Those of you planning a trip to Andalusia may want to take a little detour and explore the lower half of the region of Extremadura too. This very underrated part of Spain is located just a short drive north of Seville, along the Portuguese border, and it’s full of beautiful towns and historic landmarks. Badajoz in particular is well worth adding to your itinerary, especially if you’re interested in history. There are many things to do in Badajoz during a day trip, and it offers a unique slow-travel experience that you won’t find in bigger cities in Spain, like Madrid or Granada.
Due to Badajoz’s location between Portugal and central Iberia, it’s long been a city of strategic importance. It was founded in the 9th century under Moorish rule, and it’s home to one of the largest Moorish citadels in not just Spain, but all of Europe. Badajoz has an interesting past that’s been defined by politics and military conflicts, making it a city with a layered history and many beautiful landmarks. Here’s a look at all of the top things to do in Badajoz, whether you’re planning a day trip here or you intend to stay a little longer while exploring Extremadura.
14 things to do in Badajoz
1. Torre Espantaperros
One of the top things to do in Badajoz is to visit the Torre Espantaperros. This unique, octagonal defensive tower was built in the 12th century and it’s attached to the southern wall of the Alcazaba de Badajoz. It was originally built as a military watchtower, and in the 16th century a bell tower was added to it, and the ringing could be heard across the whole city.
What’s great about visiting the Torre Espantaperros during a trip to Extremadura is that you can access the fortress walls, and ultimately the tower, for free. However, there’s a gate blocking off direct access to Torre Espantaperros, but you can still stick your phone or camera through the bars and get a pretty good photo of it.
2. Alcazaba de Badajoz
No trip to Badajoz is complete without walking around the remains of the Alcazaba de Badajoz. This is the city’s most iconic landmark and it’s also one of the largest Moorish fortresses in the country. The fortress dates back to the 9th century, and it was expanded in the 12th century into the imposing structure seen today. It’s served as a military fortress and a palatial residence over the centuries, so there’s a lot of history to uncover here.
The walls of the Alcazaba de Badajoz have been well maintained, and you can walk around the entirety of them for free. I’d also recommend visiting the Provincial Archaeological Museum if you have time, which is situated next to a free parking lot in Badajoz. Located just behind the museum is a fascinating archaeological site as well, which you’ll come across if you follow the fortress walls. Visiting the Alcazaba de Badajoz is easily one of the best things to do in Badajoz at any time of the year.
3. Puente de Palmas
Another must-visit attraction in Badajoz is the Puente de Palmas. It was built around the 15th century but after a series of destructive floods in the 16th and 17th centuries it was rebuilt using granite and eventually lengthened. The bridge crosses the Guadiana River and it connects the old town with the Santa Isabel and San Fernando neighbourhoods.
Today, the Puente de Palmas is the perfect place to go for a stroll as it’s fully pedestrianized. From the bridge you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of the city skyline, including the Alcazaba, which is particularly nice to see at sunrise or sunset.
4. Plaza de San Jose
Sitting at the base of the Alcazaba walls is Plaza de San Jose. This historic plaza in Badajoz can be dated back to the 14th century when arcaded homes were given permission to be built on this site, and you can still see some of them today. Plaza de San Jose was also once an important commercial space, as it sat next to the Jewish quarter during the medieval period.
The main attraction in the plaza is the Convento de San Jose, which was opened in 1917. This convent was built on the site of a former hermitage that was dedicated to the patron saint of the city, St Joseph, following the Christian reconquest in 1230. It’s a beautiful convent to look at, and the plaza surrounding it is known for being a very peaceful area.
5. Explore the streets of the old town
One of my favourite things to do in Badajoz, and any city really, is to explore the streets of the old town. Badajoz is a very walkable city, so it’s easy to see all of the old town in one day if that’s all the time you can spare. I’d recommend starting your day at the Alcazaba de Badajoz and cutting through the winding streets until you come to Plaza de España. There are a lot of beautiful historic streets to wander down, filled with boutique shops, local eateries, and buildings that still reflect the Moorish past of the city.
6. Plaza Alta
Plaza Alta needs to be at the top of your list of things to do in Badajoz. This iconic plaza is known for its striking decorations, and it was once the centre of social and civic life in Badajoz. The row of colourfully painted arcaded buildings is a major highlight for many people visiting Badajoz. These vibrant facades showcase the rich blend of cultures that the city has evolved from over the centuries, with both Portuguese and Mudejar architectural influences on display.
7. Puerta de Palmas
While visiting Badajoz, make sure you stop to take a photo of Puerta de Palmas. It was completed in the mid-16th century and it was once the main city gate in the medieval fortifications. The gate connected the Alcazaba and the city centre to the Puente de Palmas, but today it stands alone in the centre of a busy road. Inside the gate you’ll find a chapel that was added in 1960 too, and the structure still proudly stands as a reminder of the rich past of Badajoz.
