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Published July 16, 2026 • 10 min read
Caceres is one of Spain's most rewarding destinations — a perfectly preserved medieval city packed with palaces, towers, and churches, surrounded by some of the country's most beautiful natural landscapes. From its UNESCO-listed Old Town to the bird-filled skies of Monfragüe National Park, here's our complete guide to the best things to do in Caceres.
The Old Town of Caceres (Ciudad Monumental) is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval quarters. Enclosed within ancient walls, it's a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, fortified palaces, and hidden squares. The area contains more than 30 noble palaces dating from the 14th to 16th centuries, many still bearing their original defensive towers. Unlike many Spanish historic centres, the Old Town of Caceres is not a tourist museum — it's a living neighbourhood with residents, small shops, and restaurants. The best way to explore is simply to wander. Start at the Arco de la Estrella, the main entrance from the Plaza Mayor, and let yourself get lost in the labyrinth of streets. Allow at least 2-3 hours.
The Torre de Bujaco is the most iconic landmark in Caceres. This 12th-century Moorish tower stands at the edge of the Plaza Mayor, offering panoramic views over the Old Town and the surrounding countryside. The tower is named after the Muslim commander Abu Yaqub, who captured the city in the 12th century. Inside, you'll find a small museum explaining the city's history. The climb is short but steep — 88 steps to the top. The view is worth every step. Entry €2.
The Plaza Mayor is the social heart of Caceres. It's a large, sloping square lined with arcades housing cafés, restaurants, and shops. The Torre de Bujaco rises dramatically from the eastern end. The square is always lively — locals gather here throughout the day for coffee, tapas, and conversation. The mantequerías (ham shops) under the arcades are excellent for buying jamón ibérico to take home. On Saturday mornings, a small market sets up selling local produce.
The Co-Cathedral of Santa María is the city's main church, built between the 15th and 18th centuries in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The interior is dominated by a magnificent altarpiece by Roque Balduque and the tomb of the Golfines family. The cloister is a peaceful oasis with a central garden. The bell tower offers another perspective on the Old Town. Entry €3. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Mérida, 70 km south of Caceres, was the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. It contains some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Spain, including a theatre (still used for performances), an amphitheatre, a circus (chariot racing track), two aqueducts, and the longest surviving Roman bridge in Spain (792 metres). The Roman Theatre is particularly spectacular — built in 15 BC and seating 6,000 people. The National Museum of Roman Art is world-class. Mérida is easily reached by train from Caceres (40 minutes).
Just 45 km east of Caceres, Trujillo is a beautifully preserved medieval town that was the birthplace of many of Spain's most famous conquistadors, including Francisco Pizarro (conqueror of the Inca Empire) and Francisco de Orellana (explorer of the Amazon). The Plaza Mayor is one of Spain's finest, surrounded by stone palaces and dominated by a bronze statue of Pizarro on horseback. The castle at the top of the hill offers panoramic views of the Extremadura countryside. Trujillo is easily reached by bus from Caceres.
Monfragüe National Park, 50 km north of Caceres, is one of Europe's premier birdwatching destinations. The park protects a stunning landscape of Mediterranean forest, rocky cliffs, and river valleys. It's home to the world's densest population of Spanish imperial eagles, as well as griffon vultures, black vultures, black storks, and eagle owls. The best viewpoint is the Salto del Gitano, a dramatic cliff face overlooking the Tajo River where dozens of griffon vultures nest. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing. Entry is free.
The medieval walls of Caceres enclose the Old Town in a roughly rectangular circuit. Sections of the wall date from the Roman and Moorish periods, with most of the current structure built in the 12th-13th centuries. You can walk along several sections, particularly on the north and east sides. The views from the walls look out over the modern city and the surrounding countryside. The wall walk is free and takes about 30-45 minutes.
Housed in the Casa de las Veletas and the adjacent Casa de los Caballos, the Museo de Cáceres covers the history of the province from prehistory to the present. The highlight is the 12th-century Moorish cistern (aljibe) in the basement — a vast underground water tank supported by horseshoe arches, one of the finest examples of Islamic engineering in Spain. The museum also has excellent collections of Roman artefacts, medieval sculpture, and Extremaduran folk art. Entry €2, free on weekends.
Caceres was used as a filming location for King's Landing in Season 7 of Game of Thrones. The Arco de la Estrella, the Plaza de Santa María, and several Old Town streets appear in episodes featuring Cersei Lannister. A dedicated walking tour is available from the tourist office (€12), taking you to all the filming locations with a guide explaining what scenes were shot where. Even if you're not a GOT fan, the tour is a fun way to discover the city's hidden corners.
Several jamón producers around Caceres offer tours and tastings. The town of Montánchez, 35 km southwest, is the heart of the region's ham production. Bodega San Antonio and Bodega Mesón El Jamón both offer guided tours of their curing cellars and tastings of different grades of jamón. Tours typically cost €15-25 and include a generous tasting. A must for food lovers.
This magnificent 15th-16th century palace is one of the finest in the Old Town. The facade is decorated with the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs, who stayed here during their visits to Caceres. The palace interior features a grand staircase, Renaissance courtyards, and ornate ceilings. It now hosts cultural exhibitions. Entry €3.
One Day in Caceres: Morning — Explore the UNESCO Old Town, visit the Co-Cathedral and Palacio de los Golfines. Lunch — Tapas at Plaza Mayor. Afternoon — Climb the Torre de Bujaco and walk the city walls. Evening — Dinner at El Corral de las Cigüeñas.
Two Days in Caceres: Day 1 as above. Day 2 — Day trip to Trujillo (morning) and Mérida (afternoon), or a full day in Monfragüe National Park for birdwatching and hiking.
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