Weekend in Alcalá De Henares: Time Traveling Spain

Discover the birthplace of Cervantes in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.

22 April 2023

Alcalá de Henares, situated in the heart of Spain, is a delightful destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Spanish history and culture. The birthplace of Cervantes, this enchanting town pulsates with a nostalgic and bohemian vibe. As a tourist, you can enjoy a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, witness the stunning architecture, explore the vibrant markets and soak up the local culinary scene.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Café-Bar San Ginés
  • Explore the beautiful historic buildings of the Old Town, including the Alcalá Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace
  • Take a stroll through the picturesque Plaza de Cervantes and admire the statue of the famous Spanish writer
  • Visit the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, now a museum dedicated to his life and work
  • Enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch at Casa Rúa, famous for their delicious meat dishes
  • End the day with a relaxing walk along the banks of the Henares River
  • Hotel recommendation: Parador de Alcalá de Henares, a beautiful hotel located in an 18th-century former monastery.
Day 2

Discovering the University City

  • Visit the University of Alcalá, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the stunning Colegio de San Ildefonso, with its beautiful chapel and stunning frescoes
  • Take a tour of the beautiful Corral de Comedias, the oldest theatre in Europe still in use
  • Enjoy lunch at La Casa Vieja, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Spanish dishes
  • Take a scenic drive to the nearby town of Daganzo de Arriba to visit the beautiful Gothic church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
  • Return to Alcalá and enjoy dinner at El Cielo de Alcalá, a fantastic rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city
Day 3

Day Trip to Madrid

  • Take a short train ride to Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain
  • Visit the stunning Royal Palace of Madrid, home to the Spanish Royal family
  • Explore the beautiful Retiro Park, with its lovely gardens and gorgeous lake
  • Visit the famous Prado Museum and admire works by great Spanish artists such as Goya and Velázquez
  • Enjoy lunch at Mercado de San Miguel, an indoor food market with a fantastic selection of tapas and local produce
  • End the day with a stroll through the vibrant streets of Malasaña, known for its lively nightlife and trendy bars and restaurants

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Alcalá de Henares

Welcome to a place where long ago, a famous writer’s quill touched paper and brought us tales of chivalry and adventure. And now, the same town is known for its delicious tapas and bustling nightlife.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Budget-friendly adventure in Alcala de Henares

Alcalá de Henares is a charming Spanish city well-known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Despite being near Madrid, Alcalá de Henares is an affordable destination offering visitors plenty of stunning sites to explore that won't break the bank. Visitors can explore the city's impressive museums, beautiful churches, and other fascinating landmarks, all without spending too much money.

Alcalá de Henares Adventure: 3 Days on a Budget

Discover the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the famous author of Don Quixote, by taking a budget-friendly day trip to Alcalá de Henares from Madrid. Explore the charming old town which is filled with historic university buildings, churches, and beautiful plazas. You can enjoy budget-friendly tapas, drinks, and shopping around the city's market streets for a complete cultural experience without having to break the bank.

4-Day Fun-Filled Alcalá De Henares Adventure

Alcalá de Henares is a charming and historical city located in the Madrid region of Spain. As a tourist, you can explore its rich cultural heritage by visiting the birthplace of famous author Miguel de Cervantes and the stunning 16th-century University of Alcalá. You can also enjoy delicious Castilian cuisine and soak up the local atmosphere by strolling through the picturesque streets and plazas of the city.

A Fun-Filled 2-Day Adventure in Alcalá de Henares

Alcalá de Henares, located just northeast of Madrid, is the birthplace of one of the greatest writers in Spanish literature- Miguel de Cervantes. As a tourist, you'll have the opportunity to visit the famous Cervantes Museum and explore stunning medieval architecture throughout the city. With a vibrant cultural scene and fantastic street food, this historic town is an amazing destination for anyone interested in Spanish culture and history.