Plaza San Juan de Dios is one of the oldest and most vibrant squares in Cadiz. Located directly on the harbour, it has been the gateway to the city for incoming seafarers and traders for centuries. Today it is lined with palm trees, cafes and historic facades. Its most impressive building is the early 19th century Town Hall (Ayuntamiento ): an elegant neoclassical building with a symmetrical stone facade, columns and a striking clock tower overlooking the whole square. In the middle of the square stands the monument to Segismundo Moret, a Spanish statesman born in Cadiz.

The Barrio del Pópulo is the oldest district of Cadiz and the original medieval core of the city. Its narrow, winding streets lead to three preserved 13th-century city gates – Arco de la Rosa, Arco del Pópulo and Arco de los Blancos – which once formed the fortified entrance. In the heart of the district rises Cadiz Cathedral with its golden-yellow dome, next to it are the remains of the Roman theatre from the 1st century BC, one of the largest and oldest in the Roman world. With its quiet squares, small bars and the dense atmosphere of centuries past, Pópulo is the authentic historic heart of Cadiz.

Cadiz Cathedral is the city’s landmark, with its golden-yellow dome perched above the rooftops of the old town. Its construction began in 1722 and lasted more than a hundred years – one reason why it combines two styles : while the basement shows Baroque pomp, the upper part is already in the more sober neoclassical style. It was financed by the wealth of overseas trade with America, which is why it is also called the "Cathedral of the New World". Inside, important figures such as the composer Manuel de Falla, born in Cadiz, rest. Those who climb the Torre de Poniente bell tower will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Mercado Central de Abastos is the central market hall of Cadiz and one of the oldest covered markets in Spain, opened in 1838. Its neoclassical structure rests on a courtyard framed by columns and was lovingly restored a few years ago. Here the culinary heart of the city beats : The stands are lined with freshly caught fish and seafood from the Atlantic, Andalusian vegetables, cheese, olives and spices. Especially popular is the "Rincón Gastronómico", a corner with small stalls where you can taste freshly prepared tapas and specialities directly on site. The market is the perfect place to experience the flavours of Cadiz with all your senses.

The Castillo de San Sebastián is located on a small rocky island at the end of La Caleta beach, connected to the city by a long causeway leading out into the sea. Legend has it that a temple of the Phoenician god Kronos once stood here; the present fortress was built at the end of the 17th century and expanded in the 18th century to protect the port of Cadiz. At the extreme point of the island stands a lighthouse, one of the first electric lighthouses in Spain. The path over the dam offers a wide view over the Atlantic Ocean and back to the skyline of the old town – especially at sunset an impressive experience.

La Caleta is probably the most famous and romantic beach of Cadiz, nestled in a small bay in the middle of the old town. Framed by the two fortresses of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, the sheltered bay with its colorful fishing boats recalls bygone times. The elegant building of the former bathhouse "Balneario de la Palma" from the early 20th century, which rises on poles into the sea, towers over the fine golden sand. La Caleta has always been Gaditans’ favourite spot and has appeared in films, including as a backdrop for a James Bond scene. Especially at sunset, when the sky over the Atlantic shines in warm colors, the bay unfolds all its magic.

Parque Genovés is the most beautiful and largest park in Cadiz, located directly on the Atlantic promenade in the west of the old town. Created in the 19th century, it is now home to over a hundred tree and plant species from all over the world, many of which thrive magnificently thanks to the mild maritime climate. Characteristic are the ornately pruned cypresses and hedges that give the park an almost architectural appearance. In the center, an artificial waterfall with a small pond and grotto invites you to linger. From the shady paths and vantage points at the edge of the park, you can look far across the Atlantic Ocean – a tranquil, green retreat in the middle of the city.

Plaza San Antonio is considered one of the most prestigious squares in Cadiz and has long been the main social square of the city. Framed by elegant 18th- and 19th-century townhouses and palaces – many of them with Cadiz’s signature observation towers, the “torres miradores” – the square reflects the prosperity that overseas trade once brought to the city. The church of San Antonio with its distinctive double tower facade stands at the front. Historically, the square is significant because it was here that the first Spanish constitution, "La Pepa", was publicly proclaimed in 1812. Today, cafés and terraces invite you to linger.

Plaza de Mina is one of the greenest and most atmospheric squares in Cadiz, built in the 19th century on the former garden grounds of a monastery. Shaded dragon trees, palm trees and ficus trees give the square an almost botanical atmosphere, framed by stately townhouses with the typical lookout towers. The famous composer Manuel de Falla was born here in 1876 – his birthplace is marked with a plaque. The Plaza is also home to the Museum of Cadiz, which houses important Phoenician sarcophagi and archaeological finds from antiquity, as well as a collection of paintings worth seeing. The square is a popular, quiet meeting place in the heart of the old town.