Top Qué Hacer en Badajoz — Complete Guide 2026
Updated June 2026 · 8 min read
Badajoz is a city of dramatic contrasts — a mighty Moorish fortress on the Guadiana river, a vibrant modern city with one of Spain's best carnivals, and the gateway to both Extremadura's treasures and neighbouring Portugal. Most visitors arrive expecting a sleepy border town and leave surprised by the scale of its Alcazaba, the beauty of its Plaza Alta, and the warmth of its people. Here's everything you need to see and do. Every booking through IMPT removes 1 tonne of CO₂ at Booking.com prices.
Essential Badajoz Sights
1. Alcazaba of Badajoz
The Alcazaba is the heart of Badajoz and one of the largest Moorish fortresses in Europe, stretching over 1,300 metres along its walls. Built in the 9th century by Ibn Marwan, the Andalusi leader who founded the Taifa of Badajoz, it sits on a hill dominating the Guadiana valley. The Torre de Espantaperros (tower dating from the Almohad period, 12th-13th centuries) is the most visible landmark, a 30-metre octagonal tower similar to the Giralda in Seville. The Alcazaba grounds are free to explore, with panoramic views over the city, river, and across the Portuguese border. The Palacio de los Condes de la Roca houses the Provincial Archaeological Museum (EUR2 entry) with artefacts spanning the Iron Age, Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic periods.
2. Puerta de Palmas
Badajoz's most iconic monument, the Puerta de Palmas is a 16th-century Renaissance city gate built in 1551 by order of King Charles V. It features two sturdy cylindrical towers flanking a triumphal arch, adorned with the imperial coat of arms. It originally served as the main entrance to the walled city via the Roman bridge. Today, it sits at the end of the Puente de Palmas bridge and is the city's most photographed spot.
3. Plaza Alta
Badajoz's most atmospheric square, the Plaza Alta is a charming irregularly shaped plaza surrounded by 18th-century buildings with colourful porticoes and balconies. It was completely renovated in the early 2000s and is now the social heart of the old town. The square is lined with excellent restaurants and tapas bars, and during Carnaval it transforms into the main stage for performances and gatherings.
4. MEIAC (Museo Extremeño e Iberoamericano de Arte Contemporáneo)
Housed in a former 18th-century prison — the building itself is fascinating, with its radial cell-block design — MEIAC holds one of Spain's most significant collections of contemporary art from Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Rotating exhibitions feature works by artists from across the Ibero-American world. The courtyard gallery and the rooftop terrace with views of the Alcazaba are highlights. Entry: EUR3.
Day Trips from Badajoz
Mérida (65 km, 45 minutes)
A UNESCO World Heritage city with some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. The Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre, Temple of Diana, and the extraordinary National Museum of Roman Art are must-sees. Mérida was founded in 25 BC as Emerita Augusta.
Cáceres (90 km, 1 hour)
A UNESCO World Heritage city with one of Europe's most complete medieval and Renaissance old towns, with 30 fortified towers and palaces. The old town is beautifully preserved with Stork's nests on every tower.
Portuguese Border Towns
Campo Maior (15 km) is a charming Portuguese town with a massive fortress. Elvas (20 km) is a UNESCO World Heritage site with the largest surviving star fort complex in the world and an impressive aqueduct.