Google Maps gave me a profound appreciation for this hidden gem of Spain. From its historic landmarks to its picturesque landscapes and culinary delights, Aranjuez truly deserves to be experienced. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a food enthusiast, Aranjuez has something to offer everyone, making it a must-visit destination on any traveler's itinerary.
John Ruiz (mh3mh0) — Google review
The palace is not very beautiful from the outside, but at the back there are large areas for walking and are quite nice. Worth seeing. You can see peacocks in the gardens
Wojciech Zawadzki — Google review
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4.5
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Pl. de Parejas, s/n, 28300 Aranjuez, Madrid, Spain
Parque Warner Madrid is a well-known theme park in San Martin de la Vega, with various areas dedicated to different themes and attractions inspired by Batman. It offers several thrilling roller coasters and rides suitable for both children and adults. Nearby is the popular Batman - La Fuga ride, just a short walk away. Visitors can expect an enjoyable day exploring all the park has to offer, including its many entertainment options.
The go-to park! I normally go every year with my fiends and it’s already a tradition! The attractions are fun and amazing, the environments are super cozy and immersive. The Halloween theme last year was amazing and I’m really looking forward to go experience it again this year, and also the new Batman roller coaster 🎢 Also loves the Oreo yogurt ice cream!
Miguel Henriques — Google review
We went at the end of August 2021 / Covid. The rides were very cool, very much nostalgia / I feel like a lot of the rides have not changed in decades... I appreciate the estimated times for waiting in line in front of each ride (although oftentimes the estimation seemed kind of arbitrary). There were tons of people on a Sunday, a good number of which were not wearing a mask (at all / properly), but the workers at each ride were obliged to disinfect everyone's hands before each ride. They were all very friendly and I thought the photos at the entrance were quick/friendly and a nice souvenir, surprisingly well done and highly appreciated.
The stunt show was pretty cool, it seems like there was a lot more set up that they didn't use (flipping a car, falling/jumping from a building.. my partner told me about the show he saw years ago and then they did more..) the parade at the end was cute too- it seems like they offer a lot of options for kids! Rides and the parade.
Areas of improvement: cleanliness of bathrooms, app and signs also in English.
Amanda Majorowicz — Google review
Great park.. rides are really great if you like adrenaline.
Overall park was good also... But lines were disorganized...if you ever been to disney you will see the difference.
Cheaper if you buy entrance in advance.
Cibele Kehl — Google review
All is wonderful. Booked general tickets and platinum pass, they are convenient. My fav rides are Stunt Fall and Gotham City Escape! If you are non Spanish, the app is only in Spanish, so instead use any web browser for their website for the pass and activate the translation. The most efficient and carefully designed rides that fit most people with limitations.
E A — Google review
Very nice experince! The first time for me i try roller coaster and it was incredible!i liked all the park!
Tarek Molke — Google review
A good Themed park near Madrid. It's around 30 Kilometers away from Madrid, working hours in march was 12 to 9pm. It wasn't enough for using all facilities and Attraction of park, also parking fee is 13 Euro
shahab jalali — Google review
We visited the park on the second day of Easter and it was not that crowded. We had VIP tickets purchased online and had to go to their office right after the park entrance to get the bracelets. There was a bit of a que, we waited more than 15 minutes. There we found out that the skip the line option attached to our tickets allowed us to benefit of this only one time per each attraction and this was a bit dissappointing considering the price we paid for the tickets. We bought there a photo pass that costs 25 Euros and definitely worth but be aware that it is actually applicable only for one family member and that person needs to appear in each and every photo, otherwise it cannot be used (e.g. we wanted our child to take a picture alone with Tweety but in the end we had to pay for it because the person from our family having the bracelet did not appear in it. ) So, a bit of a dumb rule, since a photo pass should be applicable for all family members. In terms of attraction they are cool, but some of them not really suitable for kids (e.g. House of Terror, big carousel). In terms of transportation from Madrid, there are some connections but not really that often. We took an Uber and got there in 30 minutes from the center of Madrid. All in all, the park is nice, has enough restaurants (some if them offerring also gluten free options) and worth a visit. For us one day was enougb to cover most of the attractions, but definitely skip the line option helped achieving that.
Sunny Rux — Google review
Great day!
Good to know: you can leave your car in the parking lot and have some lunch in car and at any time you can exit, go lunch, and then return inside to your amusement. Don't forget to talk to the staff and ask for a stamp in your hand in order to come back in!
Food is expensive. A chocolate/Nutela gofre is about 4,5€. A coke zero 33cl in a vending machine is about €3,70.
Attention to the closing time: more or less at 1930 a parade begins with the cartoons and at that time all the amusements start closing. So if you think you can enjoy the last thirty minutes in a repeat mode for example, forget it.
Parking lot is cheaper when bought online through the app for example.
Pedro Santos — Google review
-Too small teatro! We can watch show only at our 2 visit after summary 2 hours waiting (( good eating is in Starbucks only, but you have to wait too. Wait everywhere even on Sundays evenings
+Good decorations for Christmas and Halloween! Good attractions zones for all ages!
ekaterina Na — Google review
Been here in opening day on 25/02/22, many restaurants and shops were closed and in general the energy and atmosphere of the park wasn't very exciting. The roller-coaster are great but after 2 hours we were bored. We didn't stay for the shows as it was for limited amount of people due to covid and saw people that didn't get in after waiting in line for long time. I think they need to take care of the existing activities as it all pale and need paint and refurbishment. I think it's nice for kids but for adults half a day will be enough.
Yasmine di Cesare — Google review
As someone who would consider visiting theme parks a hobby this park left something to be desired
Pros:
-easy to navigate and everything in close distance
-friendly staff
-some examples of good theming, especially loony tunes land for the kids
-the stunt show
Cons:
-rollercoasters look tired and need licks of paint
-rollercoasters all felt quite similar, and all very 'rickety' and uncomfortable - no 'smooth' coasters here
-hard to get to on public transport
Wouldn't go again unless they got some AMAZING new rides
Chris boardman — Google review
Fantastic place, great rides. Clean, plenty of restaurants and ice-cream corners. Visited with family (2boys,13&10yo). Felt like being on a movie set. Don't miss the stunt show. It will blow your mind
Marta Bathla — Google review
It was just ok. The new batman ride, old superman and wooden coaster were great (I love the thrills on that XD), but the rest just meh 😛
Tomasz Bochenek — Google review
Must go if you wish to spend an awesome time with the family on a holiday. I went to a rollercoaster for the first time, and I thought it was the toughest one... Man, I'm not getting on that batman one, that's terrifying.
Diego Jaramillo — Google review
A great day out.
VERY DISAPPOINTED with the reusable Cup offer, we bought 3 and the machines are very few and far between.
1 machine didn't work but blocked the cups for an hour more.
We were so thirsty we had to buy drinks, it was a big con really and we'll never do it again.
The park itself is great.
Andrew Gregory — Google review
One of the most important theme parks in Spain. I always enjoyed the park. The new roller coaster BGCE is awesome and really intense. Express Coaster is not killing you anymore and you can enjoy the ride. If you jump in the water rides, be careful, you will finish really soaked. With the Fast Pass you can ride everything for a reasonable price and also you can pay just for individual rides. Prices for food and drinks are good. Attention and attendance are excellent.
Gonzalo Gancedo — Google review
So so. It was good. But you pay full price, they only open at 12 and most of the restaurants are closed. Also, they don't allow food in which, for a family of 5 plus grandma is a lot of money and you barely have options.
The rest is actually good because they have many attractions for all our kids hitting all different ages. But, again, no shows because it is not a full normal day.
So, either you drown un people and have all the options or you have more of a quiet day but with a reduced experience.
Daniel Martínez Maqueda — Google review
Loved all the rides
The new Gotham city Escape is the best of all!
Don’t miss all the Rollercoasters, each one of them gives you an unique experience!
Very few wet rides as they have a separate part for that!
Lot of shows around the park, checkout for the timings and watch them!
Rengarajan Kalidoss (Renga) — Google review
Great place to visit no matter what age you are! Although I did find the ride Coaster Express an absolute living nightmare. I did see the reviews on it that were terrible and my partner just wanted to try it as he thought it would be funny but there is no support for your neck at all, I didn't care the fact that the wooden roller coaster was old and basically warped but every corner felt like we were going to de-rail and it was squeaking at one point and shaking so much that I felt like I was in a tumble dryer. Please don't take your children on and elderly people really suffered with their necks. Other than the park is nice! It was of course a bit over priced with the food situation but it's as expected. Not many food places were open at the same time so there was queues just to get into restaurants and it was 42 degrees so we just got a Starbucks and some vendor food. Would definitely recommend 2 days if you want to visit the theme park and beach due to queuing.
Bobby Walker — Google review
Nice atmosphere. Recommended, though get far from the stunt fall and batman scape whatever. It’ll ruin your back, mind and throat because of the scream u will have; but the water rides were amazing!
Mahoor Kaffashian — Google review
Overall a good park however some things could have been better. Food selection was quite poor (not many restaurants open) and as I came on a hot sunny day, I felt that some queues did not have enough shade. Coming here with public transport is a pain (metro can bring lots of people to an intermittent station, but bus can only take a certain amount of people to the park, I ended up paying for a taxi since the bus was full.)
Jan Jerina — Google review
Very underwhelming and disappointing. I expected the park to have creative ideas to match the theme. Not worth the money at all.
Jaded — Google review
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3.5
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A-4, salida 22, 28330 San Martín de la Vega, Madrid, Spain
El Retiro Park is a 19th century park with a boating lake and rose garden, as well as numerous fountains and statues. It is near the Prado Museum and was a royal property until the end of the century. If you're visiting Madrid with children, paddling on the Grand Pond next to the monument of Alfonso XII is fun.
A vast, beautiful open-air free park that is a must-visit place in Madrid. There are dozens of different locations inside the park itself which in itself are worth visiting.
Out of these places I greatly recommend trying the boats in the lake - great fun, especially with friends.
The Cecilio Rodriguez gardens and the Crystal Palace are also great locations for some stunning pictures.
Be prepared to spend more than a few hours in the park. I’d even recommend spending a whole day in it, absolutely worth it.
Kristiyan Kovachev — Google review
One of the most beautiful parks I have been to! Very big, green and well maintained. It has a rose garden, big lake where you could ride a boat and many other things to see! Great place for walk and relaxation! It feels amazing in the summer and spring!😊 I would visit again!
Slavina Stoykova — Google review
A very nice park. Clean, beautiful, alive, a nice place to read a book in quite areas under the trees. Good place to relax, take a nap or spend time alone or with friends.
Vilma Peccin — Google review
A huge, peaceful park in middle of Madrid… we run in the park in morning after then we walk around at noon, although we couldn’t visit every touristic spot. Lots of beautiful, well detailed statue in here. I suggest that every tourist should visit and spend some time in El Retiro Park to relax.
Kadri Çakal — Google review
Beautiful place! Wear comfy shoes, as rocks can get in your sandals. There is plenty to see and plenty places to sit. highly recommend doing a picnic. Also, the glass house was under renovation, so double check that its open if you want to see that.
Y — Google review
It is a huge park with many things to discover while strolling around. Very relaxing and serene place in the middle of a very busy and popular tourist city. A perfect escape through nature. A must visit while in Madrid.
Mirela Krauss — Google review
This is one of the best spots in Madrid. A huge, open air, free park for everyone to visit.
It features water fountains, monuments, sculptures, playgrounds and also little cafes and ice cream shops that make for the best place to stroll around and enjoy a nice day out.
There is no toilet paper in the restrooms so be warned.
Be ready to walk and get lost in this beautiful place.
Adriana Perez — Google review
An incredible city park! It's large, well maintained, and very family friendly. It's great for running, walking, picnics, and dog walking. There are so many areas that are all structured for varying activities and interests. There are play areas for younger kids, green spaces for whatever suits you, and workout areas if that's what you're looking for. All and all I'm very impressed.
Ken Weary — Google review
Originally I wasn't planning on going, but I had a fantastic time! The park is very well maintained, quiet, and peaceful. There's so much to see, and so many animals everywhere! We saw many peacocks and stray cats, and the pond outside the Crystal Palace was filled with ducks, swans, fish, and turtles. The gardens are beautiful, and no tickets/admission fees are necessary! There's lots of shade, so even in hot weather, you can get out of the sun and enjoy a picnic. Highly recommend!
Maggie Kiara — Google review
Great park, very big and lots of greenery. There are many fountains and small places of interest to stop by. At a very central location in the city and very accessible, to families, tourists and a great place for going out on a run or exercising.
Aya Meshulam — Google review
I visited Madrid in August of this year (2023) and this was the perfect park to visit in the city centre. There are several tourist attractions, seating areas, ponds and food stands in this park. You can even go kayaking in the main pond. The ponds have several animals in them such as ducks, geese, carp and even turtles. The wooded areas have loads of birds including parakeets, nuthatches, magpies, starlings, blackbirds and loads more! It is an amazing location for those who like nature, birdwatching or walks. I would highly recommend.
Andrew F — Google review
Beautiful urban oasis in Madrid to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city life of Madrid. Free entry with plenty of historical monuments and statues to view and a nice lake. Anytime is good to visit - I went at sunrise and it was very quiet, tranquil with plenty of good photo opportunities and very few visitors. The park should be on any person's must see list on a visit to Madrid.
Mike Sampson — Google review
Very beautiful. It's perfect for taking pictures. It was huge and it had many gates inside and outside. It's very close to Metro and bus station. The crystal palace is inside along with a museum if you want to visit them as well. Entrance is for free but I'm not sure about the museum or the Palace.
There are some cafes as well inside.
nora shoieb — Google review
A very expansive space with amazing tree lined pathways and places to rest. I feel very comfortable and safe walking alone here. There’s even amazing places to view art. It really is one of Europe’s grandest urban outdoor spots. A nice place to wander around and enjoy nature in the heart of Spain’s bustling capitol.
Irwin Mier — Google review
A famous spot you must visit when you come to Madrid with plenty of beautiful areas to relax and meet up with friends.
Free to access and easy to get to.
A lot nicer in the spring or summer, but still a great spot in the winter.
R — Google review
This park reminds me of Central Park in NYC, but a smaller version and it’s just as beautiful. I loved walking around here and taking in the various monuments, the large pond surrounded with people and also filled with people on the water. The vibes here were immaculate and if you’re looking to do something in Madrid or just wanting to relax then this is the place to be!
Waleed — Google review
Peaceful walk around this lovely park. Interesting follies to look at while strolling the different pathways. There are lots of staff keeping the park litter free and tidy. In the middle there is a lake where you can hire rowing boats for 45 minutes, or purchase a coffee from one of the many vendors and watch the day go by.
Ells Walker — Google review
Retiro Park is one of my most favorite places in Madrid - serene urban oasis, lush greenery and very tranquil ambiance!Amazing gardens, super scenic lake, and lots of iconic monuments! Make sure you book a boat ahead of time, it is a great experience!
J • B • — Google review
A must visit in Madrid. Such a large beautiful park with so much history. I went here twice and only got to cover a part of the park. It's a nice place to just walk around, have a jog, people watch or read. It's a well maintained park but also do your part and keep the park clean :)
Candice — Google review
Large park conveniently accessed by public transit. There's a pond where you can rent row boats, several different snack food places, etc. A great place to run, walk or just relax away from the sounds of the busy city. To give you an idea of the size, a run around the park perimeter will be nearly 5km (3 miles).
Stephen Jutton — Google review
What a beautiful park! Probably my favorite place in Madrid! A really beautiful oasis in the middle of the city with a big pond, plenty of statues and lots of greenery.
Elia — Google review
This is a wonderful green space in the city of Madrid.
The park is so big that you could spend the entire day here. There are beautiful statutes, paddle boats, mini waterfalls, rose garden, and roaming peacocks!
lm c — Google review
Loved it! Huge park with such a variety of things to see as well as various individuals with some unique acts, such as glass playing. The peacocks were a wonderful surprise.
Nikki Parker — Google review
I can’t wait to come back when the leaves are green. Beautiful gardens and full of places to eat, picnic, play, run, and just unwind. The architecture inside the park is stunning and the layout is gorgeous. Perfect for all ages.
The Museum of National art, Prado houses a vast collection of paintings from the 12th century to the 20th century, with some masterpieces such as "The Descent from the Cross" by Roger van de Weyden and "Las Meninas" by Velazquez. The museum is open every day except three holidays: Jan 1, May 1 and December 25.
Walking this place was such a powerful experience, I've never felt my hair raising from looking at a painting. I literally shed some tears with some of these pieces...amazing collection of priceless art. Go in the afternoon for shorter lines and cheaper entrance fee. Ask the staff questions, they are really helpful. The place is clean, the lighting is amazing and the overall elegance is just superb! Best museum I have ever been. Go, don't miss it...
Jose Ricardo — Google review
It is okay. Many of the pictures are very samey, there are hundreds of portrait pictures in there. It is a great museum but I think perhaps people set the expectations too high for it. If you are here for multiple days, I would recommend perhaps spacing it out over several days during the free hours from 6:00 to close at 8PM. You still have to reserve your free ticket online. You're not allowed to take pictures but I was able to take these before they told me no.
Prue — Google review
A must visit while in Madrid for art lovers, buy your tickets in advance at the official site. Photos are not permitted in the main galleries. Huge crowds around the famous Prado at works but with a little patience you can work your way to get a good viewing. Highly recommend the guided tour which will ensure you view at least 4 or 5 of the famous works.
M Preciado — Google review
It’s a nice museum with many great artworks of the history but I found it way too overcrowded and overwhelming. Would recommend to go to the Thyssen museum instead. Also, they don’t allow to take pictures inside. If you do plan to go, consider spending at LEAST half a day. It’s a huge museum with lots of artwork and history to assimilate. It also has a nice cafeteria to have break while you visit.
David Delgado — Google review
Prado Museum is probably one of the top highlights of your visit on multiple trips to Madrid. The art work is very impressive and could easily compared to other top national galleries in the world. It has a great collection of the most famous Spanish artists and I would suggest to break your visit to multiple days.
I was able to take a few shots that probably will not represent the richness of the general exhibition alone.
We were lucky not spend too much time in a line up. However, I would recommend buying tickets in advance.
I hope you enjoy your visit. Thank you!
David Beilis — Google review
I visited the museum and used the 2 hour self guided tour as shared on the museum website. It was super helpful as the museum artworks are exhaustive and you could spend hours and hours.
I had bought my ticket online so the entry was super smooth! I do recommend doing this as the entry lines can get long, and it is quite hot especially in the summers!
The museum has a couple of cafes which are perfect for taking breaks in between.
Sania Dewan — Google review
Beautifully laid out museum with so much to see. We were surprised to stumble upon a Picasso out of nowhere. Remember: you are NOT allowed to take photos of the artwork.
Also, they were running a combo deal: 24€ for general admission and a Prado book. It was a great buy! General admission is normally 15€ and the book retailed at the gift shop for 24€ alone.
gabby sm — Google review
Way too much to see for a regular visit. Would recommend to get the overview map and pick a few favorites to go see because it would likely take a day or more to do it all justice. Though for only 15 euro a return visit another day is a good option.
Particularly wanted to see the Goya's Black paintings. They had a room of their own with a very atmospheric display.
The museum in parts was busy but set up big enough that it didn't feel too crowded.
Ellen Van Rooijen — Google review
Came here on a free day and the line went around the building. We were discouraged by the line and while we debated on where else to go we noticed the line was moving consistently, so we decided to try. 20 mins later we were in! The line moves fast. The ticket booth hands out only one ticket per patron, so make sure your entire party is with you. Photography is not permitted in some galleries. Overall, a beautiful museum with an excellent collection.
ray tsang — Google review
Finally I get to see the real painting of Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights! It’s hard to imagine someone from the 1400s painted this! And of course, the museum also housed many other famous paintings! This is the reason why I’m in Madrid! Mission accomplished. No photo taking in the museum though I saw some did… not my problem 🤣
La Madame NomNom — Google review
Fantastic museum with beautiful collection. One should plan 3 - 4 hours to see everything without pacing. The only disappointing thing is the entry - this could be definitely organized better, also another point - the map of the museum could be also designed somehow better with a kind of route to follow. Sometimes you need to wonder in which room exactly you are. Minor improvements, but above all - absolutely worth visiting
Piotr M. Romaniuk — Google review
This museum is incredible,it is the must to do in Madrid ! Obviously, the museum is huge, so if you want to enjoy every corner of it, it will take time. At least 3h in your day is great ! The plan and the organisation of the rooms are a bit messy, so make a list of artwork you want to see if you are in a hurry. Take your ticket in advance if you can. Don't forget to visit the shop, nice souvenir to buy. The staff inside were all very kind.
