Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is a city where history, culture and nature blend. If you have two days to explore it, you can enjoy both its most iconic monuments and lesser-known corners, all starting from the centrally located Casa Pizarro Hotel. Here is an itinerary that combines the best of Cáceres.
Day 1: History and Culture in the Old Town
Start the day in the Plaza Mayor, the epicentre of life in Cáceres and the access point to the old town. Visit the Torre de Bujaco, a 12th century defensive structure with panoramic views over the city where you will find an interpretation centre about the cultural heritage of Cáceres as well as being able to walk along the wall to some archaeological remains. This is the ideal place to begin to grasp the historical magnitude of Cáceres.
After descending from the tower you must cross the Arco de la Estrella to enter the Monumental City, one of the best-preserved medieval complexes in Europe. Stroll through its cobbled streets and see the imposing palaces and towers that give life to this historic corner.
Your next stop is the Cathedral of Santa María, a Gothic jewel that houses the famous Black Christ, a highly venerated image that is carried in procession during Easter Week in Cáceres, declared a festival of international tourist interest. In addition, you can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the monumental city.
Before continuing on, stop for lunch at one of the nearby traditional restaurants, where you can enjoy Extremadura specialities such as Iberian ham, Torta del Casar or roast kid.
After lunch, explore the Jewish Quarter, a less crowded area steeped in history. The narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses offer a picturesque atmosphere. Don’t miss the Arab House-Museum, where you can learn about how the wealthy Arab societies lived in Cáceres.
Next, visit the Cáceres Museum, located in the Palacio de las Veletas. Here you can explore its collection of art and archaeology with pieces from all over the province of Cáceres, including the Arab cistern, one of the largest and best preserved in Europe, which will take you back to the city’s Muslim past.
For those with a sweet tooth, in the same square, in the San Pablo Convent, you can find a wide range of homemade sweets made by the Poor Clare nuns following ancestral recipes.
To end the afternoon, head for the Helga de Alvear Museum, one of the most important contemporary art centres in Europe. Its impressive collection encompasses works by international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, presenting a fascinating contrast to the medieval atmosphere of the city. This museum offers a vibrant and modern look, and its architecture is also worth admiring.
From here you will return to Casa Pizarro Hotel where you can rest and recharge your batteries for the next day.
Day 2: Nature, charming villages or alternative routes around the city.
The second day of your visit to Cáceres offers you multiple possibilities to continue exploring the richness of the region. Whether you decide to connect with nature, discover local traditions or enjoy urban culture, each option will allow you to get to know the essence of this corner of Extremadura.
Los Barruecos Nature Reserve and Vostell Malpartida Museum.
Just 15 minutes from Cáceres is the Los Barruecos Nature Reserve, famous for its unique rock formations and tranquil lagoons. Spend the morning exploring this landscape that has been the setting for film productions, and visit the Vostell Malpartida Museum, where contemporary art and nature merge in a surprising way.
Trujillo: History and Conquerors.
After enjoying the natural surroundings of Los Barruecos, travel in less than an hour to Trujillo, a city rich in history and known as the cradle of the conquistadors. Visit its impressive castle and stroll around the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by Renaissance palaces. Trujillo is a perfect destination for history lovers.
How to get from Los Barruecos to Trujillo
If you prefer to stay in the city of Cáceres instead of venturing into the surrounding area, we suggest several alternatives to enjoy cultural and leisure activities. Here are some interesting options:
Museo Pedrilla y Casa Guayasamín
The museum houses a collection of art and objects related to illustrious figures from Extremadura, while the Casa Guayasamín exhibits a valuable collection of works by the famous Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín. It is a fascinating cultural option for art and history lovers.
Fundación Mercedes Calles y Carlos Ballestero
Another option is a visit to the Fundación Mercedes Calles y Carlos Ballestero, located at Plaza de San Jorge 2. Here you can enjoy temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and learn about the history of the building, which is an architectural marvel in itself.
Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo
a Renaissance architectural jewel that combines Gothic and Plateresque elements. Formerly home to the influential Golfín family and frequented by the Catholic Monarchs, today it houses a museum that recreates 15th-century noble life, with a remarkable façade and a hall of arms with the coats of arms of the Golfines lineage.
Stroll through the Parque del Príncipe
If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Parque del Príncipe, one of the largest and most pleasant parks in the city. It has a botanical garden, sculpture areas and ponds, making it an ideal place to relax in the middle of nature without leaving Cáceres.
Mountain Viewpoint
If you prefer something with a view and a magical souvenir, go to the Mirador de la Montaña viewpoint, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the whole city. At sunset, this is the perfect place to relax and contemplate Cáceres from above as the sun sets over the Monumental City..
These are just a few of the many things the city has to offer, but without a doubt, Cáceres will leave its mark on your memory. We will be delighted to welcome you to Casa Pizarro Hotel and continue recommending you the wonders that this city and its surroundings have to offer. What are you waiting for to visit us?