What to see and do in Murcia
Catedral de Murcia
This striking cathedral has a beautiful mix of gothic, renaissance and baroque influences, which shouldn’t be missed on your trip to Murcia. Inside, you’ll find beautiful chapels, including the lavish Capilla de los Vélez - a striking example of gothic architecture. The cathedral also has the second tallest bell tower in Spain, standing at over 90 metres tall.
Real Casino de Murcia
Not far from the cathedral lies the opulent Real Casino de Murcia. Constructed in 1847 as a private gentlemen’s club, visitors can book a tour to experience the grandeur inside. Here, you’ll find a decadent ballroom featuring glittering chandeliers and a beautiful ceiling fresco, as well as a library with over 20,000 books.
Monteagudo Castle
Rent a car from Hertz and head to Monteagudo Castle, just a 15-minute drive outside of the city. This impressive castle stands on top of a hill, towering 149 metres high. The most dramatic feature of this castle has to be the 14-metre tall statue of Christ, constructed in the 20th century.
Murcia’s best hotels
Arco de San Juan Hotel
Housed in the former Floridablanca Palace, Arco de San Juan is located near local tourist hotspots, including Plaza del Cardenal Belluga. Murcia del Carmen train station is also nearby, just over a kilometre away.
Hotel Cetina
Hotel Cetina offers guests a stay with both style and comfort. The rooms are spacious, with pops of colour and patterned throws that emit a modern feeling. The hotel is perfectly located to all the must-see sights, including the cathedral and the Episcopal Palace.
Hotel Nelva
Just under an hour from Alicante Airport is Hotel Nelva. The hotel is situated slightly outside of Murcia, so offers visitors a little respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Catch some rays on the sun terrace and cool off with a dip in the hotel pool.
Murcia’s best restaurants
La Pequeña Taberna
For 40 years, La Pequeña Taberna has delighted both tourists and locals with delicious dishes made from local produce. Situated on the corner of Plaza de San Juan, the restaurant is the perfect dinner venue after a day of sightseeing. The menu includes traditional plates, such as pork loin scallops with green pepper sauce.
El Pasaje de Zabalburu
Enjoy tasty tapas at El Pasaje de Zabalburu, where they pride themselves on being innovative, while retaining a traditional feel. The plates are to be enjoyed with a group of around four, so bring your friends or family to taste a range of dishes, from shoulder of lamb to cuttlefish croquettes.
Los Zagales
Just a minute walk away from the cathedral sits Los Zagales. Head to this local hotspot if you fancy tapas made from top quality ingredients in a rustic environment - with barrels mounted above your head and old photographs decorating the walls.