Billy Silsatanak — Google review
Great museum to visit, especially for lovers of art between the 15th to the 20th century emphasis on religious art. The museum showcases paintings and sculptures from famous artists such as Goya, Caravaggio and more.
Taking photos is not permitted once inside.
Ilan Kader — Google review
great and enormous art collection. one of the best museums in the world. i recommend having the tickets bought to enter without lines. the visit time is minimum 2/3 hours. important: no photos allowed inside the museum
Erico Rocha — Google review
One of the biggest museums of art I saw.
Take your time if you enjoy paintings, because there are a lot, and I mean a lot, of them!
I recommend it. Its free at the last 2 hours of the day, but prepare yourself to wait.
Daniel Lambuça — Google review
IMO, a must-visit museum in Madrid. There are many things to see and the good news is the exhibits are well organized. Strictly prohibited to snap photos although I saw several sneaking shots. Just avoid getting caught. 😄
Don’t forget to pick up a brochure at the information counter which is available in several languages. It’s quite handy as it provides the layout of the museum and the star pieces in each room. Hence, if you don’t have an entire day free to inspect each piece of artwork, make sure to view the most important or significant artwork in a room. That’s what we did and it saved us a lot of time while enjoying the best works of renowned masters.
M B — Google review
Amazing, well worth a visit, great collections. Can easily spend a day wandering around. Buy tickets in advanced. Cloak room had space for large heavy rucksack but cannot guarantee when busy.
James Belcher — Google review
It’s a gorgeous museum with a great collection. Unfortunately, we had issues trying to buy tickets online (they charged me but never emailed the tickets), and then we were yelled at for trying to take a photo. I’ve been to multiple art museums and have never experienced the no photo rule, so this should be MUCH clearer and marked with signs instead of shouting staff.
August M — Google review
Prado is one of the best museum I ever been. Amazing collection. Good advice - buy tickets online to avoid time waste in a long queue. You can definitely save an hour.
Alexey Tee — Google review
While I admire the richness of the Prado Museum's collection, the visitor experience here needs improvement.
Despite buying tickets online in advance, we were waiting to enter about 50 minutes. Security check was slow, if employees were not speaking with each other it could be faster. However, we came around 13 and when we left the building after 16 the queue for entrance were much smaller, so maybe it is a good idea to come in the late afternoon.
Navigating through the museum is also a bit chaotic. We were able to find all the pictures we were interested in, but got lost on the way out.
The web site of the museum is really great through.
Tatiana Gangina — Google review
Better purchase tickets online, but be aware of an extra commission which is still worth it as the queues to the ticket office might get very long.
The museum is an art overdose. It features works of world famous artists including such names as Raphael, Titian, Goya, Velázquez, Caravaggio, Rubens, Tenier, Bosch and many others.
Stas Medvedev — Google review
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4.5
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C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
The Plaza Mayor is an 17th-century square located in La Latina, Madrid. It is a popular tourist destination and the scene of many ceremonial events, such as the proclamation of a new king. The plaza was rebuilt after a fire in 1790 and now features colorful paintings inside Casa de la Panaderia.
Amazing square with magic atmosphere. Great architecture in the heart of the city. Has many exits/enters and beautiful at any time of the day. In the evening becomes crowded. Wonderful place to have dinner.
Gulnara Sagdieva — Google review
The best place to finish your experience in Madrid. Just sit at any restaurant during the evening, get a drink and watch how the plaza comes to life. 😉
Relax here if you're tired from lots of walking the city too.
Just avoid the vendors and folks dressed up in characters, they're only interested in what is in your wallet.
Jeff O — Google review
A nice square with a lot of restaurants, gift shops and chocolatiers. It helps to have a guide explain the history behind this square. Otherwise, it’s not very special but it’s a good place to check out the variety of goods available.
Elizabeth Tan — Google review
My visit to Plaza Mayor in Madrid was a delightful experience filled with vibrant energy and cultural charm. As the largest plaza in Madrid, it offers a bustling hub of activity with numerous restaurants and shops, perfect for indulging in traditional Spanish cuisine and picking up souvenirs.
Exploring the plaza in the morning was a treat, with the gentle hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike setting a lively tone for the day. However, my evening visit left me wishing for more lighting to showcase the plaza's architectural beauty and create a more enchanting ambiance after dark.
Despite this, Plaza Mayor offers ample opportunities for memorable experiences, whether it's donning traditional Spanish attire for a fun photo op or sipping on classic Spanish drinks while soaking in the atmosphere. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and heritage of Madrid.
Joe Aldas — Google review
Iconic square near my hostel, one of the most famous squares in Europe. I went when there was a Christmas market, and while it was a nice cultural experience as it was my first Christmas market, the merchandise was quite mid. Love the location and proximity to other famous places.
Irwin Mier — Google review
Beautiful square. Lots of visitors milling around. It was nice to see the newly weds appearing on the balconies of one of the buildings, with people cheering and clapping. Plenty cafes and restaurants to sit and enjoy the view, in the square and down the side streets.
Ailsa Brady — Google review
Very exciting square! There's lots of shops in and around the square, and there's a lot to do. Very beautiful structures as well. It can get a little busy during certain times of the day. But definitely worth checking out and going to the various shops. There's even a rubber duck shop!
David Nagel-Nunez — Google review
We arrived on late November and there is already a Christmas market opened with booths selling decorations and toys. It is all quite christmassy but do not expect it to be spectacular. It was nice to spend like 15-20 minutes here.
Kero Chan — Google review
Historic center. Bustling square. Beautifully kept buildings. So much to see nearby. It’s a must on your visit to Madrid. Grab a table at a cafe, any cafe, order a beverage and take a moment.
David Wright Gibson — Google review
Beautiful plaza with a lot of great energy. Lots of people, but the plaza is so big it didn't feel too crowded -We were there end of March. It feels good here, there are street artists playing music or dancing, and people seem to come here just to relax and eat some tapas. I would come back here
Sandra Mack-Valencia — Google review
Plaza Mayor in Madrid is a vibrant and bustling square that offers a delightful experience to visitors. The enchanting ambiance is complemented by a varyety of restaurants and shops within and around the area, catering to all tastes. Its central location makes it easily accessible by various means of transportation. A visit during the evening is highly recommended when the square comes alive with the glow of lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The combination of history, culinary delights, and the enchanting evening lights makes Plaza Mayor a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the heart of Madrid. Have a Sangria with Jamon watching the plaza, it´s very nice!
Igor Kalassa — Google review
The Plaza Mayor in Madrid is an absolute must-visit when exploring the heart of this vibrant city. Stepping into this historic square feels like stepping back in time, and it's a true treasure trove of Spanish culture and history.
The architecture is simply breathtaking, with its stunning frescoes, intricate details, and the iconic red façade of the surrounding buildings. It's the perfect spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
The atmosphere here is electric, with street performers, musicians, and artists adding to the lively ambiance. Grab a seat at one of the many outdoor cafes and enjoy some delicious Spanish cuisine while people-watching – it's an experience you won't forget.
Plaza Mayor also hosts various events and markets throughout the year, making each visit unique. Whether you're here during the holiday season with the dazzling Christmas market or during the summer months when the square is bustling with activity, you'll always find something exciting happening.
The Plaza Mayor's central location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the city. It's within walking distance of many of Madrid's other top attractions, such as the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol.
In summary, Plaza Mayor is a true gem in Madrid, offering history, culture, entertainment, and delicious food all in one place. Don't miss the opportunity to soak in the Spanish charm and energy of this remarkable square during your visit to Madrid. It's an experience you'll cherish forever!
Elias Chelala — Google review
A captivating square steeped in history. The grand architecture, bustling atmosphere, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit landmark. Surrounding the square, you'll find a delightful array of coffee shops and restaurants, perfect for savoring Spanish cuisine while enjoying the vibrant ambiance.
Tanya Rofman — Google review
This is more or less like the centre or Madrid, from here you can walk around through the shopping street and restaurants. Lots of old beautiful historical buildings in the area.
The plaza itself is nice and relaxing, plenty of restaurants inside, totally worth to check it out!!
Pasan Sensouk — Google review
綺麗な建物に囲まれた広場です!
観光だとここからスタートとして10分圏内で色々な場所にいくことができます!
マドリッドに行くならとてもおすすめです!
(Translated by Google)
It's a square surrounded by beautiful buildings!
If you are sightseeing, you can start from here and go to various places within 10 minutes!
Highly recommended if you are going to Madrid!
mu weal (Wealmu) — Google review
Plaza Mayor is undeniably a stunning location in the heart of the city, boasting architectural beauty and historical significance. Surrounded by iconic buildings and adorned with intricate details, it offers a picturesque setting for visitors to soak in the charm of the area. However, it's important to exercise caution while exploring this popular spot.
While Plaza Mayor is a hub of activity and attracts tourists and locals alike, it's essential to be aware of common scams and inconveniences that can detract from the experience. Classic scams such as the bracelet scam, where individuals approach tourists to sell trinkets aggressively, can be encountered here. Additionally, the presence of vomit on the ground and the risk of pickpocketing serve as reminders to stay vigilant and safeguard belongings.
Despite these concerns, Plaza Mayor remains in close proximity to many other interesting attractions, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city. From historic landmarks to cultural hotspots, there's no shortage of places to visit and experiences to enjoy nearby.
Plaza Mayor offers a visually captivating environment and convenient access to various attractions, visitors should remain cautious and attentive to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Carlos Jozala — Google review
CHRISTMAS IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE
The main square here in Madrid, it's definitely worth checking out, the stalls, the markets, the shops and it's generally a good buzz just walking around the place.
Please watch out for pickpockets, but if you're coming here for Christmas, it'll be lavishly decorated.
Definitely worth visiting!
Ninh Ly — Google review
The buildings themselves are nice but it is not what I expected. I had envisaged a more vibrant place. There are some good restaurants and dining in the square weather permitting. However there are no stores which I would have imagined to be there selling market Spanish items. However the surrounding area makes up for the lack. Worth seeing and having lunch or dinner
Bibi Farren — Google review
Plaza Mayor is huge in size. There is police on standby in the plaza to keep us "safe". But it was unmatched with its crowdiness of people inside.
Nice to see the surroundings, until you were approached by one of the "disney" mascot. I don't want to be so judgemental, but better be safe than sorry, I do not entertain strangers especially in Madrid.
Adib Majid — Google review
Okay on the surface it’s JUST A SQUARE. Inside there is a nice area with lovers locks and almost always some street performers. The atmosphere is nice, everyone seems well behaved. There was even some people dressed as large gorillas. Outside the edge of the plaza is some shops and some restaurants. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the history (take a moment and Google it please) makes you feel fortunate to have visited.
Inside the square are some more shops, a podium with "lovers locks" attached to them, and some hawkers selling purses and bags. What's funny is they all have them on sheets and ropes so, if the police arrive, they can scoop up their stuff and run away.
snarkyguy — Google review
It’s one of the most wonderful squares we’ve ever seen. We went in the summer but we feel it’s more alive during the holidays. A lot of shops, bars and most of all great atmosphere.
The vibrant Mercado de San Miguel is a popular spot for food in Madrid, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Alongside stalls selling tapas, you will find wine kiosks, sherries paired with tapas, and more.
An incredibly fun spot with such a wide variety of high quality food! I don’t think it matters what you’re hungry for, you’ll find something to satisfy you here. Even if you’re not looking for food, walking through is a fun way to overview Madrid’s general culinary scene. The whole market is huge, and you’ll have to walk through a couple loops if you want to get a good idea of all the options (which I recommend doing anyways). Definitely bustling and a bit crowded, I’d definitely say it can be a bit overwhelming and you’ll struggle to locate a good spot to eat your food inside. Although not impossible, it’s definitely easier with a group who can spread out to locate an open area - and once you have one, keep it!
Chase Hasper — Google review
(VERY CROWDED)
A tourist trap that is worth the visit, but not more than once in my opinion. The food was good, and we tried almost everything but it was definitely pricey for what we ordered. The variety of foods vast but you’re better off having a proper meal else at a restaurant if you’ve already tried this place. Also, keep in mind that this place is overly crowded during popular times and weekends so try and go during the week if you really want to make the most of it(or just to be able to find a table to sit and enjoy your food, otherwise you’ll be left with no other choice but to eat while standing.
Simo Alami — Google review
Fabulous food market. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Madrid. Some of the prices were a little high compared to other food markets in Spain, but that's to be expected for a famous attraction like this in the centre of the capital. Average price examples - €4.50 for a pincho, €9 for crab rolls, €5 mini burgers, €5 small fruit pot. A great selection of different foods from around Spain, it wasn't too busy, there were seats available and toilets downstairs. The market itself was very beautiful and the food was delicious.
Kirsty LW — Google review
A Chic Gastro-Labyrinth in the Heart of Madrid
The Mercado de San Miguel is a gastronome's paradise - an intricate labyrinth where every turn delights your senses. From the moment you step into its realm, k{you are wrapped in an exciting and exhilarating atmosphere, tantalizing your palate with a myriad of tastes waiting to be explored.
This isn't just a market - it's an experience. Exquisite tapas, world-class wines, artisan cheeses, and exotic foods, it's all here in a perfect blend of modern gastronomy and traditional charm. Each stall is a new adventure, each flavor a novel tale to unfold.
The chic surroundings offer an air of sophistication, making it more than just a place to shop for food. It's a place to relax, converse, and soak in the vibrant culture. Whether you're here for a quick bite or a leisurely evening, the relaxed ambiance and constant buzz ensure a time that's as enjoyable as it is memorable.
In the cutthroat world of culinary exploration, Mercado de San Miguel stands as an oasis. It's a testament to the power of food as a universal language, a melting pot of tastes and cultures. Chic, relaxed, and full of gastronomic delights, it's a must-visit for any discerning palate.
Junaid Mian, RPh — Google review
The fruit market/ stand here is an absolute treasure trove of freshness. I can’t emphasize enough how remarkably fresh the fruits are here; it’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality. During our visit, we opted for two freshly squeezed juices and two medium-sized fruit bowls. These bowls were generously filled with a tantalizing mix of grapes, mangoes, pineapples, grapefruit, and kiwis. Each bite was like a burst of revitalizing energy, making us feel like we were floating on cloud nine.
Adding to the charm of our visit was the exceptional customer service. The staff was not only friendly but also incredibly attentive, going above and beyond to ensure our experience was delightful. Their warmth and helpfulness elevated our visit to the fruit market.
In a nutshell, the fruit market is a must-visit for fruit enthusiasts. The freshness and variety of fruits available are a true treat for your taste buds. Combine that with the outstanding customer service, and you’ve got a winning formula for a memorable and invigorating experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this wonderful place!
Juice — Google review
Very fun food market! Atmosphere is great, but it is really small. I thought it was way bigger, like Boqueria in Barcelona. So many options to choose from. You literally have everything here from meats to veggie to fish and fruits. It is indeed on the expensive side but what do you expect. It's a tourist place. The downside is that it doesn't have enough seating. Some vendors were also very unfriendly. I would return just for some snacks and a drink. Also I was happy that there is a toilet and that it is fairly clean.
Sylvia Tran — Google review
Great place with a huge variety of delicious food! It is crowded, but if you’re lucky you can get seats. The food is a bit overpriced, but I really enjoyed my time there and all the delicious foods that I ate. Worth visiting!
Marsh Gui — Google review
Wow, such a variety of Spanish foods. It's a great way to try lots of small dishes and wines. The biggest problem you'll have is that you'll get full before you can taste everything you want to try. It does get quite crowded, so if you need a place to sit comfortably, this may not be for you.
Teresa Smith — Google review
Great experience here!
Lots of food options and everything we had was reasonably priced (variety for any budget as well)!
It is very crowded but nothing I haven’t experienced from other markets from other countries. It is worth the wait to order.
Make sure to visit this market if you visit Madrid 🇪🇸
Christine Castro (SneakersOverStilettos) — Google review
I heard good feedback about this place but still came out with an excellent impression having high expectations, to begin with.
The choice of food is fantastic. You can find lunch, dinner tapas and breakfast churros or a different pastry here. The place is lovely and has an excellent design. The lighting emphasizes the bright, colourful food experience—lots of places to stop and have a meal without anyone crashing you. I also found the site not very crowded, making the whole thing even more pleasant.
Here are a few practical tips:
- you want to try everything there, slow down
- there is a limit to what you can eat. Try ordering just a few pieces from a place
- more expensive does not mean better. Some cheaper tapas impressed me more
- don’t be afraid to try things. You might be surprised
- keep a count: small things add up. You won’t notice as you’ll spend more than 50 euros.
With all that, I hope you will still love the place as I did on my trip.
David Beilis — Google review
Great market to visit when you’re in town. I advice to arrive early since it would be a bit difficult to find a table during rush hour.
The food was amazing. We tried a little bit of everything. They also have drinks and desserts. Perfect for kids & family too.
Anna Rebs — Google review
Very important that nowadays this supermarket is on restoration!
That place is really good, if you want to meet a lot of different new people and try a lot of different food - there’s the spot you need to dive in!!!
Meat, sushi, fish, cheese, olives, sandwiches, seafood etc. any best type of drinks!
The variety of the food is enormous!
Same with drinks!
There can be some trouble with finding a spot to sit or stand, but it flows quickly, so you just need to wait a couple of minutes..
Prices are good and affordable a bit higher than middle prices, but remember: you pay for feelings and company, and it is definitely worth it!
Timothy — Google review
Really great place to try out a lot of different tapas. We went on a Saturday morning and it was really crowded but still manageable.
Our favorite thing we ate were the taco bowls, all of them had great flavors. My favorite was the shrimp with egg one.
Definitely recommend to everyone coming to visit Madrid!
Rositsa — Google review
Market that seems more like a foodcourt full of local delights. Good to go to to experience different dishes all in one location. A bit tourist but it helps if you lean into that.
Diane F — Google review
One of the best food markets in Madrid. Plenty of different food options to choose from. Very difficult to find tables and chairs as the place is usually pretty packed but you can still grab a beverage and walk around and try different tapas and kill a couple of hours.
Arsalan E — Google review
This place is so crowded during the day with limited seating options. It was so much nicer close to the end of the day. There is plenty of great food mixed with mediocre. It is also expensive and a pickpocket paradise.
That bring said, my kids loved the panet. My husband and I liked the beer and wine best. It is worth stopping in for a quick bite and the experience but it's not great for hanging out, especially with a group.
Tracy Foster — Google review
They had told me so well about this market that I decided to visit it and it has fulfilled the expectations it brought. Traditional food market, but with a strong presence of urban food stalls, especially Spanish as expected. You can find Spanish products, although I expected more variety at the level of culture. It has several international food stalls, also with an important presence of communities from Spain. It is on one side of the emblematic Plaza Mayor. Prices are high but not extortionate and on weekends it is full of people and tourists, it is impossible to walk.
Ver?nica Ferrer — Google review
Amazing place for a quick bit in the middle of the day. Wide variety of dishes you can have (burgers, pizzas, tacos, starters) accompanied by some sangria or beer. Very nice atmosphere as well, but a little bit crowded if you go in the middle of the day. Pretty hard to find seat..
Dragos-Cristian Oprea — Google review
This is the market if all markets if your looking for good food and delicious drinks. I was surprised at how it’s organised, people standing, eating and drinking seemed normal. It felt like a night club but with more bars under one roof. There’s security officers outside at each exit, which means you can drink and eat all you like just gotta leave the glassware behind.
MJ La-Fernandez — Google review
If there is one place to eat while visiting Madrid - GO HERE FIRST!!! We did, and came back several times - for snacks, tapas, meals. They truly have everything in this "tapas market." Traditional meats, seafoods, olives, cheeses, wines - and more modern or "accessible" tapas as well! Great desserts, great bars as well. Not everything here is 'the best' - but with dozens of booths, this was our FAVORITE place to eat!
alex bonick — Google review
Mercado de San Miguel is a must-visit spot in Madrid for anyone looking to experience the taste of Spain! The atmosphere is fantastic, and the food and beers are simply amazing. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culinary scene. I highly recommend this market for a wonderful tour that will leave you with a memorable and delicious experience.
Nobaddays — Google review
A definitely must-see for tourists. The food is excellent and there are many options! Some tapas are only €1-€2. Some stalls offer a deal with tapas and wine for €6. There is a lot of a variety and it’s a nicely kept establishment.
Dana Szabo — Google review
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Mercado De San Miguel during my trip to Spain, and it was an absolute delight! This iconic market in the heart of Madrid offers an unforgettable experience that every tourist should consider.
