Among Murcia’s gems are a historic gentlemen’s club set in a building with an enchanting Arab hall and a glamorous French ballroom, an impressive cathedral, many churches, charming squares, and much more. This city, tucked away on the coast of Spain, hasn’t yet caught the eye of crowds of tourists, but it’s brimming with wonderful things to see and do. We’ve visited Murcia twice and collected all the best tips to share with you. In this blog, discover the top things to enjoy in Murcia, both the famous attractions as and hidden gems, along with loads of handy tips.
How to get to Murcia in Spain
Murcia is a lovely city in Spain’s southeast, part of the autonomous community called the Region of Murcia. Getting there is easy, thanks to Murcia International Airport, which connects to a bunch of European cities. If you need more flight options, Alicante’s international airport is just an hour away by car.
Around Murcia, you’ll find other great places to visit. Alicante, with its stunning beaches and lively seafront, is perfect for those who love the sun and the sea. Cartagena, only a 45-minute drive away, is great for exploring old ruins and interesting museums. Elche, with its famous Palm Grove listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another destination you shouldn’t miss, where stroll among thousands of palm trees in Europe’s largest palm garden.
Is Murcia worth visiting?
Visiting Murcia is a highly recommended because of its historical center, special sights, and friendly vibe with great tapas restaurants. Plus, Murcia isn’t overrun by tourists, making it a more authentic Spanish experience.
If you’re into architecture, you’ll love Murcia. The city has a rich history, featuring a mix of cultural and architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque. Make sure to visit the stunning Murcia Cathedral or the eclectic Real Casino de Murcia, and get a taste of the city’s history and art.
But Murcia isn’t just about history. It’s known as a culinary hotspot, dubbed ‘the vegetable garden of Spain’. Try local dishes, like pastel de carne, and explore the unique tapas available in this region. The city is full of cozy cafes and tapas bars where you can dive into the local food scene.
Where to stay in Murcia
When you’re planning where to stay in Murcia, aim for the historic heart of the city. Neighborhoods like La Catedral, San Bartolomé, San Lorenzo, and San Pedro are perfect. These areas are just a short walk from all the best sights Murcia offers, including top-notch restaurants and lively squares. Since the historic center is quite small, you can easily walk everywhere, and there’s no single area we’d suggest over any other.
The top hotels in Murcia:
#1 Hotel Cetina Murcia stands out for its fashionable design, full of vibrant colors and light. The rooms offer plenty of space, comfy beds, and high-end bathrooms. Its central location is ideal, mere steps away from the Murcia Cathedral and close to the Episcopal Palace.
#2 Zenit Murcia enjoys a prime location next to Plaza de las Flores. It is famous for its fantastic rooftop terrace and generous breakfast buffet. It’s no surprise that guests leave such positive reviews.
#3 Barceló Murcia Siete Coronas (formerly Occidental Murcia Siete Coronas) is highly rated for good reason. It boasts a gym, a bar, a daytime restaurant, and a cozy terrace. Guests love its breakfast buffet, the location right in the heart of things, and the exceptionally roomy accommodations.
#4 Catalonia Conde de Floridablanca catches the eye with its inviting outdoor pool. The rooms are comfortably sized, though the decor is somewhat standard; however, the rest of the hotel exudes a charming vibe. It skillfully mixes modern and trendy with vintage touches, like the ornate wooden ceiling in the breakfast area. The pool on the rooftop terrace is a real gem.
#5 Hotel Murcia Rincón de Pepe offers an unbeatable location for exploring the old town. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with balconies that provide views over the city. The breakfast, location, and clean, spacious rooms get enthusiastic praise in guest reviews.
Tourist Map of Murcia
The 13 Best Things To Do In Murcia
#1 Murcia Cathedral
Murcia Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, is the city’s crown jewel. Building it was a monumental effort, spanning from the 14th to the 18th century, blending different architectural styles from those times. Inside, you’ll find elements of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance design.
Its facade, a lavish Baroque masterpiece, faces the Plaza Cardenal Belluga. Though it was under restoration and covered in scaffolding during our second visit in 2024, its beauty is undeniable.
Step inside, and you’ll be just as impressed. The cathedral is massive, with three naves and 23 chapels. Highlights include the Velez Chapel, showcasing a stunning Gothic style and a breathtaking star-shaped vault, and the Junterones Chapel, a pinnacle of Spanish Renaissance art.
Don’t miss the bell tower, towering at 90 meters, making it Spain’s second tallest after the one in Seville. For a small fee, you can climb it for panoramic city views. The cathedral also houses a museum with religious artworks, including pieces by Bernabé de Módena and the celebrated sculptor Francisco Salzillo.
