Travel Budget for Cadiz

Cadiz On a Budget

Cadiz is a port city in the southwestern area of Spain. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain, and one of the oldest in western Europe, which means it has a lot of historic charm and many historic landmarks. Cadiz stands on a peninsula jutting out into a bay which is a small slice of land, and is almost entirely surrounded by water. The landscape has a lot of natural beauty, and there is plenty to see and do. Because of its long history, some areas of the city are very old and these sections differ drastically from the newer more modern areas; where the older neighborhoods have narrow, winding streets, the newer areas have wide avenues with modern buildings. Unlike most other ports of its size it seems immediately relaxed and easy going, not at all threatening, even at night. The city has a great tradition of liberalism and tolerance making it a very welcoming destination.

Sights

One major sight is the Museo de Cadiz. It is the top museum in the province and includes many archaeological and historical pieces dating back several centuries. It has an excellent collection and is well worth the stop.

Another popular sight is the Catedral de Cadiz. The beautiful yellow-domed cathedral is an impressive baroque-neoclassical construction, whose beauty is even more spectacular from the seafront Campo del Sur in the evening sun. The Cathedral was commissioned in 1716 but wasn't finished until 1838. With the ticket for the cathedral, you can also check out the cathedral's museum, which houses many religious treasures. You may be able to climb the cathedral's Torre de Poniente if it is open, though it is often not open to the public.

Neighborhoods

One popular neighborhood in Cadiz is the La Vina neighborhood. It is in the historic center, located in the northwestern corner of the city and bounded by the streets of de la Rosa and Sagasta. The neighborhood name is related to its past as a vineyard. Today, it's where the most awaited yearly event, the Cadiz Carnival, begins.

Another popular neighborhood in Cadiz is the Barrio del Populo neighborhood, which was the heart of medieval Cadiz, and is a small network of charming buildings and narrow streets. This area houses many of the city's historic buildings and structures, some of which date back to the first century BC.

Plaza de la Mina is another popular area near the north part of the old town. This is a large square area where many of cities best Tapa's bars are located, as well as some top tourist attractions such as the Museo de Cadiz.

Activities

One of the biggest activities in Cadiz is the annual Carnival festival. It takes place every February, and it is said that no one celebrates the Carnival quite as spectacularly as Cadiz. Here it becomes a 10 day festival spanning two weekends with singing, dancing, partying, and all other forms of celebration.

There are many other activities in Cadiz with a wide range of shows including The Dancing Andalusian Horse Show, the Flamenco Tablao show, and many others. In addition to the shows and festivals, there is plenty of natural activities to find including beach activities, water sports, and more.

Food and Dining

Like most places in Spain, Cadiz has some great options when it comes to food and dining. The cuisine here lives up to the Spanish reputation of high quality, fresh ingredients, and delicious meals. One popular dish to look for in Cadiz is their Churros. While it's true you can find churros anywhere in Spain, it is commonly said that Cadiz has the best in the country. If you like sushi, you're in luck! Cadiz has some of the best and freshest sushi you can get. Another dish to watch for it tortillitas de camarones. It is tiny shrimp inside a crispy tortilla and is very popular in Cadiz.

A few restaurants to try in Cadiz include Meson Cumbres Mayores, which is great for its local atmosphere and flavor, Casa Taberna Manteca, which is one of the city's favorite tapas bars, and San Antonio, which offers diners the option to eat outside on days when the weather permits it.

Transportation

Cadiz does not have its own airport. To get into the area, the nearest international airport is in Jerez. It is a midsize airport, however, so may not have as many flight options in and out as some of the major airports. There is no direct train from Jerez into Cadiz, but you can get a taxi into the Jerez city center and catch a bus or train into Cadiz, or you could hire a taxi to take you the whole way from the airport into Cadiz.

Cadiz does have trains and buses that connect to other cities both within the region and throughout the country. Because it is such a small strip of land, though, many say the best way to see it is on foot. Cadiz does have a few sightseeing buses as well if you like exploring that way.


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