First and foremost, one of the standout features of Mercado De San Miguel is that it's free to enter. This is a huge bonus, as it allows you to explore this food lover's paradise without any upfront costs. Once inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by a cornucopia of culinary delights. The food here is nothing short of amazing – from traditional Spanish tapas to gourmet international cuisine, there's something for every palate.
What truly sets Mercado De San Miguel apart is its fantastic atmosphere. The vibrant, bustling market is a feast for the senses. You'll be greeted with the mouthwatering aromas of various dishes wafting through the air, and the lively chatter of locals and tourists alike creates a warm and inviting ambiance.
Dani — Google review
One of my favorite food markets that I've visited around the world! Touristy and incredibly crowded no matter when you come, but the wonderful variety and excellent quality of food, from empanadas to tapas to even olives, are worth the trip. Not many places to sit and eat, but reasonable prices.
Andrew Liu — Google review
I give a try but this is super typical touristic place. It’s always extremely crowded, there is no place to seat. As you want to try many things you end up with paying about 100 euro for 2 people. Eating and drinking in a rush, without a proper place to sit and enjoy the meal. There is so many things to try, the variety of little stands is a bit overwhelming. It’s great to go and try something but in my case it was once and… I can pass by… but this amount of people and eating while walking it’s not my thing.
Gosia Ozga — Google review
Amazing mercado where you can just stroll up, order food from one place, a drink from another and dessert from somewhere else and enjoy yourself! Yes, it does get super busy, and yes it does draw both locals and tourists, but it is oh so worth it. Hardest thing will be choosing only a few dishes and drinks, so make sure to drop in several times to get the full experience!
Bojan Kovacevic — Google review
Very touristy place, if you want to sit down you need to arrive early or there won't be any tables available. We found the price of the food high compared to other places in the city, especially if you take quality into account. That said, it's a place worth visiting because it's easy to find a bit of every food and there are good wine options. We decided to eat at a kiosk selling tapas for 2 euros and it was ok, well worth the experience in this well-known place. I recommend a visit
Caio Vogel — Google review
One of the best food markets in Europe. During our stay in Madrid we visited this Mercado multiple times to enjoy different dishes. This places offers everything from fish, meet, sweets to vegetarian options. It also comes with a great wine bar where you can enjoy the food along with a drink. Could recommend to anyone visiting.
Prices are reasonable, but higher than you’d find elsewhere in the city.
Luc P — Google review
It's a nice market with a good selection of food and dishes! However, when we visited it on a Monday afternoon, it was overcrowded. Therefore, not a very pleasant experience. Also, we tried some tapas but they were not very tasty. I would recommend a visit, but with not too high expectations and being considerate of your belongings as there are a lot of people.
Irene.269 — Google review
The Mercado de San Miguel is a renowned gourmet market in the heart of Madrid, Spain.
Location: Plaza de San Miguel, right next to Plaza Mayor
What to Expect: Over 30 stalls selling high-quality Spanish food and drinks. Find tapas, pintxos, jamón ibérico, fresh produce, seafood, cheese, sweets, wine, beer and more.
Ambiance: Elegant atmosphere with a focus on quality and presentation.The market is almost always crowded, especially during peak hours (between 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm) and on weekends. The market is almost always full of people and you will have a hard time finding a place to sit, you will mostly be standing on one leg. Consider visiting during weekdays or earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience.
The prices are quite high and you will spend more than you planned.
Many stalls offer small portions or individual servings, perfect for trying a variety of things.
If you're on a tight budget, you can still browse the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere without having to buy anything.
The name "San Miguel" refers to Saint Michael the Archangel, a revered figure in Catholicism. He is not directly associated with the Mercado de San Miguel itself, but churches and markets are sometimes named after saints.
Zoran Jovanovic — Google review
I know it’s super touristy, but for a good reason! Been to Madrid more than 10 times and i come to Mercado de San Miguel every time!
The seafood here is amazing and it’s a cool vibe to chill with friends! Although it can get really crowded. If you’re looking for a place to sit down then forget about it 😂
Yun Zhang — Google review
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Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
The Royal Palace of Madrid is an 18th-century, ridge-top palace for state occasions, with tours of rooms full of art and antiques. The palace is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and is one of the largest functioning royal palaces in Europe.
This was my first time visiting Madrid, the Royal Palace is a MUST SEE attraction if you are in town.
The architecture and scale of building is stunning. Make sure to have a tour of the kitchen (you pay extra) but it’s very informative and it’s a piece of history.
To the right as you enter the main patio there is armory that seem to be hidden, inside you will find full armors on display! A nice little surprise.
Strongly recommend!
Diego Aquino — Google review
I have to say, it was an amazing experience. I am giving it a well-deserved 5-star rating. The palace exudes a captivating atmosphere that transports you to a different era. The grandeur and beauty of the architecture left me in awe.
Exploring the different rooms and halls was a treat for history and art enthusiasts like myself. The attention to detail in the decorations and furnishings is impressive. Each room has its own unique charm, and I couldn't help but admire the exquisite craftsmanship.
The palace grounds are equally magnificent, offering stunning views and well-maintained gardens. It's a perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the ambiance. The staff were friendly and helpful, providing valuable information about the palace's history and guiding us throughout our visit.
If you have the opportunity to visit Madrid, I highly recommend paying a visit to Palacio de Real Madrid. It's a must-see attraction that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply want to appreciate the beauty of this majestic palace, you won't be disappointed.
Monica Sree Das — Google review
I'm going to be honest, I didn't go inside but I would if I budgeted better. It's only £12 entry, I'm just here backpacking for a festival. The grounds however were stunning and the view was amazing. The inside is supposed to be stunning and a lot of people's fav palace. My tour guide says he loves documentaries but it took him three trips to get through all the audio guide content. There is tons. Anything and everything you want to know about in there, they have info on it. So good for people who love interior design, architecture, and history. But the outside is stunning.
Buy your tickets in advance to skip a long queue.
Eliza Brecheisen — Google review
An excellent tour of very extravagant architecture and decor. We purchased tickets online to skip the queue to buy them on site. We also paid for the audio guides so that we could listen to the history and get context as we went along.
You can go at your own pace and stop for the things you find more interesting or take your time and soak in all that the tour has to offer.
Well worth the admission fee. It seems like each room has something new and unique to offer, let alone the entire building itself.
There is also the armoury section where you can see weapons and armour through the years.
Pictures not allowed in all of the rooms.
Derek Bunsko — Google review
The national palace of Madrid is breathtaking. All the rooms are gorgeously decorated. The location is right in the centre of the city. I definitely recommend booking your tickets in advance if you don't want to wait for more than 1h. We saw everything in an hour. The shop by the exit had lots of nice things. If you visit Madrid, definitely come check the palace.
-Indra Decorte- — Google review
Lovely palace with a very rich history. The information signs in the palace are fairly sparse, so I would recommend getting the audio guide or booking a guided tour. Make sure to book the tickets several days in advance as they sell out pretty regularly. There is a luggage control at the entrance, so make sure to leave knives and similar items at home.
Melina a — Google review
The Royal Palace of Madrid is an architectural marvel and a must-see destination for any visitor to the city. Its stunning design and rich history make it a truly remarkable place. While some of the most beautiful rooms in the palace do not allow photography, visitors are able to capture memories in designated areas throughout the tour.
Martha Valle — Google review
The exterior of the palace looks more beautiful than the interior. The elegant architecture is befitting to be abode for the royalty.
The white palace contrasted by the blue sky creates a stunning atmosphere for photo opportunities. The large open space at the palace exterior helped create a feeling of openness.
The visitors are only permitted to visit in a designated route, and photography is not allowed in the majority of the rooms. The information boards are in Spanish and English.
I strongly suggest visiting in the morning because the queue and waiting time can be insane in the evening. You may not be able to enter if it is time to close.
Bring a debit/credit card for payment. They don't accept cash.
Should you visit? Yes, the palace is simply beautiful.
Cal L — Google review
Well, what should one say? A lot of art and wealth… it’s impressive how things worked long time ago, politics, etc…
Art is amazing, a must see in Madrid…
It would be great to see lot more in the standard visit, I’m pretty sure that many doors lead to secret places…
Luis Gomez — Google review
This palace was absolutely stunning and the views of the city were incredible. The rooms were gorgeous; however, I wish there were more current pictures/paintings of the reigning King, Queen, and their family. It only costs $12 for a self-guided tour, students under 25 can get in for $6. Also, pictures are only allowed in certain areas.
Sophie R — Google review
Amazing experience! Don't miss this when you're in Madrid! Beautiful architecture and history! Take the Kitchen tour! It is an additional cost but it is so cool to see! Get tickets online and you won't have to wait in the HUGE line that forms outside the gates.
Nash — Google review
Stunning, absolutely beautiful, and totally worth it! Even if you just see the outside of the castle, it's still beautiful. But there's so so so much more inside and I highly recommend buying the tickets to go inside. There's a ton of rooms you can walk through, and they are so elaborate and elegant, and it's like nothing I've ever seen before. Magnificent castle.
Note - there are a lot of rooms that you aren't allowed to take pictures in, so my pictures only show the good rooms. You can't take pictures of the "amazing" rooms!!
David Nagel-Nunez — Google review
Was able to go WITHOUT A RESERVATION by getting there at 9:15 and waiting until it opened at 10. Plus it's actually cheaper this way since you don't have to pay the extra online booking fees. By 9:45 the line to enter without a reservation was very long, so make sure you get there early.
I'd definitely recommend getting here as early as possible, we had several entire rooms to ourselves during the tour.
You can't take photos for most of it. Only the entryway and exterior allow photos.
Nathan D — Google review
This landmark is a gorgeous place to visit. I would highly recommend purchasing a tour or the audio tour. This is not your typical museum. Each room was more gorgeous than the next but I would have loved to learn a little bit more about what I was looking at. There are some placards with minimal information sprinkled throughout the experience. We bought tickets a head of time which allowed us to skip the line. We did have to wander a bit to figure out where to enter the palace, but eventually found it. Another recommendation I have is to place this a little further into your trip, it is killer to do this much walking when trying to shake the jet lag. We can make our way through a museum pretty efficiently, but this kicked our jet lagged butts! There are no pictures allowed inside most of the areas, but it really is quite breath taking to see these rooms decked out in the most spectacular art and treasures. A highlight was the crown and sceptre. Definitely worth a visit.
Trevor Chauvin — Google review
The exterior of the palace is beautiful, but it has become even better. We were fortunate to be here relatively early because of the short line. After passing the check and cash register, you might feel like before, and walk in the courtyard of the palace. Inside the palace, you can unfortunately not take pictures in certain rooms, but still fantastically look at the powerful art pieces. Unfortunately, we didn't come to the peacocks which were outside.
Xavier Michel — Google review
Talk about a MASSIVE structure. Just from the front, it looks gigantic but when you go around the side, it just gets bigger and bigger. The place is magical. Didn't make it inside as we didn't buy tickets in advance and the lines were really long. Was told that it is free to get in after 5 or 6 pm but we had to keep on moving and didn't make it back. Wished we could have. The parks around it and behind were pretty spectacular. Next time I guess. Buy in advance and ENJOY.
Aaron Alfonso — Google review
Lovely to see the history and how lavish the other half lives. Don't see the point in the no photo tile as long as flashes are turned off, hence marked down 2 stars for that. Book in advance to miss the queues and book your time.
The rooms were glorious to behold and the art on the ceilings amazing.
Stuart Hancock — Google review
COOL ROYAL PALACE, HOWEVER ...
If you have a spare few hours, check out the house of the Spanish Royal Family. This palace is huge and even from the outside, it's super-imposing. You could get away with just taking pictures from the outside and through the gate.
If you want a tour of the place, please do not queue at the group entrance at the same side as the Opera House, go around to the same side as the Cathedral and queue for tickets there. My advice is to buy tickets in advance to skip this queue.
It's a very impressive palace, but please note - photography and videography is forbidden inside the palace itself and security will be quick to jump on you if you do.
Overall, a decent experience.
Ninh Ly — Google review
It is worthwhile to visit if you are in Madrid. Recommend to buy tickets in advance to beat the line.
No pictures after 1st two rooms. Each room has its own cinque theme and style. It is very interesting.
We find the audio guide is a mix bag. it provide some historical information, but not much different than reading the English section of the displays in each rooms.
lm c — Google review
An early morning stroll down from Gran Via to the Palace. Was a bit misty, but added texture to the atmosphere. Stopped at a nearby square and took some photos as well. The morning was quiet, no traffic or noises. Just the talk of soldiers near the Palace, who were already busy with their work.
Raymond Dimech — Google review
A must visit if you are in Madrid. I definitely recommend that you book buy tickets in advance as the other queue to buy tickets was so long and didn’t move. You can book tickets online. As a 17 year old i was skeptical that it was going to be boring, but its definitely one of the coolest thing I’ve seen. The rooms were breathtaking and I’ve never seen anything like it!
Saga Söderberg — Google review
An awe-inspiring royal palace you must visit if traveling to Madrid.
If you're on a tight budget, stay outside and enjoy a panoramic city view from the courtyard where tickets are sold.
It's a central location with lots to see nearby.
Get there super early to avoid lines.
Nathan Teague — Google review
Loved the place, hated the people. Beautiful things and rooms and don’t forget the armoury. But man the people just yell at you in Spanish. And not just me, I watched others get yelled at. A lady tied to use the exit that said exit had signs pointing to exit, get reamed out for using as an exit. I asked where the exit is and got a dirty look. Never found the exit, went out entrance. Saw people get yelled at in entrance. Crazy place. Nice place but man the staff need to take pills. One exception, as super nice guy at the lockers, so friendly super helpful, and needs to be called out for being an exceptional person.
Shane Young — Google review
Highly highly booking with a tour because as a group you get in quicker than in the regular line. Only issue I had was that there were way too many people or groups in each room which some of them are very tiny so you aren’t able to enjoy the experience.
The Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park is an incredible landscape of rocky cliffs and river-carved canyons. The park is home to a variety of flowers and plants for biology enthusiasts, as well as great views and loads of vultures. In the fall, the park is more pleasant to visit as temperatures are cooler.
Spectacular canyons with breathtaking views of the meandring river Durantón from up top. Arrive at Burgomillodo and leave the car in the parking of the restaurant by the outfall of the reservoir. Cross the bridge towards the Factory and follow the earthed path upwards that will lead you to the beginning of the trek. Following the trek you'll end up on the plateau from where you can enjoy some amazing sights. You can keep following the serpentine route of the canyon and reach a point from where Ermita de San Frutos is viewed. The trek can be continued onwards and you'll see some ruins along the way which I guess are the remains of cattle shelters made by the locals. The difficulty level of the trek is low.
S Shahid — Google review
The place worths the walk. Better visiting in the fall as in the summer is tooo hot to get the church. Full of a variety of flowers and plants for biology lovers. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water with you!
Laura Gema Haro Giner — Google review
Some of the best scenery I have ever come across. Great views and loads of vultures can be seen without too much walking when all the kids are brought along.
Brian.x Moy — Google review
This has to be one of the most spectacular views in Spain. So dramatic, and if you are lucky enough to see the vultures close up then truly awe-inspiring.
Harry Holmes — Google review
Spetacular place near Sepulveda. There are day trips of hiking from Madrid.
Luya Li — Google review
Beautiful scenery and canyons overlooking tranquil waters. Loads of wildlife including the elusive Griffin vulture.
John Brown — Google review
Super pretty! After driving a path were you must be patient...The views are breathtaking!
The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a royal building from the 1500s that houses some of Spain's best masters in painting, sculpture and architecture. The complex is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, 47 km from Madrid. It can be distinguished from its neighbor, El Escorial de Abajo, by its elevated location. The most interesting areas were the church, tombs and the library.
The Library is one of a kind. Wonderful landscape, in a quiet place, that allows the visitor to enjoy a beautiful sunset in a medieval environment.
Ines Adam-Dima — Google review
Paid 6€ with student reduced price. Totally worth it. Took me around 2 hours to get through the entire site. No photos allowed inside. Favorite part was the magnificent basilica found inside El Escorial. It is very similar to an art museum experience plus the rooms are ornate. The gardens are not particularly special, but they are well kept. Makes for a great day trip from Madrid.
Lourdes Luc?a Navarro — Google review
The is one of the most beautiful monastery's I've ever seen!! You don't have to pay to see the basilica but to see all the corners of the monastery you do have to pay 12€. There's discounts for students, children and seniors. I really advice the visit!!!! You can't take fotos or videos inside some rooms. It take more or less 3 hours to see everything. This place has incredible paintings and frescos. High recommend a tour throughout the big place!!
FotorDG — Google review
Staggeringly beautiful royal site. The Basilica was so much bigger than the door would have you expect, so the volume is really breathtaking. The library is beautiful and so interesting to browse. And the royal residences are well preserved and interesting.
Definitely deserves three or four hours to soak it all in.
Mark Macrae — Google review
More beautiful from outside. Many areas inside are restricted so not much to see. The most interesting areas were the church, tombs and the library.
Rada Kalsi — Google review
I did this in two stages. I walked around the village the night before as well as the outside while it is quieter. It is worth getting a guided tour as there is so much to see and it is easy to miss out whole sections. There are no photos allowed on the inside but plenty of illustrated books are available. Be prepared to spend at least three hours here and consider a trip to the controversial valley of the fallen just 20 minutes away while you are in the area.
Shaun Bradbury — Google review
This is believed to be the largest Renaissance structure in the world. El Escorial is a complex of many buildings with different functions within one huge structure. The two major parts of the structure are the royal palace and the monastery. And within the premises of those two structures you happen upon a basilica, pantheon, library, museum, university, school, and hospital. Along the time a small town developed around the building.
El Escorial served as one of the seats for the Spanish monarchy. The mood in this palace is a little bit austere and somber.
The Escorial is almost 50 km from Madrid. A bus service will take there.
The admission fee is 10€ (2021 prices). Keep in mind that the Escorial is closed on Mondays.
After visiting the Palace and the Monastery, you can walk to the adjacent town. There you will find many nice cafes and restaurants. The prices are fair and the mood is very relaxing.
Miassar Miski — Google review
It’s only a short 50 minute train ride from Madrid. Beautiful little town that you can walk through or take the bus. The Palace/ Monastery is stunning and the self guided tour is well done. We saw so much on the tour. After we had a great lunch a block away. Great last minute day trip from Madrid.
Tyler Thompson — Google review
The monastery of king Philip II, a representation of power of that time the behest empire of the world. Visit the cathedral and library is a must. Can’t show all amazing pictures as some are prohibited so is best you see it for yourself.
Jim Tan — Google review
Beautiful place! It took us three hours to visit the whole place, and we had some lunch in the gardens. It wasn't crowded. There's a lot of bars and restaurants around, and the bus station is 10 minutes by foot.
Caterina Dalpiaz — Google review
This monastery is quite amazing, photos don't show the real magnitude and how beautiful it really is. The library was my favorite part, with over 40000 books and manuscripts, some dating back to more than 1500 years. This place took more than 20 years to be built which is also amazing, I took the scenic Tren Felipe II from Madrid which included the entrance to the monastery and I highly recommend it.
Julian Cadavid — Google review
Large, monumental, spectacular, etc.,... these are the qualifying adjectives that come to mind when you are in front of this majestic work of art or monument, The monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial is also in a place of great beauty , at the foot of the northern mountains of Madrid and surrounded by meadows, trees, etc.,... in addition to visiting the Monastery you can see other nearby buildings such as the University, the Casita del Principe, the gardens, etc.,... I personally think that if you are one of those who like art, with the visit of the 5 main elements of the Monastery, such as: The basilica, the cloister, the refectory, the palace and the gardens, you will have a king size premium de lux ration top of the art range, with which you will end up more than satisfied...
Chemi Grante — Google review
A gorgeous monastery with beautiful architecture, it is huge and takes a while to cover. Since we visited on a Sunday, we could not see the church because there was mass going on. Only disappointment was that we were told time and again that we aren't allowed to take pictures, so it's kind of a bummer not having any pictures of the interior of the monastery. Carry a hand fan during summers, it tends to get warm inside. Overall, it is still stunning.
Diana DSouza — Google review
My group wanted to take advantage of the free admission hours. It was okay but really not enough time to see everything since the free hours are so limited. If you're slow like me and want to read all the signs, just buy tickets for general admission. You won't be rushed and you'll have time to enjoy everything. The location is beautiful and the buildings are fantastic. Be aware you are not supposed to take photos indoors and they're pretty strict about it, so just don't.
