Alcalá De Henares Unleashed: A 2-Day Family Adventure
Experience Spain's cultural legacy in Alcalá de Henares, where family fun meets historical wonders.
19 July 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Alcalá de Henares, Spain offers a perfect family-friendly trip with its rich history, cultural attractions, and charming streets. Explore the birthplace of renowned writer Miguel de Cervantes at the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, and let the kids discover his famous character, Don Quixote. Take a stroll through the picturesque historic center, filled with beautiful architecture, delicious local cuisine, and lively street performances, making it an ideal destination for a memorable family adventure.
Travel plan
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- Check-in at the charming Hotel Puerta de Alcalá, where you'll be greeted by their friendly staff with a warm smile and complimentary sangria.
- Begin your Alcalá adventure at the birthplace of literary genius, Miguel de Cervantes, the renowned author of Don Quixote.
- Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of the Alcalá Cathedral, a lovechild of Gothic and Renaissance styles, where your jaw will drop faster than a clumsy tourist dropping their camera.
- Get lost in the maze-like streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town, stumbling upon hidden treasures like the whimsical Calle Mayor filled with colorful shops and enticing cafés.
- Satiate your growling stomach with a taste of traditional Spanish cuisine at Restaurante El Cine, where you'll find dishes packed with flavors like a flamenco dancer with maracas.
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Café de Libros, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee will pirouette you out of bed. Don't miss their fluffy churros, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, like a perfectly executed flamenco routine.
- Embark on a time-traveling journey at the intriguing Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes, which beautifully showcases Cervantes' life and the amazing world he created through his literary works.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the illustrious Plaza de Cervantes, a tranquil oasis adorned with blooming flowers and historic statues, perfect for a family picnic or a spontaneous dance-off.
- Savor the flavors of Alcalá at Restaurante El Patio Taberna, where the aromas will serenade your senses and the tapas will dance on your tongue like a passionate flamenco performance.
- End your day with the mesmerizing sight of the Teatro Salón Cervantes, a grand theater breathing cultural heritage, where you might catch a spectacular live performance that will leave you applauding like a thunderstorm.
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Alcalá de Henares by plane is to fly into Madrid-Barajas Airport and then take the Cercanías Line C-1 train to Alcalá de Henares station.
Car
If you are planning on driving to Alcalá de Henares, the best way is to take the A-2 highway from Madrid.
Train
If you're traveling within Spain, the best way to reach Alcalá de Henares by train is to take the Cercanías Line C-2 from Madrid's Atocha Station to Alcalá de Henares station.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no direct boat routes to Alcalá de Henares as it is a landlocked city.
Bus
A popular option to reach Alcalá de Henares by bus is to take the ALSA bus from Madrid's Estación Sur de Autobuses to Alcalá de Henares bus station.