#2 Real Casino de Murcia
Despite its name, the Real Casino de Murcia isn’t a casino but a historic social club that’s been at the heart of Murcia’s cultural scene since 1847. Nestled on Calle Trapería, this private club is an architectural treasure, showcasing art movements from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The highlight is the Arab courtyard, dazzling with over 20,000 pieces of gold leaf, an English library, and a lavish ballroom that has seen over a century of history. It consists of several buildings; it’s indoor street cleverly connecting the buildings, covered by a glass roof. Recognized as a national monument in 1983, it was fully restored by 2009, earning the royal (‘real’) prefix.
While it remains a private club, the ground floor opens its stunning spaces to the public. Dive into our blog for more about the Real Casino de Murcia, including its history, the halls you can visit, and tips for making the most of your visit.
#3 Plaza Cardenal Belluga
Plaza Cardenal Belluga is a central square in Murcia, with roots stretching back to the 18th century. It’s a spot visitors can’t miss, encircled by Murcia’s key landmarks.
The cathedral and the Episcopal Palace are the standout features here. From the plaza, you also get a stunning view of the cathedral’s grand, elaborate Baroque facade. On another side, the historic Bishop of Murcia’s palace, dating from the 18th century, completes the square.
The cafes around the square make it a cozy place for a snack or drink. Though it’s a well-trodden tourist spot, it offers some of the most beautiful views in Murcia.
#4 Mercado de Abastos de Verónicas
The Mercado de Verónicas showcases modernist architecture at its finest in Murcia.
This location has been a hub for trade and markets since the 15th century, but it was only in the 20th century that it was enclosed, adopting the modernist design we see today. Created by architect Pedro Cerdán between 1914 and 1922, in collaboration with city architect José Antonio Rodríguez (who focused on the interior), the market is a magnet for both locals and tourists.
You’ll find everything from fresh fruits, meats, and fish to local treats. Cozy bars in the market’s corners offer the chance to sample delicious eats and drinks right away. The layout is practical, with butchers and fishmongers downstairs and produce vendors upstairs.
Entry is free, and it’s open from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 3 PM.
#5 Episcopal Palace of Murcia
The Episcopal Palace, facing Plaza Cardenal Belluga, was erected in the 18th century and continues to serve as the Diocese of Cartagena’s headquarters. What’s more, entry is free, so this site is a must-visit.
The palace exemplifies Rococo style, merging Italian and French influences with a square floor plan and delicate decorations, including Ionic pillars at the entrance. Its large balcony, adorned with Bishop Rojas y Contreras’s coat of arms and overlooking the vibrant Plaza de Belluga, is especially notable. It was recognized as a cultural asset in 1992.
Inside, there’s a quaint chapel with a circular layout and Rococo styling, open around the clock. While entrance to the palace is free, unfortunately, it’s only open during the weekdays. If you’re in Murcia over the weekend, like we were, you can at least explore the circular chapel.
#6 Teatro Romea
Teatro Romea has a storied history in Murcia, opening its doors in 1862 as Los Infantes Theatre. Following two major fires, numerous renovations, and a rename in honor of a Spanish actor, the current building blends multiple architectural styles.
Its facade is a defining feature of Murcia’s streetscape, with busts of renowned composers like Beethoven and Liszt and medallions of Murcian playwrights. Inside, the theater hall itself is breathtaking, with exquisite ceiling paintings featuring actor Julián Romea amidst the muses. The hall’s unique horseshoe shape, surrounded by box seats and balconies, is decked out in dramatic red.
You can admire the theater’s exterior and also peek inside. Attending a performance is a fantastic way to soak in local culture, but guided tours are available upon request.
#7 The Churches of Murcia
With a cathedral and bishop’s palace in town, expect to find plenty of other ecclesiastical gems. The city center and its outskirts are dotted with beautiful churches. These three particularly caught our eye.
Iglesia Convento Santa Ana, located on Plaza de Santa Ana, is a 15th-century Dominican convent. Its current church was built from 1728 to 1738 in the popular Baroque style of the time, featuring a richly decorated interior and lavish Baroque elements like capitals.
Iglesia Conventual Santo Domingo dates back to the 16th century and showcases a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles. The complex, including a convent, stands out for its facade with two square towers and a richly adorned interior. A pleasant square with terraces and an array of red flower pots sits in front of the church.