Bethany Eckert — Google review
Beautiful. Transported back in time. Tapestries, art work, furnishings, burial areas. Just a short bus ride or drive from Madrid. Many, many stairs to climb on an unforgiving stone floor. Not friendly for those with mobility issues
Jacquelynn Meeks — Google review
Really one of the best, if not the best palace ive seen in Europe. You shouldnt miss this gem, simply because of the paintings on the walls, the collections and how majestics their buildings are! and also cross the street for a unique coffee with the view too!
Will Suwandi — Google review
Beautiful place to visit. The surrounding area is just as nice, local bars offer some nice food. The history of this place is amazing. To be able to walk the halls together with the monks that still live here.
The gardens are beautiful, and on a nice sunny and clear day you have views untill forever. Definitely recommend going here
Roel van Aerde — Google review
We loved this palace. Why?
- the building is huge, imposing and beautiful
- the rooms are splendid
- the history is spectacular
- it’s not over-touristed
This is one of those rare places that exceeds all expectations.
We took the train from Madrid (took about an hour), which was easy and convenient. Because of the distance, tourist hordes seem to stay away from this place, making it even more magical.
Graham Topp — Google review
Laid prostrate at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama bathed in the warm glow of the Spanish sun, this simple yet historically rich 16th century palace/monastery beckons both tourists and locals alike to lose themselves within its seemingly austere stone walls.
To describe this place would be wrong as I would surely but unintentionally omit a special detail or two. From a beautiful library and basilica to its original intent as a mausoleum, there’s so much to see and experience. Therefore, enjoy the pictures and allow me to provide a short list of relevant tidbits.
- We took our time and saw everything, which took about 2.5 hours.
- Let’s talk handicap access. The entrance and floor level is handicap accessible; however, there is no access for the deep portions of the tour such as the mausoleum and crypt. There is a way to access the library but I’m not sure how.
- This tour is a lot of walking with many steep staircases. Elderly people may have an issue given their maneuverability.
- Tickets are 14€ for an adult and 7€ for kids.
- There is a nice parking garage near by called Aparcamiento Monasterio that charges about 3€ an hour.
- They offer an audio tour guide that we did not partake in but I hear it’s mediocre.
Overall, it’s an amazing historical site nestled in a quaint little town. Make a day of it and enjoy lunch or dinner after the tour.
Enjoy!
Ryan Roberts — Google review
Wonderful place to visit!! No photos are allowed inside. There are free lockers for backpacks and bags off the the left when you first walk in after buying your ticket and bathrooms. Give yourself at least two hours to explore. There is so much to see - cloisters, the library (across a courtyard and up a bunch of steps), then, the basilica, crypt, art, rooms, halls and so much detail! Keep your ticket handy for the library and after the basilica. They will check in both places and ask to make sure you have seen the library. So nice, definitely wouldn't want to miss that! If you have time before you leave city, walk around the the left and explore the gardens and garden views!
Rebecca L. — Google review
From the outside it looks like a little plain, but after going inside, is breathtaking. Every room etc. are beautiful. We spent a lot of time there, to see everything. The library was one of my favorite place.
Katalin Rózsa — Google review
Another brilliant example of the Royal Spanish legacy and heritage. The true treasure of the Spanish culture. Photos are not allowed inside.
Wojciech Adamczyk — Google review
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Av Juan de Borbón y Battemberg, s/n, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
Basílica de la Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caídos, also known as Valley of the Fallen, is a stunning and peaceful site dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Spanish Civil War. The monument, located about an hour from Madrid, is a labor of love by Francisco Franco and serves as a reminder of Spain's struggles. Despite its controversial history, the construction and sculptures are breathtaking.
This is a magical place in an breathtaking valley in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama. If you are a motorcycle passionate, as I am, la Sierra (as we call it in Madrid) is a must for you. BTW, here you will find the biggest cross ever built, over 150m tall.
Latelly, El Valle de los Caidos has been too often in the news, unfortunately for the wrong reasons: politicians (usually left oriented) creating smoke curtains to distract the population from their hidden agendas or their ineptitude.
But enough of that, whether you ride solo, or visiting with your family, it is totally worth it. After your visit, I recommend lunch in El Escorial and a visit to the Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo, built on the 16th century.
Jose Perez de Guzman Macaya — Google review
Obviously not part of the Spanish history, that people can be proud of. But that aside, the place is definitely worth a visit. In the late afternoons, the visit is free of charge, mondays closed.
Rebekka Hamburg — Google review
Went there in September, amazing experience.
Besides the social implications of the meaning of this place, the magnificent nature of the construction is breathtaking. The sculpture work is unparalleled.
Regardless of your political position, the place is a must see.
L. S. — Google review
A beautiful, peaceful, mystical, and awe inspiring place of devotion to our Lord and to ALL the fallen soldiers of the brutal Spanish Civil War. The VALLE DE LOS CAIDOS (Valley of the Fallen) serves as a reminder of the struggles of the Spanish nation and its people. A labor of love from Francisco Franco dedicated to all Spaniards, and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sadly, the current socialist government has it in its sights for demolition. For some nefarious and dark reason, they especially have a problem with the magnificent Cross, the highest and tallest in Europe, and are slowly moving forward with their plan to tear it down. All people must unite to stop this indecent act of pure hatred. Support the Benedictine monks who for many years have served as the caretakers of this incredible place. Do not let modernity destroy a thing of true love and beauty.
Mia Dean — Google review
This is an amazing place in the middle of no where. They have actually dug the mountain and built this great cathedral inside the mountain.
Kiran Oddiraju — Google review
Es un parque conmemorativo, una catedral y un monasterio de guerra muertos en la guerra civil española.
Es un espacio para simpatizar con los lectores del Apocalipsis de la Basílica de la Cueva.
It is a memorial park, a cathedral, and a monastery of war dead in the Spanish civil war.
It is a space to sympathize with the readers of the Cave Basilica Apocalypse.
스페인 내전때 전사자들의 추모공원이자 성당, 수도원이다.
동굴 바실리카 묵시록의 읽어본자들이면 공감할 공간이다.
スペインの内戦時に戦死者の追悼公園であり大聖堂、修道院である。
洞窟バシリカ黙示録の読み取りボンジャしまうと共感空間である。
JUAN RYU (ARQUI RYU) — Google review
Great place to visit
Miguel Ramos — Google review
The most extraordinary monument you can imagine
Cesar Garcia — Google review
Without political background, this place is beautiful. Environment is green, building structure similar to Vatican. Big hall painting and massive statues. Awesome!!
Rene Theuns — Google review
Beautiful place. Worthy to spend your day up there.
Luis Valladares — Google review
4.5
(1473)
•
4.5
(1685)
Carretera de Guadarrama, s/n, 28209 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
The Aqueduct of Segovia is a 2-tiered, 167 arched monument built during the Roman period in Segovia, Castile and León, Spain. It is one of the most iconic symbols of Roman architecture in Spain and its impressive scale and grandeur can take visitors' breath away. The stones are held together by simple forces - without any mortar - and it was built to carry water from the Sierra to the city of Segovia.
This living proof of Roman ingenuity will take your breath away. Hard to believe it's stood for nearly two millennia. Stones meticulously placed without mortar held by gravity. Incredible. Make plans to grab lunch or a drink at one of the nearby cafes with this monument in full view.
Ray Bianco — Google review
Majestic. Absolute stunner. Einstein would be proud of this Roman engineering. Can’t believe this beauty was crafted thousands of years ago. Just love this city. Segovia castle that inspired Disney castles is only a couple footsteps away from here. 90 mins bus ride from Madrid was definitely worth a shot
Rand Lee — Google review
Built by the Romans 2000 years ago and there is not a drop of cement in sight yet there it is still standing proud. A magnificent piece of engineering to carry water. If you are in Madrid it’s well worth a visit to have a look at this marvel.
Dave D. — Google review
Beautiful town in spain with its iconic ancient Aqueduct. The old buildings in the town are also beautiful. You can climb up the stairs just behind the aqueduct to see the view of the town and aqueduct from above, which is breathtaking. We were there when it was quite cloudy, and still beautiful, but definitely will be much prettier with clear skies.
Rebecca Wartin — Google review
Holy moly this was absolutely amazing! We drove by it on our way in but that was nothing compared to walking up to it. My wife and I walked alongside it to the main entrance where it came from underground and were able to see the carved out top as it was waist high at that point. We also say a filtration station and then came back in the evening for pictures on the other side up high with great views of the city. Definitely recommend as it’s one of the most well preserved aqueducts I’ve ever seen.
Callum Kerr — Google review
The Aqueduct of Segovia is a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of ancient Roman engineering. It stretches over 800 meters, composed of 166 arches, and has remained remarkably intact despite centuries of weathering and the passage of time. Its commanding presence and interplay of light and shadow create a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the most significant and awe-inspiring historical sites in Spain. Its grandeur, architectural brilliance, and remarkable preservation make it an essential destination for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of the ancient world. Climbing to the top of the aqueduct offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Segovia.
Anubhab Bine — Google review
Truly fascinating it was still standing up today. 16km of marvelous architecture built centuries ago. It's now a tourist attraction here in Segovia, Spain. The actual city was kept in its original form and structure, with some retouches to restore the Grandeur it was. Don't leave Madrid without visiting this site in just more than an hour's drive from the city center.
Doc MRB (Malou) — Google review
No doubt, this is one of the top 3 sites not to miss in Segovia.
Although I'd strongly recommend to visit the Alcazar and the Cathedral first and leaving the aqueduct for the end, before taking the bus (11,12) back to the train station.
The old city is off course charming and to reach those landmarks you'll stroll in the narrow medieval streets and enjoy its special atmosphere.
With Toledo, it is definitely the best day trip from Madrid!
Dan Maarek — Google review
I was absolutely mesmerized by the aqueducts of Segovia during my recent visit. The grandeur of this ancient engineering marvel is truly awe-inspiring. The precision with which the massive granite blocks fit together, creating a bridge that has stood the test of time for centuries, left me speechless. The history and significance of the aqueducts, dating back to Roman times, added an extra layer of fascination. The sight of water flowing through these arches, standing tall against the backdrop of the city, is a sight to behold. Whether you're a history buff or simply someone who appreciates architectural wonders, the aqueducts of Segovia are an absolute must-see.
Gourmand — Google review
This is a popular touristical spot for a great photograph. Still, it's a wonderful reminder of the engineering might of the Roman empire and I always come back for that memory. You Will no doubt enjoy walking around the neighborhood and up the hills to take in the sights and to take a bite at one of the many restaurants specializing in suckling, lamb and pig. Vegetarians can enjoy a custom salad with some of the best tomatoes around. Don't miss out on some of the best chocolate milk you can have anywhere.
Paul Yeaton — Google review
The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia stands as a remarkable testament to ancient engineering prowess. Its towering arches, meticulously crafted without mortar, evoke a sense of awe and admiration. As one marvels at its grandeur, it's impossible not to feel transported back in time, imagining the bustling life that once surrounded this architectural marvel. A stroll alongside its impressive structure offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient civilizations and provides a profound connection to history. For anyone visiting Segovia, exploring this iconic aqueduct is an absolute must, offering an unforgettable experience that resonates long after the visit.
Zongle — Google review
Probably my most memorable sight of whole Spain! This roman aqueduct is simply a great pice of ancient engineering. Anyone who is remotely interested in history, architecture or engineering will be amazed by the Aqueduct of Segovia. I would definitely recommend visiting it and seeing it with your eyes!
Martin Zagorov — Google review
This one of the most outstanding architectural sites. It amazes me that it is 2,000 years old. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the plaza and restrooms to make it a great outing. Don't forget to climb the stairs on the side of the plaza to get a perspective from the top of the aqueduct.
Raymond Hitchcock — Google review
The Aqueduct of Segovia is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Roman architects and builders. This massive structure, made entirely of stone, stretches nearly a kilometer in length and towers over the city of Segovia, Spain.
Constructed in the 1st century AD, the aqueduct was designed to transport water from the nearby mountains to the city. Its sheer size and scale are impressive, and it's hard to believe that such an impressive structure could have been built without modern technology or machinery.
Walking along the aqueduct is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The sheer size of the stones and the precision with which they were placed is simply breathtaking. The aqueduct is also beautifully illuminated at night, providing a stunning backdrop to the city.
Visitors can also climb up to the top of the aqueduct for even more impressive views of Segovia and the surrounding landscape. From the top, you can see the entire city and appreciate the true scale of the aqueduct.
The aqueduct is also surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Spanish weather. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, making it a great spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Anushree Jain — Google review
Back to Segovia for the 2nd time and we still loved how it’s like. Spending 2.5 hours here and felt like we did walk thorough. It was a great visit !!
Emm Roc — Google review
We took a day trip to both Toledo and Segovia, and between the two of them, we much preferred Segovia. The aqueduct is massive, much bigger than I expected, and creates a striking image with the town scenery in the background. There are no entrance fees or lines necessary, and many restaurants are available around the aqueduct. Overall, the aqueduct is what makes Segovia unique (and my personal favorite day trip from Madrid). If you visit Segovia, it's impossible to miss--also because it's the first thing we saw when we drove up.
Maggie Kiara — Google review
It was magnificent to see how the Romans built this over 2000 years ago and it is still intact and functional until today. Their work is absolutely amazing and built to perfection.
Kero Chan — Google review
Amazing Roman architecture, very picturesque. I'm sure it's beautiful at night when lit up. There is a bus that will take you to the aqueduct from the train station for 2 euro. Pretty busy for a weekday. I'm sure the weekends are even more so.
Cynthia Enriquez — Google review
An amazing experience. The best conserved Roman aqueduct in Spain.
Walking around, taking pictures you will love this place
Randy Rockbrand — Google review
In a trip around Spain that was full of wonderful discoveries, the Roman aqueduct of Segovia still managed to wow us. It really is a spectacular sight, one worth seeing from all angles. Ascend the staircase for great views backwards to it.
Raymond Lind — Google review
What an incredible experience! This is one you don't want to miss. The history is amazing. We did a tour via paraguas Rojas and our guide was excellent.
William & Jenny Lopez — Google review
An Amazing experience to see a historical place. Friends recommended to visit Segovia and we too a bus from Madrid. The place is crowded most of the time. Good places to eat around and nice spots to take pictures. There are also many other places around walking distance. A must visit.
Navnish N — Google review
Very well preserved considering that the Aqueduct was built 2000 years ago. Very pleasant walk along the structural on cobblestone streets. And, a walk up the stairs to the wall of the city presents great views. Look carefully at the doors to all the buildings. So many are original carved wood doors.
Lovely open Plaza with restaurants- almost all with outdoor seating.
The Segovia Cathedral is a late-Gothic cathedral that was built in the 1500s. It is lined with 1300s stained glass and houses a museum of art. The cathedral is massive, and its stained glass windows are some of Europes newest original Gothic buildings.
Absolutely amazing cathedral. I've seen a lot of them and this was impressive. One of the largest in Spain. All of the side rooms with the ornate statutes and places to pray, the center areas where they keep the valuables and lead worship, and the old original section that did not get destroyed hundreds of years ago.. all is fantastic. The organs were really impressive.
The K Green Show — Google review
An impressive cathedral built at the highest point of the old town. It is built in Gothic Roman style. It is has some beautiful stained glass windows.
Benna Pinder — Google review
It was magical being up the bell tower for the sunset, you’ll need to buy additional tickets.
The cathedral interior itself is impressive. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Segovia. Plenty of eateries close by to break up your visit, if you have tickets for an evening tour.
Darrin Baxter — Google review
Majestic and beautiful Cathedral. Absolutely a must come if you are coming to Segovia. I was simply taken aback by the quality of the paintings and murals. It was really the epitome of every single talented architect, engineer and artist put together into one building.
Javier Tan — Google review
Very nice place in a very nice city near the mountains of the capital city of spain madrid, its really interesting to visit , amazing and beautiful, you’ll love it. Historical, mythical, amazing, with many ancient paintings and traditional things from old spain . I recommend every one who visit spain.
ALi Hosseini — Google review
You just can't go wrong with Spanish cathedrals. And this one is extraordinary inside and out. Built with Gothic and Renaissance components, it's truly a beautiful piece of artistic architecture. Do yourself a favor, and spend the extra 3 Euros to go on the tower tour. It's worth the climb for great views of the city amd surrounding countryside.
Andrew McKinlay — Google review
Beautiful structure. Somehow I thought it was a good idea to take the guided tour to the top. While the bell ringer's apartment was interesting to see, my legs felt as of the would fall off! Still 5 stars and must visit
Miss NYC Forever — Google review
Amazing Cathedral.
Much more impressive than Madrid's Cathedral.
Not as much as Toledo's Cathedral, of course, but not far from it.
Ac total must in Segovia
Just take a look at the pictures.
Dan M — Google review
The Cathedral of Segovia is a breathtaking embodiment of Gothic architecture, standing as an awe-inspiring tribute to spiritual devotion and artistic grandeur. As you step inside, you're instantly enveloped in an atmosphere of serene reverence, the intricate stone carvings and expansive stained glass windows lending an almost ethereal quality to the air. It's a place that seems to capture the essence of centuries of faith and craftsmanship, extending a palpable connection to generations past.
But what made our visit truly unforgettable was receiving a blessing from the resident priest. It was an intimate and heartfelt moment that added a personal touch to the majesty surrounding us. In that instant, the immense edifice felt like a close-knit community, making us feel connected not just to a magnificent structure, but also to a living tradition of faith. The Cathedral of Segovia, with its towering spires and intricate details, was not just a place to admire from a distance, but a sacred space that welcomed us into its long-standing history of spirituality.
Marino W. — Google review
The cathedral is very beautiful on the outside. But when we got inside we were wowed....its so big and absolutely beautiful! The entry tickets only cost about 3 euros each. Definitely a must see when visiting Segovia!
Laura — Google review
Outstandingly ornamented cathedral in the heart of Segovia. Looks absolutely amazing from the outside. However, the entrance inside is paid.
Martin Zagorov — Google review
One of the most beautiful cathedrals you will ever see.
No matter if you are an art-lover or you are not one them, once you are in Segovia, you must visit this place.
I recommend you to join to a guided visit, so that you can understand the complexity of the building, how it was built, why it was built there, the challenges the builders had to face when it was built...
Also, do not miss the artworks inside the whole area;paintings, sculptures, cult-objects,...
This visit will make you understand not only the cathedral, but also the way of living of people from Segovia.
B. Hern. — Google review
Usually I’m very reluctant against paying access to see a religious monument, but here I took my chance, and it didn’t disappoint. Only once you are inside you will find out how gigantic this building really is. With different separate areas to discover and even a complete paintings exposition in the basement, or a nice patio you can’t see from the outside. Would definitely recommend
Tom de moor — Google review
The Cathedral is more impressive from the outside than inside, particularly with it's close proximity to the Plaza Mayor. When the lights come on at night, you can get some great photos from the Plaza.
Having said that, the Spanish do their cathedrals really well. The inside was not as well decorated as many others, but I still recommend a visit.
Geoff Bryant — Google review
Is a must see cathedral in Madrid. Worth that 68km drive to Segovia and just so many things to learn and appreciate. And again not able to show all the amazing pictures so you just have to come see for yourself
Jim Tan — Google review
Amazing Cathedral. There is an admission fee, you pay at the booth before you enter the cathedral. Advanced tickets are not necessary. You can also pay to go up the top of the belltower for beautiful views of Segovia. Be warned, the stairwell up to the top is long, dark, with many, many stairs. They break it out with small breaks on two floors. They show a video of the history of the cathedral on the first break. The second break is a tour of the bell tower quarters. The views from the top are beautiful and fully worth the effort to make it to the top.
M Preciado — Google review
The Cathedral de Segovia is an absolute masterpiece that took my breath away. Its towering spires, intricate façade, and stunning interior left me in awe. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a sense of serenity and the sheer magnitude of its architectural details. The intricate stained glass windows cast a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors across the walls, creating a surreal atmosphere. The combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles seamlessly integrated in its design reflects the rich history and cultural evolution of the region. Climbing to the top of the tower provided a panoramic view of the city that was absolutely worth the effort. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a place of tranquility, the Cathedral de Segovia is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Gourmand — Google review
Incredible cathedral! This beautiful cathedral has many different chapels and historical stories that could be followed on the website. There was a nice art gallery and we could also enter the Palacio Episcopal, which had very interesting artefacts. Highly recommended!
Tristan Govender — Google review
Luckily I got to visit the cathedral 1 hour before the guided tour to the tower, so I got a ticket for both.