8. Admire the street art in Badajoz
As you walk through the streets of Badajoz’s old town, you’ll probably come across a few unique pieces of street art along the way. There are numerous large-scale murals to admire, many of which reflect the history and culture of the city through bright colours and eye-catching designs. The street art in Badajoz is designed to breathe new life into often overlooked spaces, so they’re not eye sores like in other larger cities.
9. Plaza Minayo
There are numerous elegant plazas to visit in Badajoz, but one that shouldn’t be missed is Plaza Minayo. It was named after a 19th century Humanist, whose statue stands in the centre of the plaza, and there are a few notable buildings here such as the Teatro Lopez de Ayala. While this isn’t one of the top things to do in Badajoz, I’d still suggest visiting Plaza Minayo, as well as nearby Plaza de San Francisco, if you have some spare time and are looking for shaded areas to relax or walk around.
10. Plaza de España
The main square in Badajoz is Plaza de España. The square is predominantly known for housing Badajoz Cathedral, but it also has many architectural features that are worth noting. As well as the City Hall, the Alvarez-Buiza House is a must-see due to its unique regionalist architecture. The plaza has undergone many changes over the years, and today it’s almost completely pedestrianized, with plenty of bars and restaurants in and around the plaza that always offer a vibrant atmosphere.
11. Badajoz Cathedral
Going inside Badajoz Cathedral is one of the top things to do in Badajoz. The cathedral was built in the 13th century following the reconquest of the city, but further renovations and additions continued until the 17th century. It was built to resemble a fortress, with a tall square tower and crenellated walls making it look like a large defensive structure. This design is a direct reflection of the history of Badajoz and its close proximity to the Portuguese border.
There’s a small entry fee to go inside Badajoz Cathedral, and if you opt for the complete ticket you’ll also gain access to the tower, museum, cloister, and chapter rooms. It’s a great place to come in the summer to escape the heat of the sun for a short time!
12. Take in the views from the tower of Badajoz Cathedral
If you’re a fan of sweeping views, then one of the best things to do in Badajoz is to climb the tower of Badajoz Cathedral. After climbing 142 steps and exploring what was once the former home of the bell-ringer and his family, you’ll be met with panoramic views of Badajoz and the surrounding landscape. The tower itself was completed in 1542 and the bells are still in operation, though they’re controlled by a digital system now. Just make sure you stay away from the bells when they’re about to ring, because the noise is deafening!
13. La Giraldilla
Did you know you can find a piece of Seville in the heart of Badajoz? La Giraldilla was constructed in 1935 as a homage to the iconic tower in Seville. It was built in the Andalusian regional style, with decorative ceramic tiles, floral motifs, and wrought ironwork. At the top of La Giraldilla is the Roman god of commerce, Mercury, which is meant to symbolize the city’s commercial activities throughout its history. The area La Giraldilla is located in is packed with restaurants and bars too.
14. Go hunting for statues
While I wouldn’t put “statue hunting” at the top of your list of things to do in Badajoz, there are quite a few statues in the old town that are worth taking a quick photo of. One of my favourite statues is located near La Giraldilla, in Plaza Soledad, and it depicts a guitarist and a singer. You’ll find plenty of other statues depicting historic men throughout the city too, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled!
Where to eat in Badajoz
Tanuki San Puerta Palma
There are a lot of great places to eat in Badajoz, especially if you want to eat Spanish cuisine. I opted for something a little different during my one day in Badajoz though. Located next to the Puerta de Palmas is Tanuki San Puerta Palma – a modern Japanese restaurant known for their well-crafted sushi and ramen. They have a big menu, including plenty of vegetarian options, but overall I’d highly recommend one of their noodle bowls which offer very good value for money. They also have online offers available if you’d rather order something to take away and eat on the go.
Is Badajoz worth visiting?
Extremadura is a very underrated region of Spain, despite it being only a short drive from Seville. Most people who visit Badajoz hop over the border from Portugal and spend a day here, but it’s slowly becoming more well known with visitors in Spain too. Along with places like Merida and Zafra, Badajoz is certainly worth visiting if you enjoy exploring historic destinations that are a bit off the beaten path. There are a lot of things to do in Badajoz to keep you busy for a day, and it’s not a bad place to base yourself from either if you intend to travel around more of Extremadura.
If you have any questions about things to do in Badajoz, Extremadura in general, or you want to collaborate, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via the contact form on my website or by email, and I’ll reply as quickly as I can. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where I’m always sharing travel tips and ideas about where to travel to next.
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