Parroquia San Bartolomé traces its origins to the Middle Ages. It’s renowned for its fascinating facade, blending different architectural styles, including a rose window, columns, and semicircular arches.
#8 Jardín de Floridablanca
Jardín de Floridablanca is a public garden in the heart of Murcia’s Barrio del Carmen, holding the title of the city’s oldest public park and one of Spain’s first.
Today, the park covers 11,330 square meters, featuring a variety of trees and greenery alongside monuments honoring influential figures like the Count of Floridablanca and poet Jara Carrillo. It’s open every day from 7 AM to 10 PM, with no entry fee.
#9 Plaza de las Flores
At the culinary heart of Murcia’s old town lies Plaza de las Flores, the go-to spot for sampling tapas and Spanish wine. The adjacent Santa Catalina square is also a prime location for culinary explorations.
Named for the flower stalls that have stood here for centuries, Plaza de las Flores is one of Murcia’s most atmospheric squares, dotted with terraces serving local tapas and a fountain featuring a bronze figure from 2011. Don’t miss the stunning mural on the building directly facing the square, celebrating its floral heritage.
#10 Museo Salzillo
The Museo Salzillo in Murcia is a heartfelt tribute to Francisco Salzillo (1707-1783), celebrated as a towering figure of 18th-century Spanish sculpture and a virtuoso of the Baroque style. He’s renowned for his religious sculptures, many of which you’ll find in this museum. It’s fittingly located in what used to be the Convent of San Agustín, adding to its historical ambiance.
The museum’s crown jewel is the collection of figures Salzillo created for Easter processions. Among these is the famed Belén de Salzillo, a Nativity scene with over 500 pieces that vividly portrays rural Murcia of the 18th century, bringing the period and its traditions to life.
#11 Glorieta de España and Casa Consistorial
Murcia’s City Hall, the Casa Consistorial, is an eye-catching neoclassical building from the 19th century. It’s known for its elegant façade, featuring four grand Corinthian columns and a balcony. Above the balcony, a large city emblem is nestled between statues of two muses representing abundance and fortune. The city clock, placed in the pediment’s center, chimes traditional Murcian melodies.
Opposite the City Hall is Glorieta de España, a beautifully landscaped park with fountains and blooming flowers most of the year. A notable feature of the park is the statue of Cardinal Belluga, a prominent figure in Murcia’s history. The park was designed in 1821 by Francisco Bolarín and has gone by several names over its history.
#12 CafeLab
The place to be in Murcia for top-notch coffee is CafeLab, a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. CafeLab specializes in high-quality coffee, drawing in both trendy folks and serious coffee lovers. The entire vibe of the place is centered around coffee, from unique decorations like percolators hanging from the ceiling to coffee grinders in the restrooms.
Located right next to the cathedral, CafeLab offers indoor seating and a charming terrace where guests can enjoy views of the church while sipping their coffee.
#13 Monteagudo Castle
Monteagudo Castle is a landmark that stands out on the Murcian landscape. This castle is perched atop a slender 149-meter-high rock just outside the city, commanding attention with a majestic Christ statue that can be seen from afar.
The castle’s history stretches back even before Murcia’s founding, originally serving as a refuge for local farmers. Over centuries, it has played various roles, eventually becoming the residence of King Alfonso X the Wise. The massive Christ statue that now dominates the site was erected in 1951, replacing an earlier statue.
Extra Tip: Cycle the Via Verde del Noroeste from Murcia
For those who enjoy cycling, the Vía Verde del Noroeste offers an exquisite route beginning in Murcia. It spans 76.8 km, including 9 viaducts, 1 metal bridge, and 6 tunnels. This trail takes riders through a breathtaking variety of landscapes—from lush orchards and stark moonscapes to forests of pine and almond trees, all framing quaint towns along the way. It’s so picturesque, we were surprised it’s not more widely known.
A Via Verde, or “Green Way”, transforms disused railway tracks into scenic routes for biking and hiking. For more details on Spain’s Via Verdes and to discover the eight most scenic trails, dive into our dedicated blog post. These unique paths offer a special way to explore the countryside.
What we hadn’t realized when embarking on this journey is that it doubles as a pilgrimage from Murcia. The endpoint, Caravaca de la Cruz, is recognized as one of the five holy cities of Christianity, a distinction granted by Pope John Paul II in 1998. Alongside renowned cities like Rome and Jerusalem, Caravaca de la Cruz joins the ranks, drawing pilgrims and visitors to its sacred sites, beautiful church, charming streets, and imposing castle, especially during its perpetual holy jubilee celebrated every seven years.
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