Mrs. Eva was our guide and explained in detail at every step what was like to live in the tower.
There is also audioguide included and video projections for the tower part.
In the cathedral there is a religious paintings section where one can install an app and have audioguide on own smartphone.
The full ticket would include the Episcopal Palace as well, which is within walking distance from the cathedral.
Veronica B. — Google review
The Cathedral is an impressive building on itself, admire history and art of Castilla and beyond within it's walls. The 2 baroque organs in the Choir are 2 of the most beautiful I've seen. Go up the 190 steps (in 3 stages) of the tower to know secrets and visit the bell-ringer"s home and admire the views towering Segovia and beyond. You're lucky if you get Santi as your guide!
Van Kirsch — Google review
Wow, impressive. We had a quick walk through, and did not go up to the tower. A guided tour is available and tower visits must be reserved but possible to do at the moment.
Lisa Smidt — Google review
We opted to buy up for the guided tour and it was very much worth it. We didn't pre book and were able to get tickets easily.
Christopher Barrett — Google review
Beautiful cathedral. We enjoyed the visit and the walk through town. We were there for Palm Sunday services and saw the procession. Great experience.
DO L — Google review
This Cathedral is so beautiful and impressing from the outside we didn't have enough time to go in but I do recommend to try to make it. we were interested in the castle, so we will come back next time to see the cathedral.
The Alcazar of Segovia is a well-preserved, ornate medieval castle that overlooks the old city of Segovia. It has served as the official residence for the family of Emperor and is now home to an armoury museum.
This Castle is IMPRESSIVE! Totally worth the visit 💯. The views from the top are amazing specially the natural scenery around it. This medieval castle was the real inspiration for Disney World Castle, if you notice. All the rooms inside are beautifully layout and decorated, the armor and weapons replicas and objects and things from that time are so real that you can easily imagine life in these times.
Pay attention to all the details and work on the walls and ceilings on each room, really gorgeous! And the town of Segovia is one of my favorites, such a cute and vibrant town, love it 💗💟💗
Gioconda Vidal — Google review
Most people walk around inside the town, but you should get out of the stone wall and enjoy the view from outside. It would not disappoint your kids to bring them to the castle which is distinctive by virtue of its shape - like the bow of a ship. Has served as a royal palace for 22 monarchs, it has a rich history and beautiful art and architecture.
Dan Lu — Google review
Amazing place with wonderful panoramic view of the city.
Worth to go and recommend to buy a ticket in advance via official website.
There are 3 parts inside this palace.
The tower part is included in ticket choice but more expensive. The view from the tower is great.
So worth to go. 👍👍👍
Gorawich Kerkarchachai — Google review
A nice twelve century building. You can choose to walk up the hill or take a tourist bus. The way up the hill is amazing, the views are incredible and is worth it.
You can take a lot of photos outside the castle and you can stroll along the small park. Many souvenir shops nearby, but many of them are expensive. I recommend the one just right outside the castle, it is cheaper and has more souvenirs like magnets, postcards, clothes and more.
Veyron Tan — Google review
Iconic place in Segovia. It was nostalgic to visit it again after 40 years.
The aqua duct is so impressive. Walking through the old town was amazing.
Seniors be aware that it is a difficult walk. It is all up and steep down hill on cobbled streets. Difficult for people with reduced mobility.
The castle is awesome
A real life Disney castle!!
Views of the surrounding area are fantastic.
Benna Pinder — Google review
One of the most if not the most beautiful castle listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site just 75 mins away drive from Madrid! A must see when in Segovia! Visit at sunset during summer months (open til 8pm) to experience a romantic stroll through the palace walls and garden. Fun Fact: Apparently Walt Disney’s Cinderella’s Castle was inspired by this particular castle.
Charissa Cheong — Google review
Very impressive! Well maintained, you can't find any better than this in every aspect - location, imposing structure, romantic aura, great collection of ancient armoury... Having served as a royal palace, prison, military school and a number of other functions, It dates back from the XII century and is the inspiration to many other castles of more recente times. This is the real one!
Jorge Bernardo — Google review
Quite a beautiful castle. The walk is furthest from town so I would suggest visiting it first thing. We prebought tickets but it wasn't necessary during low season. The castle has nice details and rooms to look. The countryside view is wonderful and the towers and areas to explore are lovely.
LordPuppy RD — Google review
Definitely worth visiting is you're nearby. It is afterall another castle that inspired the Disney one! The outside is more spectacular than the inside but the view from top of the tower is worth doing.
Daniel Koh — Google review
Pretty nice castle to visit. Surrounded by a valley with a nice view. As of Nov 2022, it was 6 euros to go inside and an extra 3 euros totaling 9 to climb tower, which I would say is worth it. There is a bathroom / toilet immediately after entering in the cellar. No food or drinks sold inside. You buy tickets in the building next door on the left.
Ground floor takes about 15 -45 to explore , depending on how fast you go. The castle isn't that big, only about 9 rooms or so to visit, plus a gift shop.
The tower you have to pay for separately, and you're only allowed up in timed intervals as part of a group. (We learned this the hard way after missing a schedule departure, because our primary school Spanish was not up to par and the gift shop lady did not speak good English). They say it is 152 steps, and I'd approximate it is about 4-6 stories worth of staircases. IMO not an issue at all for any healthy kid or adult, but otherwise will pose an issue. The staircase is very narrow. View is pretty good, and I think if you're already here you might as well pay the extra few euros to check it out.
At a brisk pace through everything you could probably see it all in 1 hour (depends on the timing of the tower tour, it is set intervals at 00:15 and 00:45 as far as I can tell). A more moderate relaxed pace will probably land you at around 1-1.5 hours, maybe 2 hours if you take your time (as we did).
Glad we did it though, was a decent castle as far as European castles go.
Wynn Chen — Google review
Worth the trek to visit this beautiful castle. Tips buy the tower pass. You get great views of Segovia. But the best view of the cathedral is from the terrace behind the Alcazar's restaurant. It is said the towers were the inspiration for one of the Disney castles.
M Preciado — Google review
This is a great place to go see. The aqueduct, the castle, and the sites fit right into our plans to see multiple cities in the Madrid area. We did a two city tour in one day and it was well worth the time.
E Ram — Google review
Worthwhile trip with a very good display of ancient weapons through to the late 1700's. The tapestries are also very good. The structure itself looks more impressive from the outside and internally and is a lot smaller than a lot of other Alcazar that we have seen in Spain. Hence the 4 rating. Don't let that detract you from visiting as it still has a lot of merit.
Geoff Bryant — Google review
Beautiful and well kept grounds. Some absolutely gorgeous rooms with stained glass. The architecture is amazing! Don't forget to look up as some of the ceilings are spectacular. Don't spend time visiting the cellars as it doesn't live up to the beauty of the place.
Cora W — Google review
Enjoyed the experience with my family of preteen to teens. The rooms were interesting and the views pretty. There are rooms with weapons and armor. Boys found that cool. Climbed to the top. Narrow stairs but nice view from top.
Rebecca Yu — Google review
Beautiful place! Best to get the audio guide as it will explain the history about the place without being boring. Best views from the tower (you need to book it with the ticket purchase ) but bare in mind the way up might be challenging as it’s steep and staircase is spiral 🌀
Nathalie Joya — Google review
You probably need about 15-20 minutes to finish a tour inside the castle. I would not say this is the most beautiful castle, but it is still unique in its own way and is well maintained throughout the years. Some say that even the castle in Snow White was made mirroring this castle.
P.s. Toilets are found at the entrance of the castle. Free of charge.
Kero Chan — Google review
Alcazar is a must visit for anyone touring the side trips around Madrid. Such a beautiful and magical castles full of fanciful spires and exhibits of knights in shining armor. Don’t forget to walk down the hill to see it from a distance too! Such a beautiful and memorable castle!
Nonato Ramirez — Google review
Beautiful castle to explore. Nice views around. We went there with organised excursion, so was not queuing to buy tickets. There was no queue on the entrance as well. Couple of hours will be enough to explore it without rush
Mariia Dorokhina — Google review
This fortress is a must see in Segovia.
Definitely worths to go through every room available for the visit, discover Christian and Muslim blend in architecture and designs.
The visit of the tour started at 13:00 and it was guided by staff. The views from the rooftop are breathtaking.
The site offers audioguide through an app, on visitors' phone. It's very convenient, no need to carry an additional device.
Ticket price with audioguide and tower visit was 13,50 EUR.
Veronica B. — Google review
4.7
(53308)
•
4.5
(6257)
Pl. Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003 Segovia, Spain
The Catedral de Ávila is a austere Romanesque-Gothic cathedral that was constructed within the city walls. Built in the 12th century, its apse formed part of the defensive structure of the walls. The main facade is relatively modest in appearance, but features a striking Gothic window and tower. As Spain's first Gothic cathedral, it is an imposing monument with surprises to be found inside. The interior boasts beautiful stonework and houses a museum worth visiting.
La entrada cuesta 10 euros si incluyes la visita al campanario que, para mi, ha sido lo mejor de la visita. La catedral es muy bonita y con la audio guía se hace muy bien el recorrido. La visita al campanario no está recomendada para personas con movilidad reducida ya que hay que subir 103 escalones en espiral y muy estrechos. Nuestra guía Teresa ha hecho que la visita sea muy amena con la cantidad de datos que nos ha dado.
(Translated by Google)
The entrance costs 10 euros if you include the visit to the bell tower, which, for me, has been the best part of the visit. The cathedral is very beautiful and with the audio guide the tour is very well done. The visit to the bell tower is not recommended for people with reduced mobility since you have to climb 103 very narrow spiral steps. Our guide Teresa has made the visit very enjoyable with the amount of information she has given us.
Paqui R — Google review
The Cathedral of Ávila in Madrid is a sublime masterpiece that stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and spiritual grandeur. This awe-inspiring structure, surrounded by the medieval charm of Ávila, captivates visitors with its imposing Gothic design and intricate details. As you approach the cathedral, the towering spires and ornate facades create a sense of reverence, inviting you into a sacred space.
Once inside, the cathedral's interior unfolds with breathtaking stained glass windows, finely carved altars, and a serene atmosphere that resonates with history. The craftsmanship displayed in every corner is a testament to the dedication of those who built this sacred haven. The Cathedral of Ávila not only serves as a religious landmark but also as a cultural treasure, offering a profound and enriching experience for those who appreciate the intersection of art, history, and spirituality in the heart of Avila.
Humberto Dapelo — Google review
It’s the central point in Avila old city. Beautiful interior and a nice museum
Liliana Kawase — Google review
Awe inspiring place to visit, especially as it is in the walled town and surrounded by numerous other religious sites. Great to just sit and view whether during the day or lit up at night!
Doolan Associates — Google review
Visita absolutamente recomendable a esta joya de la arquitectura. Por 10 € visita al interior de la catedral, con audio guía, y a la torre (casa del campanero). La visita a la torre se hace acompañados por una chica que va haciendo una explicación de cada uno de los espacios de que se compone la visita.
(Translated by Google)
Absolutely recommendable visit to this jewel of architecture. For €10, visit to the interior of the cathedral, with audio guide, and to the tower (bell ringer's house). The visit to the tower is accompanied by a girl who explains each of the spaces that make up the visit.
Ricardo Bayo Andreu — Google review
Absolutely brilliant visit and a great day trip! We unfortunately started off too early and pretty much arrived at 10 in a ghost town (Spain starts life a little later!), so make sure you take your sweet time -and if you drive from Madrid perhaps don’t take the highway, which is less scenic than driving through the small villages!
Elisabetta Borzini — Google review
Straight out of history books. One if the best preserved fortified cities I have had the pleasure of visiting. The cathedral was closed as I was there in the evening but around every corner there was a beautiful building to see and photograph.
One if my favourite cities in my tours around Spain over the years. Well worth a visit.
Nami Haghighi — Google review
Son 7 euros la entrada, con un buen horario, fuimos en las jornadas medievales aprovechando un pequeño chaparrón, te dan un audifono que te e plica cada una de las salas y retablos de la catedral, totalmente recomendable.
(Translated by Google)
It's 7 euros to enter, with a good schedule, we went during the medieval days taking advantage of a small downpour, they give you a headset that explains each of the rooms and altarpieces of the cathedral, totally recommended.
sete Rodríguez Rivas — Google review
You can walk around the old Avila district in a day. There are a lot of cathedrals, museums, and other amazing places here. Catedral de San Salvador is one of them. Strict architecture, but this simplicity and stone and wood carvings make this place unique. An audio guide will help you learn the history of this place.
Dr. Olena Berezovska — Google review
Very beautiful place and lovely people,very happy to see cathedral from inside.
Hemant Bhatia — Google review
It's just brilliant. The tower is recommended!!
Oleksandr Tkach — Google review
Ávila is a lovely if sleepy town and the cathedral was definitely a highlight, we stayed overnight on our way between Toledo and Salamanca and loved the walled city and the stone carvings in the cathedral here were some of the most beautiful on our trip.
Geoffrey Berg — Google review
Breathtaking cathedral. Well worth checking out. Huge, well preserved, unique too. Seeing churches in my travels is my thing, this one truly stands out.
Jay Finesilver — Google review
The cathedral itself is relatively well preserved and has a plethora of different history inside. From a beauty standpoint, it isn't one of the pretty ones. It took them 400 years to build and there were stylistic changes throughout that can be seen. At times, they just clash. However, the visit itself is super refreshing. As opposed to most cathedrals where you get to see the inside and take a few pictures, here, you get to walk the entire complex and see the art it holds and a bunch of history. A QR audio guide is also a great companion. 5€ entrance fee.
Luis Bonet — Google review
Castle old town within walls with hotels and restaurants, similar to Obidos, Portugal. Parking available within walls or outside as well. You can walk the walls of the castle and the cathedral exterior is massive.
The Walls of Avila are an impressive fortification consisting of walls made from granite, sandstone, and brick that stretch for 2.5km and date back to the 12th century. They were built during the reign of King Alfonso VI as he reconsolidated the Castilian regions from the Moors. A must-see landmark in Avila, they can be accessed via the Tourist Office in Casa CarniceriasCasa Carnicerias.
Marvellous walk around the (mostly) reconstructed city wall - 2.7kms of good paving alongside turrets and towers, great views 5euro entrance, enter at Muralla de Avila
Toby Keen — Google review
Amazing walls with a lot of history and a beautiful thing to behold, especially from outside. If you're visiting the inside, you'll get some nice views of the town thought.
Highly recommended, however, I'm giving them 4 starts because a big segment of the wall is closed and not maintained, you can see the grass growing on it.
Ricardo Sandez — Google review
I find it stunning! Amazed that all these walls are up kept so well and
it is important to get a book or read about the different gates and the door of apostles , there is different figures of 12 apostles, warriors, couples crafted into the stone…
This is one of the better attractions that you need to do homework before visiting ! Enjoy !
Liza Tam — Google review
Unbelievable city walls, almost unmatched in these times. A must see they you can walk for miles on top or below.
Aaron Ochse — Google review
Awesome to see the ramparts and walk the protective walls of the city! There is a fee to walk the wall up top and allow you to take some great photos of the city. The walk back around is not for the faint of heart!
The K Green Show — Google review
The views from the wall are incredible and very much worth the walk. They have it by sections, so you walk what you like.
Maria Morell — Google review
Just an hour and halve drive from Madrid you can visit this beautiful city. Very nice views from this medieval walls, absolutely worth to visit.
Ray Recce — Google review
Ávila has a wonderful historic city center surrounded by this wall. It is super well kept and visitors can pay a 5€ entrance to gain access and walk along the northern half of the wall. Offers great views of the city and surroundings and you can let your imagination go thinking about what these walls have seen. Well worth the visit.
Luis Bonet — Google review
I went to Ávila on business. Everyone talked about the city walls before I went. I had no idea what they were talking about. I didn't read any touristic literature, I just booked my hotel and went...but when I saw the walls, I was seriously impressed!! The Muralla de Ávila or Ávila City Walls are like the biggest castle you ever saw... and some of the best preserved. They are HUGE. You can't walk along the ramparts the whole way round but you can circumnavigate the walls on foot and it's well worth doing. I walked the walls one evening and I did a flying visit to the ramparts on my last day before flying back home. I walked along all the walls that I was allowed to walk before getting sent down by the security guards as they were closing!!! The bits you can walk are not connected but you can buy one ticket which gets you into/onto both. It's not wheelchair friendly and large parts of the wall have wooden privacy screens erected on the inside of the wall to protect the modesty of residents. Some of the tower ramparts are sealed off I presume for the same reason - so you can't go playing Peeping Tom and looking into residential apartments. The above said, you can really get a feel for medieval Spain up there and quite frankly, I've never seen such an impressive feat of engineering. Well worth a visit.
Iain Nash — Google review
At three different points you can buy tickets for 5 euros to go up on the walls of Avila. We went up in the middle and turned east, which is the best part in our opinion. This goes to the cathedral and along the basilique. The second leg goes a long way down the hill and exiting there will mean you'll have to climb up in the inner part of the city to get to the restaurants and the other sights.
Leo Boeren — Google review
What to say when you are backing a few centuries back in the past. Amazing place with fantastic walls all over the old city. Don't miss to visit it.
Purivera — Google review
Beautiful historic place, the walls are an amazing structure. Inside the walls you'll have the chance to also see a lot of old mansions and church of mother Teresa of Avila.
Easy parking around the walls.a city to visit with the hole family!
Tommy Ferreira — Google review
This is an outstanding fortress city/village.
There's plenty of parking on the outskirts of the city, which is what I chose to do and to walk around the castle grounds.
Inside there's modern cafe's, courtyards, churches and access points to pay to walk the wall.
Aaron Spicker — Google review
A day trip from Madrid, though the sky was gloomy the whole day with patchy rain along, the trip to Avila did not disappoint. We should view it as a journey together with town visit. Some spectacular view from the wall. Would have been a 5* if I’ve not been to Alhambra and Toledo.
Kwai Yew Chan — Google review
Good place for clicking a few pictures. Architecture is mostly Romanesque.
Ajinkya Dandawate — Google review
The Walls of Ávila in Madrid stand as a remarkable blend of medieval opulence and architectural brilliance. These ancient fortifications encircle the quaint town, presenting a captivating sight that transports visitors to historical epochs. Imposing and meticulously preserved, the walls instill a profound sense of admiration for their historical importance.
Strolling along the cobblestone paths atop the walls, one can take in the breathtaking views of Ávila's idyllic scenery. The strategically positioned towers and battlements not only offer insights into the town's military history but also provide a unique perspective to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. The Walls of Ávila seamlessly combine historical richness with scenic charm, making it an essential destination for those seeking a captivating journey through time within the heart of Madrid.
Humberto Dapelo — Google review
The Avila Walls are a magnificent monument. Walking around the walls transports you back in time. A must-visit for anyone seeking a truly memorable experience
Vasilis Moukas — Google review
You don't have many other examples of cities still keeping a well preserved ring of walls. They surely deserve a visit as well as many of the buildings inside them.
Jorge Bernardo — Google review
Worth walking around to get views of the surrounding area. The part by the Cathedral has good views. Steps up to it are steep, but there is a handrail. There is a booth by the gate near the Parador, it looks like a wooden loo, but it's a ticket office and entrance to walls. Lots of little towers to look out from.
The Plaza Mayor is a large, colonnaded square in the heart of Madrid. It is popular among tourists for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The plaza is surrounded by many important historical buildings, including the Town Hall Clock Tower and the Iglesia de San Martin Cathedral.
4.5
(8143)
37002 Salamanca, Spain
18
Catedral Vieja de Santa Maria de la Sede de Salamanca
The Catedral Vieja de Santa Maria de la Sede de Salamanca is an ornate medieval Romanesque/Gothic cathedral. It features a 15th-century altarpiece, one of the finest outside Italy. The cathedral is huge, with plenty of space, but is a bit drafty and could have been great but for a major lack of air conditioning. It was in awe and sadden by its truly personal experience.
I share my experience by saying I was in awe and sadden, its truly a personal experience.
Antonio A Curto — Google review
This is the older of the churches that make up Salamanca Cathedral. The Old Cathedral dates back to the 12th century when founded by Bishop Jerome Perigord. It was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and is mainly Romanesque in architecture with some Gothic features including the vaulted nave. The Old Cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria de la Sede (St. Mary of the See).
The Old Cathedral can be visited as part of a combined ticket (€10 per adult) that includes entry into the New Cathedral, cloister & historic chapels as well as the Episcopal Palace exhibition rooms just across from the cathedrals at Plaza Juan XXIII.
