MORNING
Morning is the time to discover some of the city’s most famous monuments, such as the Cathedral, before having a bite to eat in the Central Market.
After a good breakfast (for example you could stay overnight in the modern Parador de Cádiz and enjoy your breakfast while taking in the views over the bay), the best idea is to head straight for the most famous of the city’s monuments: the Cathedral. It combines baroque and neoclassical styles. If you want to get to know it in depth, why not take one of the tours that will give you access to little-known parts of the building, like the crypt. You could also visit the Casa de las Contadurías or the Clock Tower, from where there’s a magnificent view of the typical white towers of the city against the backdrop of the sea.
Afterwards, it’s time to take a stroll through the El Pópulo neighbourhood, the oldest in Cadiz. Access to the old medieval city is via three 13th century archways, known as El Pópulo, La Rosa and Los Blancos. You can wander through the streets, stopping off at places like the Plaza San Martín and the Roman Theatre, which dates from the 1st century BC. This way you’ll come to the wide, beautiful Plaza de San Juan de Dios, with its emblematic buildings like the one that houses the City Council.A 10-minute walk away you’ll find one of the most surprising places in the city: the Tavira Tower. The tower was built many years ago by the city’s merchants, who wanted to be able to see their ships and cargoes arrive safely. If you climb up the 173 steps, you’ll find yourself in what for many is the best viewpoint in all of Cadiz. And what’s more, it has a hidden secret, a camera obscura that’s sure to impress. Really close by stands the San Felipe Neri Oratory, where the first Spanish Constitution was drafted in 1812.
The final stop-off point before lunch is the pretty, triangular Plaza de las Flores, always so lively and colourful that you’ll feel like spending a good while there. You’ll find a range of cafés which have terraces where you can enjoy the typical Cadiz churros, and a few famous fried fish establishments. Although if you’re feeling hungry after a busy morning, the perfect place for a spot of lunch is right by you: the famous Central Market.This market was built in 1838, on the site of an allotment that belonged to an old convent. Despite having been totally refurbished, the architecture, and above all the explosion of life, are still impressive two centuries on. More than 100 stalls selling some of the world’s best fish, such as tuna and Barbate tuna, lots of different types of olives, pastries, and much more. You’ll really enjoy tucking into something delicious in the market’s Rincón Gastronómico, which serves up all kinds of international as well as local dishes at the outdoor tables.