Highlights for us were the frescos in St. Martin's Chapel and the beautiful ancient chapel of St. Barbara. However, most impressive is the apse altarpiece, a cycle of 53 scenes known collectively as the Final Judgement by Italian painter Dello Delli. This is a remarkable cathedral treasure, worth spending some time to enjoy.
The cloister area was mainly closed during our visit but we enjoyed the small museum setup with a handful of rooms containing cathedral antiquity and artworks. Then, through the shop and over to the Episcopal Palace to see the exhibition rooms and artworks there. That wraps up your visit to the Salamanca Cathedral complex.
Brad — Google review
Plenty of space, but a bit drafty. Could've been great but a major lack of air conditioning held it back from being what it could
William Towler — Google review
The Old Cathedral of Salamanca (Cathedral Vieja de Salamanca in Spanish) is one of two existing cathedrals in the city of Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Spain. It was founded by Bishop Jerónimo de Perigord. Its construction began in the first third of the 12th century, continuing until the 14th century. Its architecture has Romanesque and Gothic influences. It is dedicated to Santa Maria da Sede.
The cathedral has a Latin cross plan and three Romanesque naves, topped by Gothic transitional vaults. The main door, although it has lost part of its original artistic value, still conserves two statues, representing scenes of the Annunciation, one on each side.According to a legend, the San Martín Chapel or Olive Oil Chapel, where the ports of oils that were later used in the lamps of the Cathedral, served as a refuge for Franco, a general of the time. It is also worth mentioning that in the Old Cathedral there was a dome that became known by popular as the Torre do Galo, this mainly due to a weather vane that had in the crown.
Artur Victoria — Google review
Beautiful. Just go inside and visit.
Jason Moreno — Google review
Very nice building and surroundings.
Larissa Terumi Arashiro — Google review
Impressive architecture + a great view to the city if you go to the upper floors.
Conjunto Histórico Artístico del Casco Antiguo de Béjar
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Historic Walking Areas
(Translated by Google) Essential place to visit in Béjar to get to know its surroundings in a very peculiar way
(Original)
Lugar imprescindible para visitar en Béjar para conocer de sus alrededores de una manera muy peculiar
Diego Araque — Google review
(Translated by Google) The oldest part of the city with a Memorable history. In it are the oldest churches in the city, the Town Hall, the Plaza Mayor, the Ducal Palace where you can visit the Camera Obscura, and a wide range of old houses and buildings with many years. Despite all this, the complex is not very well "air-conditioned" there are houses declared in ruins and in which a couple of police tapes separate the danger from the person, the main square is not used for any event so the people do not go down to this area if they do not know it completely well.
(Original)
La parte más antigua de la ciudad u con una historia Memorable. En ella se encuentran las iglesias más antiguas de la ciudad, el Ayuntamiento, la plaza Mayor, el Palacio ducal en que se puede visitar la Cámara oscura, y un gran amplio abanico de antiguas casa y edificios con muchos años. A pesar de todo esto el conjunto no esta muy bien "climatizado" hay casas declaradas en ruinas y en las que un par de cintas de la policía separan el peligro de la persona, la plaza mayor no se utiliza para ningún evento por lo que la gente no baja hasta esta zona si no la conocen del todo bien.
David PC — Google review
(Translated by Google) The old town of the city was declared a historic-artistic complex on July 20, 1974.
Highlights include its Plaza Mayor, which houses three notable buildings such as the Town Hall, the Church of El Salvador and the Palace of the Dukes of Béjar.
Then along Calle Mayor some other buildings such as the Teatro Cervantes and the Portales de Pizarro.
Some other church and part of the wall that protected the Villa.
(Original)
El casco antiguo de la ciudad fue declarado conjunto histórico artístico el 20 de julio de 1974.
Destacan su Plaza Mayor que alberga tres edificios destacables como el Ayuntamiento, la Iglesia de El Salvador y el Palacio de los Duques de Béjar.
Después por la calle Mayor algún que otro Edificio como el Teatro Cervantes y los Portales de Pizarro.
Alguna otra iglesia y parte de la muralla que protegía la Villa.
Cesar Garcia de leaniz barcena — Google review
Plaza principal del pueblo, con la Iglesia del Salvador y el palacio ducal, en el que tienen una cámara oscura (espacio reducido en el que aprovechan la luz natural que entra por la torre del palacio, la reflejan en un espejo y la usan a modo de proyector para explicarte los principales monumentos de la ciudad). Hay varios carteles informativos de la historia de la villa en la plaza y está marcado un itinerario autoguiado por el pueblo.
Norma V?zquez — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautiful buildings but surrounded by houses that do not accompany the environment. Many of them you can see that they were beautiful but now they are made a shame.
(Original)
Preciosos edificios pero rodeados de casas que no acompañan el entorno. Muchas de ellas se ve que fueron bonitas pero ahora están hechas una pena.
In?s Garc?a — Google review
(Translated by Google) A city with a lot of history, it is recommended to visit on Saturday mornings, everything is closed on Sunday
(Original)
Una ciudad con mucha historia , recomendable visitar el sábado por las mañnaas, domingo todo cerrado
Ionut Verboncu — Google review
(Translated by Google) Nice to walk and see the different monuments of Béjar.
We arrived late and we couldn't enter the church or any museum in town.
(Original)
Bonito para pasear y ver los distintos monumentos de Béjar.
Llegamos tarde y no pudimos entrar a la iglesia ni a ningún museo del pueblo.
María José Muñoz Pizarro. — Google review
(Translated by Google) Interesting to take a walk and get to know the different monuments of Béjar. I recommend going to Candelario, it is a walk away.
(Original)
Interesante para dar un paseo y conocer los distintos monumentos de Béjar . Recomiendo acercarse a Candelario, está a un paseo
Samuel Buitron Gonzalez — Google review
(Translated by Google) City with a lot of potential due to its artistic heritage, but which needs urgent rehabilitation in most of its unique buildings.
(Original)
Ciudad con mucho potencial por su patrimonio artístico, pero que necestita una urgente rehabilitación en la mayoría de sus edificios singulares.
Norberto Blanco — Google review
(Translated by Google) Good temperature and good ride.
Enter La Iglesia del Salvador and you can eat at Casa Pavón, I recommend Calderillo, one of the best I have ever eaten!!! And on Thursdays, Béjar market.
(Original)
Buena temperatura y buen paseo.
Entra en La Iglesia del Salvador y puedes comer en Casa Pavón, recomiendo Calderillo, de los mejores que he comido!!! Y los jueves, mercadillo de Béjar.
Rocio Garcia — Google review
(Translated by Google) A place where you can be calm with a lot to see and very good treatment of all visitors, including motorhomes, free filling and emptying services, I recommend it and its gastronomy
(Original)
Un sitio donde poder estar tranquilos com mucho por ver y com muy buen trato a todos los visitantes incluso autocaravanistas servicios de llenado y vaciado gratuito lo recomiendo y su gastronomía
Angel Garcia Vicente — Google review
(Translated by Google) Béjar presents a double aspect, on the one hand an industrial city in clear decline and on the other a historical heritage that an attempt is made to enhance. As a tourist attraction it can be visited, especially if you are passing through....
(Original)
Béjar presenta un doble aspecto, por un lado una ciudad industrial en franca decadencia y por otro un patrimonio histórico que se intenta poner en valor. Como atractivo turístico se puede visitar, sobre todo si coge de paso....
Marcelino Moreno — Google review
4.3
(148)
•
5.0
(3013)
Pl. Mayor de Maldonado, 33, 37700 Béjar, Salamanca, Spain
Zamora, located in the Castile and León region of northwest Spain, is the capital city of Zamora province. The city center is situated on the north bank of Douro River and surrounded by well-preserved defensive walls and gates. One of its prominent landmarks is Zamora Cathedral which features a blend of architectural styles including Byzantine dome, Romanesque tower, and neoclassical cloister.
1% as popular as Madrid
7 minutes off the main route, 56% of way to Porto
I'll never travel to Porto without this trip planner again
Serra da Estrela, located east of Coimbra, is home to the highest mountains in continental Portugal. The region offers a rural and sustainable tourism experience at Chao do Rio, where guests can stay in beautiful stone cottages surrounded by pastures and a natural swimming pool resembling the lagoons of Serra da Estrela.
In winter, check if it’s snowing! If it is, you will have an amazing experience! Do not forget to go to “Covao dametade” as well!
Franklin Hirata — Google review
Great area to explore. River beaches for hot weather. Pretty villages. Amazing views.
P Mallory (Pauline) — Google review
I love this place!! Free wild camping for RVs 😊
When you get here before dark there is a restaurant and a gift shop!
We loved the meat and cheese 🧀 offered here! But there is lots of fun stuff!
The view is breathtaking and it feels like your above the clouds!
If you are RVing on your way up make sure you have ample propane for heating as it can be cold, gas ⛽️ or diesel and water 💧
We filled up from the free natural mountain 🏔️ water 💧 on our way up with a watering can!
Meg “Family Travel” — Google review
Breathtaking view while driving to the top of the mountain, and when arrive there you find beautiful snow landscapes (depending of the season) and very sympathetic merchants selling famous cheeses.
Letícia Thaís Moraes — Google review
Serra da Estrela was the first pace that i have been seen snow fall in Portugal. That was my Évoraerasmus trip. Like 40 people together we attend that trip. It was nice experience to travel with cable car
Shouvik Roy Snigdha — Google review
Much visit place for enjoying holidays.. and enjoy snowfalls in winters...👍🏻👍🏻recommended to everyone
Varun sharma Vs — Google review
Very nice place to visit. The place touches the heart.💜💜🥰🥰
rimon bhuiyan — Google review
Beautiful pity there was no snow
Dr. J. Areias — Google review
With 1993m serra da estrela is located middle north of portugal.this is a unique place in portugal to enjoy time in a freezing environment.recommended
The Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is an 18th-century Catholic chapel renowned for its Baroque & Rococo facade and ornate altar. Situated on a hill west of the town's center, it is considered the most famous monument in the area. Despite visiting numerous churches and cathedrals, this one stands out as something special due to its location amidst some of Portugal's most picturesque surroundings.
Beautiful place, over the city of Lamego, a great view all around. The inside of the church is calm, lovely and calls out to silence and prayer. It us a must if you are in the area and make sure to go up all those stairs, but in winter clothes when it's sunny😅😅😅😅
Maria Filomena Pires (Mena) — Google review
Great views of the town from the church. Similar to Bom Jesus in Braga with stairs all the way down. Some very massive ancient trees; one being a chestnut which looks about 400 years old! Well worth a visit.
Lili Rehak — Google review
Easy access with public bus line 200. You can find bus stop just next to train station. If you don't want to go all the way up by stairs there is also nice old escalator for around 1€ but without nice view during short ride. You can also spend some time in big and green park at the top.
Klaudia Przezdziecka — Google review
This is very beautiful and worth a visit. The outside is stunning and you get a beautiful view of the town from the top of the hill. We drove to the top to visit the church instead of scaling the 600+ steps. (The bottom of the staircase was closed due to repairs being made, and it was raining.) We spent about 1/2 hour here on our way to the Douro Valley.
Elizabeth Bernal — Google review
Imposing staircase surrounded by vegetation and landings with interesting sculptures, fountains and tiles.
At the top, the sanctuary and a panoramic view of the city.
I advise you to start the route on the avenue.
Jennifer Sousa — Google review
Stunning church, first seen lit up on a dark evening, with cascading stairway intermittently decorated with blue white tile images. It literally looked like a stairway to heaven, the brightness set against the midnight blue sky. You can walk or drive to the top. Never seen anything like it before. Well worth visiting.
A Suthers — Google review
Beautiful Church, Beautiful Grounds. And I'm not sure why no one has ever mentioned you don't need to use the stairs as there are hiking paths all the way up - my elderly mother (75) was able to make all the way up with no problems.
Charlotte Chavez — Google review
Just amazing! 🤩
Everything is so big and full of details. Status, mazes and fountains.
I didn't get the chance to see inside as it's rarely open but the outside is just so full of things that it might be the best.
By car is easy but not shorter (in distance) than walking as there is a long way. The signs are not well though.
Nearby there are supportive cafe and they were renovating some building too.
Paulo Lopes — Google review
The climb up is very nice. Great views from tgevpatio.
Miron E.N — Google review
Even if you've had enough of churches and cathedrals - this one is special and worth the visit, not necessarily inside...
It is in one of the prettiest areas of Portugal and its surroundings are enchanting, no less.
We visited in October so it was misty in the small forest around it (and all over) - the scent of the air was intoxicating, walking there felt like forever and not enough, I lost track of time. And.. we saw a squirrel, which was a nice bonus!
Sagi Karako — Google review
Wonderful experience visiting Santuario de Nossa Senhora! We decided to walk down and back up twice! Pretty challenging but worth it. The view from the top is exceptional!! I’d recommend it! Not sure how pilgrims were able to do the journey on there knees?
John — Google review
The most gorgeous and impressive cathedral, stairs, and grounds. Not to be missed in Lamego. Free parking, which we appreciated.
Starasia Starr — Google review
Really nice church a few minutes drive from Lamego. Sits on top of the hill with a few hundred steps to walk down, geometrically shaped. The church garden has many mature trees allowing great hike and walk around for a picnic. Majority of the statues are located on the top. If you do drive there are a few stops along the way you can take multiple posts and pictures while driving up to the top. They are abundance of free parking‘s next to the church on the top.
However if you would like to take a picture of all the stairs there is also a plaza that is long and rectangular shape at the base with free parking as well where you can take a nice picture of the church and stairs completely.
The church is worthwhile to see because they even open up the back inner chambers to the cathedral so that you can view more intimate settings of the church
Lynne Lin — Google review
Beautiful tiles, both inside as outside the church. There's a little terrace near the church to drink a café or a cool drink
Passadiços do Paiva Trailhead (Areinho) offers a stunning 5.5-mile wooden walkway along the Paiva River, providing breathtaking views of the valley. The well-maintained 8km trail allows for side-by-side walking and leads to the Arouca 516m suspension bridge, although reservations are necessary due to limited availability. This picturesque route showcases untouched landscapes, crystal-clear river waters, and endangered European species.
A great 8km (5mile) walk that is well maintained and allows you to walk two abreast on a very clear path. There is the option of taking in the Arouca 516m suspension bridge but you will need to book ahead as places are very limited. The walk itself is a great way to see the Paiva valley and gets you close to nstire.
If you are walking in one direction then the majority of people walk downstream. This involves a 1.5 km walk up to the highest point of the trail followed by 0.5km of descent via 600+steps and the remainder of the trail is a meander to the end. Jeeps and taxis are available at both ends and it is a 12km trip back to the start via the road.
If you are doing a return trip then start wherever suits you best just be prepared to go up relentlessly for 0.5km at some stage. There are restaurants at both ends and plenty of river beaches and alike to stop at for a picnic /rest /swim!
We went in late March on a Monday and parking was easy and the route was not busy but in the height of the summer they can get 3,000 people a day which may take some of the enjoyment out of the day. Parking is limited and there are very limited alternative parking locations within 1km. If you are thinking of going in the summer I can imagine a very early start would not only avoid the congestion (road and trails) but also be cooler and more interesting light.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did
Charlie Hill — Google review
5.5 mile hike along the Paiva River. The sheer length of the decking walkway is unbelievable, allowing safe access along the banks. There are stops along the trail for swimming, etc as well. A few snack bars were also located at the trail main points to allow refueling, water, a snack, etc. If you here bells, it's not dehydration, look around and you'll see free range cows and goats. 😉
G Roberts — Google review
This is a walkway along the Paiva River with beautiful scenery. My family and I enjoyed walking it together. We have teens and still had to bring lots of snacks and water so be prepared. There is a nice place to stop about midway through with restrooms. These walkways are not stroller friendly.
D luvs2travel — Google review
A super nice ruor! The walkway is 8km one way, in which we take 2h30, with several stops to contemplate nature. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes nature, listening to the sound of birds and breathing fresh air.
Gabriela Pereira — Google review
Amazing hike, beautiful nature and landscape. Take swimwear so you can swim in the river beach in the middle of the trail :)
Pedro Heitor — Google review
We only hiked the vertical section from the main road up to the base of the suspension bridge. Be prepared for about 300 metres of vertical gain, all in nice wooden stairs - definitely a knee workout. Beautiful views from the top. The suspension bridge now costs €12 (not €2 as it says on the poster), and you have to wait for an official tour time slot, which would have been an hours wait for us.
Tristam MacDonald — Google review
Beautiful hike with amazing views. The prices are pretty gougy and don't seem to be posted anywhere. Its 12€ to cross the suspension bridge or 2€ to just the paths 1 if you pay online.
Blake Anderson — Google review
Loved this walk. Plenty of steps, but OK if you have a moderate level of fitness. Swimming hole about half way along so bring your swimmers if it's hot. Taxi or Jeep return
Dan Ryan — Google review
The Paiva Walkways are located on the left bank of the Paiva River, in the municipality of Arouca, district of Aveiro. There are 8 km that provide an "untouched" tour, surrounded by landscapes of unparalleled beauty, in an authentic natural sanctuary, next to whitewater descents, quartz crystals and endangered species in Europe. The route extends between the river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca, with Vau beach between the two. The Paiva Walkways are an 8.7 km wooden walkway, built along the cliffs of from Paiva. They are located about 75 km southeast of Porto, within the Arouca Unesco Global Geopark. This incredible attraction, due to its unique beauty, has already been awarded 10 times in the World Travel Awards. The 516 Arouca Bridge is the longest suspended pedestrian bridge in the world, measuring 516 meters in length and 175 meters in height. Suspended on Tibetan-style steel cables, the 516 Arouca Bridge was a great challenge for Engineering. This impressive structure joins the banks of the Paiva River Gorge, over the beautiful Cascata das Aguieiras. Next to us, the Paiva River flows in an almost musical way, rising its flow in the winter period, extending the adrenaline of its wild waters to the adventurers of rafting and kayaking. Along the shore, the journey begins in the bathing areas of Areinho and/or Espiunca, and halfway along the route, the small paradise of the leisure and leisure area of Vau opens up in front of us. It's the eight kilometers of a lifetime. Project co-financed by «ON2 – O Novo Norte», through QREN and the European Regional Development Fund.
Artur Victoria — Google review
Difficult hiking trail if you are not used to it, you will however feel accomplished and full of dopamine once you completed it!
The views along the way are spectacular!
Joeleao073 1 (joeleao073) — Google review
Great place to start this amazing place. Very nice officials available to support you with directions and online ticket purchase. Do not be too late, as the parking has limited spaces. Taxis are available at the end of the trail and bring you back for 16 euro (nov 2023)
Frank van den Brink — Google review
Cardio check!? Room for improvement..
Eye check?! Some of the most beautiful scenery ever witnessed.
Enough internal space?! You will need it.
Trail shoes needed. For there will be some slippery conditions.
Ricardo Barbosa — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place. You have to be somewhat fit but it's worth it. You also have a choice of where to start your walk and perhaps bypass the initial 500+ steps.
carlos ferreira — Google review
That's a wonderful hike along a wooden pathway that runs along the river. Unfortunately we arrived a bit late around 17:20 and we initially wanted to walk back and forth the 8kms.
It would take approximately 2h for us one way but we did not have enough time so we walked back from 3/4 of the route.
The walk is easy on the path but there are quite a lot of stairs and during a warm day it can become moderate difficulty.
There are beautiful sports along the way and if you have enough time it definitely is a relaxing hike! I highly recommend planning your visit here.
Alessandro Balocco — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous trail to cover. This trail consists of 2 times 9kms making it an 18km trail in total. It features some amazing sights such as the wooden stairs, the natural river flowing through the trail and the 516 meter long hanging bridge. The trail is pretty easy since the path is made of wood. We spend 2 hours hiking. There are taxi’s at each point which take you to your parking spot for around €15-€20
Luc P — Google review
Amazing view and good level of hiking. We went there with a group and even those who were not so prepared enjoyed a lot. Totally worth 🤙🏻
Coimbra University, a multi-disciplinary institution with centuries-old structures and botanical gardens, is renowned worldwide as a World Heritage Site. It stands among the oldest universities globally and boasts an exceptional library, gifted by King Joao V in the early 1700s. This remarkable collection of 300,000 books is elegantly showcased amidst an opulent display of gold leaf.
Great Acts Room
This space is the most important room at the University of Coimbra. It was the former Throne Room and, between 1143 and 1383, was the home of the kings of the 1st Portuguese dynasty. In it, important episodes in the History of Portugal took place, such as the acclamation of King D. João I, in 1385. With the installation of the University in the Palace, this space became the main room of the University of Coimbra, as it is here that the most important ceremonies of academic life.
The current configuration of this room results from the renovation that was carried out in the mid-17th century. The walls were covered with wainscoting of “carpet type” tiles, made in Lisbon. The ceiling, with 172 wooden panels, features grotesque motifs (representing sea monsters, Indians, mermaids, plants).
Artur Victoria — Google review
someone very close to me used to say this, Portugal will be a great place without the Portuguese ppl. University of Coimbra has beautiful buildings with astonishing history, great students with studious attitude and desire to experience life, but some senior staffs (at least to my experience) can be a tiny little.bit of conservative and old fashioned. I understand why they reacted this way when a person speaking to them a language they did not understand. But still, a tiny smile wouldn't hurt. ok, I know 99.99% of Portuguese are lovely, especially the young ones, but still, for my psychological health, I need to rant~
Lucy Ting — Google review
I mean it is made of different massive buildings and it looks really nice. There is a great history behind it. The only thing is that some parts of the university are subject to entrance fee and it sounds not right.
Mustafa Arikan — Google review
Quite an interesting place to visit, though I had to admit I expected to see more rooms. Some were closed for restoration or not allowed to be seen by tourists, etc. There is a chance to see the library, the chapel and the botanical gardens as well. Definitely see the library- it is the highlight of the tour for sure! One thing that I believe is strange is that you need to buy tickets like 3 blocks away and then walk to the university- what’s the sense? It’s a mystery and inconvenience for sure.
Anya Nura — Google review
Paid museum areas (library and chapel) let down by clock watching staff pushing you to go either faster or slower. Not really sure what the reason was, I see no need for such overly strict enforcement of time. If it’s for covid it’s completely counter intuitive as it squashed everyone together.
Pez Cuckow — Google review
The university is one of the oldest in the world, the oldest in Portugal, and played an influential role in Portuguese academic history. Now is declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It's definitely worth seeing.
Andrada Bogdan — Google review
Half day left in Portugal trip, I've decided to go to the oldest university in the world and was amazing how the beauty of this university was. Unfortunately it was under construction and many spots were closed. Looks like I have to come back here again. lol
Piboon Thongtanyong (Otto) — Google review
One of the oldest universities in the world is truly impressive. It is worth a visit
Pajo TP — Google review
Coimbra University is one of the oldest in Europe dating back to late 13 century, and still the biggest one in Portugal.
Visiting it's grounds is the best thing you can do in this town. There're several types of tickets, depending how much you want to see.
We found the basic ticket (around 12 Euros) to be more than sufficient as it includes the Chemical laboratory, University Palace (which served as seat of power in 12-13 c when Coimbra was a capital), as well the astonishing Sao Miguel Chapel and Joanina Library.
BEWARE you cannot buy tickets on the spot at the University square. Tickets for the entire University complex are sold across the Chemical Laboratory which is around the corner of the new Se Cathedral (some 10 min walk from the University square itself). Very illogical, but that's it - do that first to avoid double walking like we did. Count on around 2-3 hours for entire visit.
Dejan Braki — Google review
We had a brief visit at the University of Coimbra. They do have pay toilets. We were able to take a tour of the library. Photos and videos are prohibited inside the library. Please be careful as the rope stantions are very sharp and can snag your clothes. Other than that, it is very beautiful and impressive.
Cody Weikel — Google review
The university reference of the country, his name is known overseas.
Long prosperity at the university and its various buildings which make the charm of Coimbra.
UNESCO heritage!
Jonathan Cruz Sequeira (Cruzibabe) — Google review
Coimbra university is the oldest and most famous in Portugal. A Unesco heritage site is an absolute must for the visitor. It takes some time to wander around and inside the various buildings. Climbing the stairway up the roof is not for the timid people and gives a wonderful view around the city. The old royal chappel is nice. Nevertheless the jewel in the crown is the old library, Biblioteca Joanina in baroque style. You must book your ticket to it in advance, as you may find it sold out. You also need a guide. I payed 20 euros to join the guided tour at 11am on Sunday. The tour is normally in Portuguese only. As it happened that I was the only tour member(!!) I had the guide to myself and also available for some questions in english. There were several other groups. It takes close to an hour and half to follow any tour. No pictures are allowed in the library but my money was well invested.
ANASTASIOS TSAGKLAS — Google review
What a beautiful university. The buildings are mesmerising. It is located above the hills so we can see Coimbra from the top. Make sure to visit Joanina library because it is so beautiful. One of the most beautiful libraries in the world. You need to buy tickets in advance and there is a timed visit for the library. They only have a guided visit for the library because the library is very old and they want to preserve the interior. Worth to visit.
Ela Yudhanira — Google review
A great half day trip. The church was nice, the palace was good but the bibliotheca (library) was fantastic. A 13 euro entry fee was well worth it. The gift shop was good too. (No pictures of the bibliotheca because they don’t allow it)
Jon — Google review
The university was a part of our tour in Coimbra and it deserves attention. It is high rated and also makes the life of the city very colorful. Many Portuguese historical figures attended the University.
Varko — Google review
The university of Coimbra is a university with a long history. There are its school palace, clock tower, university prison, chapel inside. It take functions as an observatory that overlooks the entire city of coimbra, because it was located on a hill. The huge statue of the university's founder in the playground is a sight to see. There are buildings built between 16th and 18th centuries, and students are still studying in those buildings. In particular, the Joania library built in 18th century have many books, gorgeous books bindings, and bookshelves. Those give us a glimpse of how important the king and the country placed books.
Prof_Jura Park — Google review
This university has wonderful heritage building....very nice architecture with a church and museum. The students are very enthusiastic about guiding throughout the campus. The university has an amazing library also and the structure is very nice. The campus also has a church where all the students can pray. The museum also includes the palace where the king has a court. From the university, one can get the beautiful scenery of Coimbra city and also the beautiful Mondego river.
The Biblioteca Joanina, a magnificent Baroque library constructed in the 18th century and named after its patron King John V of Portugal, is situated within the Paco das Escolas. This opulent establishment lies at the center of Coimbra University, housed in a charming historic edifice. Its interior is simply awe-inspiring; adorned with exotic wood, tasteful embellishments, and exquisite shelving units.
One of the most amazing places I have ever seen. Unfortunately, no pictures allowed! But I have to admit that the library has a jaw-dropping effect :) there are about 60,000 books dating as early as the 15th century! Inside it looks like a palace. And what’s more interesting- at night they let the bats in to kill all the insects, so they cover the furniture.
All pictures are taken in the place before you go into the main room where no pictures are allowed! Before the library you are allowed to see the university prison for about 5-7 min.
You will have about 10 minutes in the main part of the library, which is quite enough to walk around. You need to come specifically at the appointed time (tickets bought in advance and what is strange they are bought like 3 blocks away from the library). If you come earlier you will be allowed to sit on the benches inside and wait for the tour to start.
Anya Nura — Google review
Biblioteca Joanina is an ornate 17th century Baroque Library. Paid 13 Euro and you have 10-15 mins access, the upper hall was totally unlit and reliant on outside window light - plus all the reading tables were covered with cloth. To top it off - no photos allowed. Totally overpriced.
Michael H — Google review
A library filled with 500 year old books with 3 stories. The main floor is beautiful baroque.
Unfortunately you are not allowed to take photos of the baroque room anymore.
In don't understand the negative reviews.
John M — Google review
It is a beautiful library. Please keep in mind in advance that you cannot take photos when you are inside. A timed entry ticket is required. Please also keep in mind that the first two floors are ONLY steps, not very inclusive in design. I had to ask an info person to a more accessible entrance for a loved with limited mobility to enter on the third floor. I wish this information was available in advance, so come ahead of your booked time.
Smitha Mahesh — Google review
A nice historical library well maintained, preserved with controlled admission and no photography allowed in the main building. It is required to manage, monitor crowds otherwise history will be lost.
Tickets can be purchased online or at one of the ticket centers in the university. Paid parking is available in the university area and nearby.
You have to be at the entrance a few minutes before the scheduled time and not later. Photos are allowed in the first room and not in the main library rooms. Visitors have to respect it and also be mindful of the time allowed inside. The inside architecture is baroque with a royal feel and the woodwork with books from history is amazing to view and preserve in our memories.
This may not be one of the top libraries but definitely a place to visit for anyone who loves books and history
Pradeep Ponnuswamy — Google review
Go to the website, select the time entry to the library and that same ticket will allow you to enter other university buildings. The time entry only applies to the library.
The visit is only 20 minutes. The first 10 minutes is to see the prison chambers and then the overflow of books on the second floor. The second 10 minutes is finally for the main attraction, you can’t take pick tires or videos so absorb as much as you can while you are there.
It’s definitely worth the visit.
Karla Rodríguez — Google review
Nice interior, but unfortunately way too overpriced (13.5€ per person).
Also, you get limited 10mins time inside the library and no photos policy makes it feel a bit too pricey for what you get...
Joao Pacheco — Google review
The Juanin Library is considered one of the richest Baroque libraries in Europe. It was built between 1717 and 1728. It is located in the most central part of the University of Coimbra, near Escolas. The building was built to house the university library with a collection of over 300,000 volumes dating from before 1800 and a large collection of the Old Testament. They are launched only in groups of 15-20 people. Starting from the lower floor, where the prison was located and then upstairs. You can't take photos in the library itself.
I recommend you to visit. It is even possible without a guide, as there are information sheets on each floor.
Roman Gravit — Google review
The Joanina Library is an exponent of baroque art. It is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It was built in the early 18th century by order of King John V, motivated by a request from the University of Coimbra to expand its old library.
Its architecture is generally compared to a temple (secular), to worship Wisdom (also another name to refer to the university). However, this work tells a lot about the greatness of Portugal, as you can see in the interior decoration. Portugal in the early 18th century was a powerful empire spread across the four continents. Its economy shone with the discovery of extensive deposits of gold in the colony of Brazil at the end of the previous century. In this context, generous amounts were invested in the library, which is reflected in all its exuberance.
The library doors open every 20 minutes. In the summer (between the second week of July and the second week of September), there are night visits to the Royal Palace, which includes the library, when it can be seen as it rarely is. Tickets for tours that include the Joanina Library are sold at the General Library building reception.
To find out more about the library, take a look at the free audio guide at this link::
https://izi.travel/en/acd9-biblioteca-joanina-joanina-library/en
And, if you're curious about what's in the region:
https://izi.travel/en/c125-coimbra/en
I hope you enjoy your time in Coimbra!
DWR — Google review
Very impressive and the most beautiful library I ever been into. However there are minuses (and reasons for the low rating):
- you either buy tickets in advance or walk about a mile to the office to buy them. You only realise it at the place
- they do not allow to take photos in the main hall. Again, you only know it when you start the tour. Though they do allow take photos at the entrance room
- they deleted all previous reviews for many years (by deleting their place on google and then reinstating it) - probably because they did not want the photos to be published. I believe in freedom of information.
So, I reinstated the updated review lowering the rating from previous 4 to current 2 starts. All my photos were taken from the room they allowed to take photos.
AZ — Google review
expensive for 10 minutes inside the rooms and not very smart organized, especially for a bunch of academics.
only possible to visit in a combination ticket, the exhibitions are nice
Forum Aveiro is a charming retail complex that boasts classic stone architecture and over 70 stores, as well as a food court. What sets it apart is its open shop concept, making it easy to find big brands within the mall. The location is easily accessible via Google Maps, with nearby bars along the river providing a perfect spot for coffee or drinks while enjoying the view.
Very nice airy shopping center. It is good to walk there so much you think you are in the city. Excellent choice of materials to blend in with the decor. The space is very well maintained and it is super clean. On the ground floor you have the shops and upstairs you have the catering. To do without hesitation if you are in town 👍🏼
The ribbons on the roof make it very cozy
Jonathan Cruz Sequeira (Cruzibabe) — Google review
Centrally located shopping mall with a good selection of stores and places to eat. The architecture is carefully thought through so that the place fits in well in the surroundings. You can admire the cityscape from the outside of the top floor, there are trees planted all over and the shopping alleys are partially outside. The mall is nicely decorated during Xmas time.
Kama Winnik — Google review
It's a beautiful and quite big mall in the middle of Aveiro. You find the regular stores here but for me the catch is the buildings, the decoration and the fact that it is an outdoor Mall which you do not find that often.
Being an outdoor Mall there are of course also problems coming along. Since it is quite hot in the summer the stores without air condition, which were the majority, are quite hot inside which makes looking for clothes and trying them on relatives uncomfortable rarely quick.
If you are around, it is definitely worth the stroll!
You can park directly underneath the mall. It took about 15 minutes to get into the parking garage though because of traffic jams inside the garage.
Fabian V — Google review
Average, it looked way bigger on the outside than the actual offering of the stores once we took a walk inside..
Melisha Durais — Google review
Amaizing walks around to see the chanel river and the boats like a little Venice , colourful, a lot of choices to buy and enjoy good food
Giuseppe De Chellis — Google review
Cool place to rest in Aveiro. Quite varied restaurants and good cafes. However, few improvements are required in the babies room, e.g. easier door to open (if you have a stroller)
Motaz Ayiad — Google review
The Forum is a modern mall in an old building. Just by side of the canal, there could not have been a better place for it. Many upscale brands exist on ground floor and a good food court with multi cuisine restaurants exists on the first floor. There is enough activity to pass time and enjoy a walk by the side of canal
Praveen Mehrotra — Google review
The shopping mall is quite unique for their concept to be open shop. You can easily find big brands here in the shopping mall. The location is very easy to find by google maps. There are some bars nearby if you want to have a coffee or drinks. They are located near the river. You can sit around and enjoy the view after doing your things.
Rita — Google review
A vibrant shopping center located in the city center. With a diverse range of shops, dining options, and entertainment facilities, it offers a well-rounded shopping experience. The architecture and layout contribute to a pleasant atmosphere.
João Almeida — Google review
Beautiful place, with a variety of shops. A great place to be on a sunny day. Full of little cafes and places to eat. Can sit outside and enjoy the views or even go on the boat tour. Architecturally pleasing. A go to place for shopping.
Dee — Google review
A nice shopping center in the center of Aveiro with underground parking. The shops here are nice with good prices. There is a food court with fast food options and some restaurants.
This can be accessed by walking from the main areas and is a good rest from the heat.
Pradeep Ponnuswamy — Google review
Beautiful open air mall with everything you need. Comfortable and clean food court. We visit weekly to walk and browse or meals
Chris McNaughton — Google review
4.4
(26798)
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4.0
(921)
R. do Batalhão de Caçadores 10 Store 2.2a, 3810-064 Aveiro, Portugal
Luís I Bridge is an iconic arched bridge in Porto, connecting the city to Vila Nova de Gaia. It carries a low-level road and a high-level metro line, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The route along the bridge includes notable landmarks such as Praca da Liberdade, Torre dos Clerigos, Livraria Lello bookshop, and more.
It’s one of most beautiful locations in Porto hence a must visit. Take a walk on the bridge and do a cable car, costs €6 per ticket and have a nice walk along the river with plenty of options to eat and drink. You can come back through the cable car by buying a return ticket for €9. It becomes really beautiful during the sunset time.
Rishi M — Google review
This bridge. It’s just stunning. Its like the centre piece in an art gallery. It ties the city together. Quite literally. There is no path by it. You will cross it a lot, either on food or in the Metro. And you’ll love it. What a mere steel structure can conjure up is simply amazing. Can’t miss in any list in Porto. 100% Full recommendation! 👌🏽🤩
A. Gregory Janiczek — Google review
This bridge is magnificent. You can walk both on the upper deck or the lower deck. On the upper deck there also goes the tram. The view is very good and you overlook the whole city alongside the Duoro River. Walking on this bridge gives you a very pleasant feeling. Highly recommend to take a talk on both levels of this bridge.
Mengyang Liu — Google review
A beautiful walk along the bridge. Such a gorgeous view with scenery to match. Well built and kept quite clean. It was quite windy when we went and it was a strong wind so can be a bit daunting but otherwise a completely fun experience.
Dee — Google review
This is the most beautiful attraction in Porto. When you walk along the top of the bridge, the height seems prohibitive, the view of the city on the river and the trams that rush past is wonderful. The only moment the bridge is partially under reconstruction now, and almost half of the lower part is covered with building films.
Yevheniia Vishnevskaia — Google review
This is another great piece of architecture in Porto and a definitive must-see and do. If you want to cross the river Douro, then this is a great way to do so. Be it on the lower level or on the top level.
For the amazing city views of course you should head to the top. There are some cable-cars passing the bridge. But not very frequently, so there's a lot of space, even though full with visitors. There's always a gap to be found to take in the views or to take some pics.
At its construction, its 172 metres span was the longest of its type in the world. The construction was to be administered by Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. It was inaugurated on October 31st, 1886.
There are many reasons to come to this bridge. The city views, the river Douro views. Or for the bridge itself and its stunning architecture and history.
Alex Haas — Google review
Definitely a landmark to visit in Porto, especially at sunset. Great view over the river and parts of the town. Refreshing breeze at the top. Nearby orange trees give a lovely fragrance.
Francois Rouffet — Google review
Beautiful piece of engineering. The heart of Porto where you can go by walk and enjoy the view. It is quite windy here and if you don't like heights, better to take the metro to get to the other side. But if you visit Porto, going on this bridge is almost duty. :)
Michal Polák — Google review
The absolute best way to get from Porto city centre to the south side of the Douro River. You are sharing the narrow bridge with other pedestrians, bikes and trams, so stay alert. Additionally, the railing is surprisingly short for the height of the bridge: if you suffer from vertigo, do not take this route!
Mark Wendorf — Google review
It's a must visit place in Porto, and as a pedestrian crossing the top level with trams and sidewalks. On either side and especially to the south you can walk to viewing points to look back and marvel at the engineering, design and beauty of the bridge. From the top of the bridge, you can get good views of Porto, the south and the Douro river that separates them.
The bottom level is currently closed off to cars, and pedestrians are directed to one way lanes to cross that have limited areas of viewing.
Adrian M — Google review
You cannot miss the famous Luis Bridge when you are in Porto, Its their icon. This place is bustling with life, there are lots of people and sunshine. I enjoy sitting by the river bank watching people and the world goes by.
FOO C AI — Google review
Great views both day and night. It’s a lot less crowded at night even though the view is equally impressive, but it still wasn’t too busy around noon. Walking along the top and the bottom levels is a must. You can also view the Luís I from the other bridges.
Sam E. — Google review
We walked across the lower level of the bridge, from Porto to Gaia, and then, after doing a bus tour, we walked across the top back to Porto. On the lower level, you can admire the river boats and look up to the buildings. From the top, it was honestly stunning views, but it was absolutely terrifying to realize how high you truly are (my dad carried my daughter on his shoulders all the way across....I, of course, was mortified).😱🫣 I never thought I was scared of heights until I was on top of this bridge.😅 The top of the bridge is only accessible by foot traffic or tram (train?). Vehicles, such as cars and buses, are prohibited.
C O — Google review
Views of the bridge and from the bridge are spectacular. Same architect Gustavo Eiffel as in Paris’ Eiffel Tower and you can see same metal constructions there. Convenient pedestrian and car links on both upper and lower levels.
Mike Z — Google review
Stunning view and sophisticated design for a beautiful and distinctive landmark in Porto! The landmark was designed by Gustavo Eiffel, the same French civil engineer who has designed Eiffel Tower. The bridge represents a unique architectural landmark in the port which emphasizes the touristic value and increase the city image potential for visitors and tourists. We have really enjoyed the view at different times during the day and night, however, the sunset view over there is out of this world. Whether you were at the lower or the higher level of the bridge, the view and vibes are just stunning and very beautiful. A great homogeneous design within the whole surroundings contexts, especially the cultural and geographical ones. The bridge increases the connectivity between Porto two parts and motivates more pedestrians.
Ibrahim Hajjar — Google review
This bridge, which is the heart of Porto, is beautiful both at night and during the day. There are pedestrian paths and tram & car roads on both the lower and upper floors. It's great to have a bird's eye view of the Douro River
serdar barcin — Google review
This iron bridge is absolutely beautiful. It has two levels, the lower level allows pedestrians to walk cross. On the up level trams slowly move cross. I have crossed the bridge twice. Once I walked. It took me less than 10 minutes. The view from the bridge looking down the cute houses along the riverbank was amazing. The second day I took the tram. The tram stops right after passing the bridge. There is a small park there. I recommend doing both way to fully appreciate the bridge.
Aggie Wang — Google review
Beautiful bridge across the Douro river. The upper part connects old Town Porto with Gaia, and the lower part leads to the wine makers. But the sidewalks are narrow and be careful so the tram doesn't hit you.
Christian Alexandre Kramer — Google review
Pretty bridge with two crossings on it. The top level which is where the tram runs, and the bottom which is more convenient for the riverside pedestrians on both sides of the river.
Pretty during the day, gorgeous at night.
Vincent Mok — Google review
Luis I Bridge was built by Eiffel’s student. What a great student he must have been. The bridge is set over two levels. The lower bridge for cars and the upper bridge for tram and pedestrians. The funicular is to one end of the bridge.
It is an unmissable attraction when visiting Porto.
Great place to catch sunset and sunrise.
My pictures are from an older camera which hopefully captures these images in a different light.
Another great way to capture the bridge is from the Gaia cable car.
The views from the bridge are unrivalled.
Cais da Ribeira is a historic and picturesque quarter in Porto located next to the river. It is renowned for its riverside promenade with terrace restaurants and bars below tall, colorful townhouses. The area is bustling with cafes, restaurants, and shops that offer fresh seafood as well as other delightful dining options. Visiting this part of Porto is a must-see when exploring the city's historical center.
One of the most beautiful places in Porto.
Jonad Garc?a San Mart?n — Google review
Touristy but a must do! There are a lot of street musicians and cafes. The views of the bridge are also spectacular. (submitting some videos from very talented musicians we found!)
Mare Agusti — Google review
So beautiful... Wait for the sunset if you ever visit this place and you'll not be able to leave it!
Cristian Mocho — Google review
Lots of plp. If you don't like crowds then this is not for you.
joe ?Joe? lisha — Google review
Lovely riverside walk along the Douro
Allan Birkett — Google review
Beautiful during day and night but the best time of the day to explore this beautiful place is in the early morning. Not a lot of people around, beautiful light and just peaceful and stunning.
Marc Hostettler — Google review
What a charming place in the historic heart of Porto♥️
ali fakih — Google review
Great experience just to be here
AZ — Google review
If you do anything in Porto, walk this bridge from the bottom, walk along the shoreline and view the port factories and restaurants, take the cable car back to the top, go to the lookout, and walk back across to downtown on the upper level.
Our Airbnb was downtown and we didn't actually really like it terribly much because it was so, so touristy and busy. When we got to the other side by walking the bridge, however, our perspective changed completely. I would also recommend the 1-hour river tour, and there are several, and not expensive, to get a broader view of the city from the inside out, so to speak.
A Bell — Google review
A great place to get some good grubs, good street shopping and amazing place to hang out and get some 50 minute Boat rides on the Douro River
Jijo Sengupta — Google review
Amazing Porto, great views, nice walks, perfect atmosphere
Ekaterina Dunne — Google review
Amazing views and cool shows all over the street
Sarah Abdallah — Google review
Ribeira is really beautiful with the colorful houses. Cruises are nothing special . Very quickly and you don't see something special
Ναντια — Google review
Absolutely lovely, lots of shops and restaurants to see. Being by the water is nice. Easy access to bridge.
The imposing Clerigos Tower dominates the skyline of Porto, and is a prominent landmark in the city. The tower is made of granite and has 240 steps that must be climbed to reach the top. The church itself is located on Avenida dos Aliados, a busy street in the center of town. The church is a popular tourist destination, and it contains an impressive altarpiece as well as a bell tower that is a symbol of Porto.
The church and tower sits on the top of a hill with the church in the front and the tower at the back. Entering the church is free. The church was designed by an Italian architect. The marble columns, the gilded Deco and sculptures are gorgeous. If you pay a fee to climb the tower, on the way you will get a chance to see the church from the ceiling angle, and get a closer look at the altar.
Aggie Wang — Google review
A cool tower with a magnificent church and nice museum inside. Climbing up to the tower you can see the city with a 360 degree view. However, the information board is incorrect in stating that Taipei 101 is in China. It is In Taipei, Taiwan. 🇹🇼
Coco Lee Stones — Google review
One of the must visit landmark in the city, spending a good walk to climd all the steps and enjoy the view of Porto.
P. P — Google review
Beautiful museum and the view from top of the tower is incredible. There is a ticket of 6 euro per person. The museum has some really interesting articles related to brotherhood of clergy.
There are a lot of stairs to climb for the top of tower.
Vishesh Saxena — Google review
The church was very nice with a nice museum set up inside. Another lovely piece of history.
We pre purchased ticks which skipped the small line up.
Roy — Google review
The experience was one of a kind. You need to take more than 200 steps all the way up to reach the tower and the view on top is breathtaking! I highly recommend this! 👌
Dill Viejo — Google review
The tower great way to see Porto from above. The church is really pretty and there is a small museum with Catholic art and relics before you attempt to climb the tower. The stairs are a little steep and the stairwell is narrow, so it might be difficult to climb up if you're a bigger person or someone who has a phobia of tight spaces but the view is lovely and worth the effort.
Diane F — Google review
A Porto must see. The views from the tower are amazing !
Dan Kunstman — Google review
A very pleasant church. We visited on a Sunday and happened upon a concert and an exhibition. If you come across such a combination, it's worth to sit down and just lose yourself in beautiful music. There is a nice little shop at the back of the church. Unfortunately, we did not visit the tower.
Katarzyna Waszczuk — Google review
Beautiful church and the view from the Tower is great. Another place that lacks a bit of context and more historical facts on the many rooms you go through. They could do a better job at controlling access to the highest parts of the Tower. It starts to get messy with people going up and down. And at the peak you barely have space to move as no one is controlling how many people get up there. The view is great, tho!
Also, the security guard at the entrance was poorly and did not show a lot of respect for the tourists.
F?bio Arcanjo — Google review
Really great spot to check out while in Porto. Definitely pay for the tower tour to get some amazing views of the city and snap a few nice pics. You can also pickup some nice gifts at their store.
Arsalan E — Google review
Amazing view from the top of the tower but be prepared to stop on the stairs to let people pass on their way down or up. It's a small passageway! Gorgeous church!
Kat L. — Google review
This surely is a landmark in Porto and a must-see. Built between 1732 - 1750. The unique and impressive tower at the back of the church was built between 1754 and 1763. The tower is 75.6 metres high and there are 240 steps to be climbed to reach the top.
And if you're lucky about timing, you can enjoy the nice bells ringing.
A wonderful piece of art and architecture. Nice to take some pics - even though the angle is a tough one to get a really good pic. But as usual it's best to see with your own eyes and to enjoy the beauty of it.
It's located on top of a hill. Nothing tough, but may be a bit difficult with wheelchair or stroller. The old town center of Porto can easily be done by foot. We just did the Rua Santa Catarina, Rua das Flores and then headed here. Makes a nice walk.
Alex Haas — Google review
A beautiful church with a tower that affords gorgeous views of the city of Porto. Entering the church is free but to climb the tower there is a charge and it's well worth it.
In the tourist season this place is very crowded so best to get the tickets in advance
Bharathi Mani — Google review
Lovely place to visit night and day. The tower: stairs are not wide so best to go when not busy. Lovely views from the top. We brought a dual ticket which worked out cheaper with the museum.
The church at night has the light show which is very impressive and is 10 euros.
Jane Stone — Google review
To the person who said it’s not as claustrophobic as other towers to climb, I can only assume you either are a UK size 0, or just aren’t fully aware of your surroundings. I’ve climbed plenty of Scottish castles and I found this worse personally, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t ultimately enjoy it when I reached the top, and I even got (obviously by paying for it) a fun green screen edited picture of me falling off of it (let’s assume it was a greenscreen shot anyway…)
The church is beautiful too, gorgeous pink marble (I think?) lining some of the walls and ceiling. I didn’t realise until the end of the tower and museum part that you can go into the church by itself without having to climb the tower. It was only €5 anyway for a ticket which I thought was good value, and there was lots of stuff as part of the museum aspect about the brotherhood etc.
Can also confirm that I have never seen so many Jesus’ all in one place before. I also appreciated they wanted to compare the height of this tower with the Chrysler Building (and others).
Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area, but just be aware there isn’t any lift up to the top of the tower.
Rachel Lawson — Google review
Buy tickets online beforehand. Don't wait in line, it takes very long and you don't know when the next time slot will be available.
The church itself is pretty nice, and it's cool to have a behind the scenes look at everything. The view from the tower is really very cool of course, but sadly it is very very busy at the top and on the way there. There's not a lot of space, because the tower was of course never made for tourist visits. You also cannot see the Ponte Luís I. Still definitely worth a visit!
Sander ten Caat — Google review
Great views from the top, really enjoyed it, spent at least 30 mins at the top. Getting there takes a while because they obviously plan the route thoroughly through the church to see the museum-like rooms, chapel itself, and a green screen picture stop
Ravshanbek Rozukulov — Google review
This is a classic beautiful church. Unfortunately by 8 AM it is crowded with tourists. They’re not there to look at the church but rather take selfies. If you really wanna enjoy the church, get tickets in advance and enjoy them. Beautiful interior.
Mauricio Giammattei — Google review
It looked beautiful from the outside but we didn't pay money to climb the tower. We went to a nearby hotel that had better than views on their roof terrace
Jennifer Clifford — Google review
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R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
Livraria Lello is a beautifully designed historic bookstore with an art nouveau exterior and a winding wooden staircase.
Whether or not you are a fan of Harry Potter, this bookstore is one of the must-visit places in Porto.
I would say that getting your ticket online is a MUST if you don't want to waste a lot of time in the queue. Seriously, the lines at this place are insane. When you book your ticket online you can select the time you want to enter and it is important that you are there at that time. Thanks to this you will be able to avoid the queues (at least we were able to avoid the queue the time we went thanks to this).
When you arrive at the site, tell them that you have reserved for X hour and they will tell you what to do.
The bookstore is beautiful, it looks like something out of a story. Of course, if you want to take a photo without people... good luck because it is practically impossible unless you arrive first thing in the morning.
Inside you can find a wide variety of books and also Portuguese literature. They have their own bookstore collection with some of the most iconic books, these having special covers and decoration. With your ticket you have a discount of 5 € to buy books (the price of the ticket).
In short, a must-see in Porto, as long as you book online and manage to avoid the queue, because if you don't, you will wait a long time in line, losing time for other activities that you can do in the city.
Gonzalo Mart?n Amador — Google review
One of a most visit place in Porto (that is what people often said). I have been in Portugal almost 3 years and never been inside of the place. I am just passing in front of it many times and the queue is always long.
Pros:
1. Parking accessible for wheelchair.
2. Entrance accessible for wheelchair.
3. Unique building with its decorations.
4. Informative staffs.
5. You can buy the ticket online.
6. You can buy book here.
Cons:
1. The queue is kind of long. Maybe it is better to visit in the end of the day to avoid the crowd.
Rita — Google review
It is certainly a beautiful library that mainly focuses in universal literature in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French. It is a nice place to visit, despite the fact that it has become a bit of a tourist trap. You may have to wait in the line for hours to access to a library that’s full of people. The best time of the day to visit, is in the late afternoon, right before the place closes. It is also better to get your tickets online previously. If you love books, and have the time to spend in a line, you should visit this place.
David Escand?n — Google review
Wow. Full recommendation right away. It’s so worth visiting this place. Even just for the look. you don’t have to get one of the books there to appreciate how awesome it looks. And if you are a Harry Potter fan this is a must anyway. Just book online in advance and the waiting time is kept to a mere 10-15 minutes. Go see it!
A. Gregory Janiczek — Google review
This just might be the most beautiful bookstore in the world, but it is very hard to tell with the crush of people that visit every half hour. I do recommend booking your tickets online so you have the opportunity to see the beautiful architecture and book arrangements inside.
Happy Ox — Google review
Very pretty, but very busy place. You can take cute pictures on the staircase inside at the end of every 30 mins when most of the people left the library again according to the time windows. Only a few books can be bought with the gold ticket, mainly the small classics.
Helene Maas — Google review
Agreed it's one of the best bookstores in the world but it is too crowded for my liking. You can only book online. Take the last shift, 6:30 pm booking. Eight euros for entry and you get a discount if you buy books from them. The books are mostly in Portuguese but that's not a con. It's understandable. Folks go in and only care about getting themselves clicked. Staff super polite and kind. Also willing to visit. A one time visit (only because of the crowd).
Aarti Nair — Google review
The building's inside is very beautiful! The interior is outstanding from the handcrafted wood ceilings to the thoughtfully designed staircase. Despite the fact that you have to pay for a ticket in order to access the library, it seems to be always packed. The Library has a substantial collection of books. Definitely would visit for the wonderful experience. I suggest checking out the unique editions that the library has created if you're in the market for books.
Nicole Rosko — Google review
It is a beautiful store. Wish I had nore time but too crowded cant blame people for wanting to go. I wanted to enjoy the craftsmanship of the work in the walls and shelves. Its a work of art. Could not get great pics because of the crowd but seeing it was suffice!
Linda Franco — Google review
Beautifully designed. Total tourist trap.
Small book store with a very limited selection of books. Definitely caters to tourists with the book selection. €5 entrance charge but they do credit you that much if you purchase a book.
The stairway is beautiful but good luck getting a picture without someone posing on it.
The staff was very friendly.
Not really worth the wait in line if you are looking for an actual book and not just a social media post. But the staff was nice and it is beautiful inside.
Jeff White — Google review
It is a really nice place, indeed. Amazing architecture, nice set-up. We got our tickets online and booked the visit at 14:00. Even if the line was really long and we were somewhere in the middle, at 14:07 we enter the library.
A bit to crowded, but I think it was worth it. :)
Ioana Ursache — Google review
It is a beautiful library indeed, but not sure if it's worth the hassle to go in. Tickets are only €5 (must be bought online and make sure you do that in advance as they can get sold out quickly). The problem is the queue to get in and the amount of people inside at once. It's nearly impossible to enjoy or take a proper picture.
Books there are really expensive and can certainly be bought for a much better price anywhere else.
Arc?ngela Rocha — Google review
This book store is great. If you love or even just like Harry Poter then this place should be on your list to visit. Inside is stunning. There are soo many awesome "old school" books. Many different designs of HP books too.
Make sure buy your tickets online before.
Roy — Google review
If you like Harry Potter then if you are in Porto this book shop is a must visit book in advance as this place is very busy. Tours start about every 30 minutes. There are plenty of choices of books for all ages in all genres but they are no cheap if you are looking to buy one as gift but overall really good..
Derrick Lee — Google review
What a highlight when in Porto ! Definitely buy tickets online before going, and expect lineups, even with a scheduled time. It is well worth a bit of a wait.
We arrived 1/2 hour earlier and there were lots of people already in line.
Everyone does get in, though, and it's a photographer's delight. With a grand staircase and beautiful wood bookcases filled with old books, it's a great way to spend an hour. Of course, Harry Potter fans will love this place.
Travelling Gourmets — Google review
You should definitely make a reservation. And please buy the ticket, which is 15.90€. They cannot manage capacity. And overcrowded you waiting long time probably. The most suitable books are 15.90€, so pay this fee, buy books and get fast entry. It's a pretty nice place inside, worth a trip. Decorations and art details are great. I’m sure that you feel like you're in a magical place. Staircase is so nice to take a photo. Visit for a great experience. If you're looking to buy books, I'd recommend the special editions that this place has made themselves.
Anıl KARADAVUT — Google review
The book store that inspired Harry Potter is worth the time while visiting Porto. Get your tickets online is the best way to get in. Be prepared to wait in line. It took us around 20 minutes to get inside. Once inside marvel at the amazing architecture and pick up a book to take with you!
Chad Schallick — Google review
A phenomenal place to visit! You get back in time in a place that has all the bells and whistles! Every detail is amazing - from the central staircase to the ceiling and side columns! Soak up the atmosphere of the grandeur of past times... They do have some organization in place but it is still quite crowded! €5 to get in which goes towards your purchase if you buy a book. I would highly recommend making that ticket purchase online and prior to getting there because the line is quite long. The online purchase puts you on the shorter- fast track line. The prints are elegant with gold finishes - they make a great gift! You can also pick a recipe book or a city guide with amazing photos! I would highly recommend this place!
Dessie Hristov — Google review
it's a beautiful library for sure! but it's way too busy, I think they just sell too many tickets at the specific time times. It's easy to buy online, cost 5€ and you get those discounted of any book you buy. You walk in at the time frame that you bought for, people makes line but I thought what for if it'll be same busy inside no matter what. Enjoy it but be aware of how busy it'll be
margo torres — Google review
A unique bookstore in Porto, the wooden staircase is beautiful and very much Harry Potter inspired. Truly a must see when in Porto. Book tickets online as time slots are allocated. It attracts a lot of people and the line is long. Still worth the visit.
Jenny Magee — Google review
This is an absolute must-see in Porto, especially if you're a book lover! The tickets can be bought in advance or at the entrance via QR code so you can secure your time slot. We got the option that is €8 p/person and gives you a discount on a purchase. I got a book that was originally €15 for just €8. It didn't take more than 15minutes to get inside, and it had a wide variety of books in many languages, cool merchandise, and beautiful decor.
Gio Ribeiro — Google review
The building is amazing and the books are flashy and attractive. But the quality of the books is incredibly low and the number of people insight is just spoiling the experience. I really hoped that the books would be of a good quality but I just feel cheated. All the books I got are somehow badly printed.
Diana Esaian — Google review
Livraria Lello is absolutely enchanting, like a wizard's library straight out of a magical world! The staircase and book arrangement add a whimsical touch, making it a dream spot for book lovers. Kids were over the moon, rating it 10 out of 10 magical stars! 📚✨
Tickets cost about €8 per head online.
On the downside, the long queue even on a rainy day and the bustling crowds inside were a bit of a dampener. The queue is long for online purchased time slot tickets. Despite that, the magical vibes made it a memorable experience for all.
A R C — Google review
If you’re a fan of books or architecture then this is a must visit location for you in Porto. It’s worth every second of queuing. You must book tickets online for a certain time slot. Do not make the mistake of not booking as they turn people away. Take your time once you’re in the shop and look around properly. Some books are mixed languages around the shop. The staff are very helpful. They have some of their own special editions which are beautiful. Do not visit Porto without stopping here.
Baking Bar — Google review
Amazing book shop (not a library), it is very hard to find the quiet time, there is always huge queue. It is quite handy to buy tickets online, but voucher can only be used on books not on merchandise (hope in the future they change it). I would have enjoyed it way more if we could able to catch a quite time, but overall it is a magical must see place of Porto.
Yağmur Turgut Birer — Google review
An interesting experience that would be a shame to miss. It's a pity that the history and architectural feats of the bookshop itself have been overshadowed by the Harry Potter shop. If you can, buy a golden ticket for the opening, because then you only have a chance to take a quick photo and look around, after 10 minutes you'll be swept away by the flood. I hope there will be a publication in Hungarian one day ...
Sándor Kerekes — Google review
The bookshop is stunning but it’s very, very crowded, quite small and so busy that it really doesn’t feel worth the ticket price to get shoved around it for ten mins just to take a photo of the amazing decor. You are meant to be able to use the tickets to get discount on any books bought but we were only allowed to use one of our three tickets when buying.
Tiernan Douieb — Google review
A huge range of books (English, French and Portuguese), and the editions made in store have beautiful design art and covers. It's worth the price, in my opinion. The place was extremely busy and felt a little cramped at times. Staff were lovely, very friendly and helpful. The architecture was gorgeous; it was worth a visit just for the view of the stairs & ceiling. The cost to get in is €8pp (book online and scan the ticket to enter), but you can redeem the cost against any book you buy per person.
Aisling Siobhan — Google review
Highly recommend to buy golden tickets (priority ticket), the silver ticket has a very very long line even if it has the time reserved. You can buy the bookstore’s special pocket series of books with the same ticket (15.9 euro). The staffs are so friendly despite the place is packed with tourists.
L C — Google review
Yes, it’s a super pretty bookstore! And the personnel was very helpful. The downside is how busy it is. It kinda ruins the experience. Also, the entrance is 8€ per person but the good thing is that you can get that as a discount when you buy a book. 📚😊 Book a time slot before you visit!
Christina Parpoula — Google review
Exquisitely beautiful bookshop near a modern shopping area and in the historic centre. I had previously read that people found it overpriced, but I thought the book prices were average (certainly wouldn’t get them cheaper in the UK), and your ticket into the building gets redeemed against a book of your choice. Books could be bought in Portuguese, French and English, no doubt Spanish too but I didn’t see any of those books. They had beautiful printed classics and the staff were helpful. Main downside is that because it’s so touristy it’s difficult to move around, especially with people stopping to pose on the staircase, and your time in the bookshop is somewhat limited.