Things to do in Guadalajara, Spain - 1-day itinerary (2024)

Facing the River Henares, Guadalajara has been occupied since theRoman era. During the 12th century, Alfonso VII offered a charter to thecity, increasing the interest in this growing urban centre. Later, itbecame the seat of the Dukes of the Infantado, whose palace still standstoday.

Alongside the Infantado Palace, it’s worth walking alongthe historic centre, which sits around Calle Mayor. Guadalajara is theperfect place for a quick getaway from Madrid, as it’s only an hour awayfrom the capital. Our itinerary below features the best things to do inGuadalajara to help you make the most of your day.

Day 1

Morning: Infantado Palace

Begin your day with a visit to the Infantado Palace, one of thecity’s most iconic attractions. It is the former palace of the Mendozafamily, who earned the title of the Dukes of the Infantado. The familyhad a major role in developing the city.

Take some time to admirethe facade with its spiky-shaped stones before stepping into thecourtyard known as Patio de Los Leones. Look out for the carved lion andgriffin motifs adorning the columns. Then head to the city museum orstop by Las Salas del Duque, where you can spot 16th-century frescosdesigned by Italian artist Romulo Cincinato.

Palace of Antonio de Mendoza

A few steps away is the Palace of Antonio de Mendoza, dating back to the16th century. The building mainly follows the Italian Renaissancestyle, but you’ll also spot a few Neoclassical elements added in the19th century. Throughout the years, it’s had multiple functions: a noblepalace, convent, and museum, but currently, it works as a school.

Palacio de la Cotilla

Right in the heart of the old town is another Renaissance palace calledPalacio de la Cotilla. Established around the 17th century by theMarquises of Villamejor, it is the perfect representation of the nobletaste of that era. The main attraction here is the Chinese hall, whereyou can admire a 19th-century Chinese rice paper featuring the feudallife of Imperial China. End your visit with a stroll through the gardenslocated around the back of the building.

Santa Maria Co-Cathedral

Almost across the street from the palace is the Santa MariaCo-Cathedral, a 14th-century building occupying the site of an oldmosque. Despite having had some renovations during the 17th century, itsMudejar style is still prevalent. Among the most iconic elements arethe doors with horseshoe arches, a brick tower and several carved tombs.

Chapel of Don Luis de Lucena

As you exit the cathedral, you'll spot this striking 16th-centurychapel. The facade stands out with its brick structure, but it's worthstepping inside to see the Mannerist frescos decorating the vault. Youcan book a tour of the chapel (usually takes around 20 minutes) to learnmore about the building and its connection with the city.

Torreón del Alamín

Sharing the name of the El Alamín neighbourhood, this tower is one of the highlights of Guadalajara. The attached bridge was erected at the end of the 13th century by the Infanta Isabella, Lady of Guadalajara, and her sister Beatrix to allow access to the convent of San Bernardo. The tower is now home to an exhibition space that covers the history of medieval Guadalajara. The collection includes a model of the old city where you can see the former defensive layout and the narrow streets.

Morning -Guadalajara Tour Map

Afternoon: Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is the heart of Guadalajara's old town. This iconic squareis home to several restaurants, bars and shops. You can also find thetown hall here. Its central location makes it a good meeting spot too.

Church of San Nicolás

Keep walking down the Calle Mayor until you reach Plaza de Jardinillo, alovely square where you’ll find a 16th-century statue of Neptune.Noteworthy buildings around here include the Bank of Spain, the Palaceof the Counts of Coruña and the Church of San Nicólas. Erected in 1647,the church features a striking Baroque facade, while the interior has aclassic Jesuit style. It’s worth capturing the high altar and the statueof comendador Rodrigo de Campuzano.

Church of San Ginés

Another must-visit in Guadalajara is the beautiful Church of San Ginésin Plaza de Santo Domingo. The highlight here is the colonial-stylefacade with two towers on the side. Inside, you can discover paintings,sculptures and chapels featuring ancient designs.

Concordia Park

Just a few minutes from the church is Concordia Park. Take a strollunder the trees and enjoy a break from sightseeing at one of thebenches. There are also swings and slides everywhere, making it idealfor families.

Pantheon of the duch*ess of Sevillano

This pantheon was built in honour of the father and relatives of MaríaDiega Desmaissieres, also known as the duch*ess of Sevillano. Surroundedby lush trees, it is a remarkable example of 19th-century architectureinfluenced by the Italian art. Inside is a mix of paintings, sculpturesand tombs.

Iglesia de Santa María Micaela

Our last stop is the Iglesia de Santa María Micaela. Designed by Velázquez Bosco, this 19th-century church has a single nave with three levels. It follows the Mudéjar style, but some pieces, like the choir arch, feature elements of the Renaissance too.

Afternoon -Guadalajara Tour Map

Other things to do in Guadalajara

• Alcalá de Henares: Alcalá de Henares is famous for being thebirthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the brilliant author behind “DonQuixote”. The house he was born in is now a museum dedicated to hiswork. At Calle Mayor, keep an eye out for number 48, which features alife-sized sculpture of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sitting on a bench.Other attractions in the town include the University, Torre de SantaMaría, and the Corral de Comedias, an ancient theatre dating back to the17th century.

• Alto Tajo Natural Park: You'll find this naturalreserve between Guadalajara and Cuenca. It offers one of the largestnetworks of canyons and gorges in Castille-La Mancha. The scenery isideal for a hike, but you can also practise kayak, abseiling or mountainbiking.

Top things to do with kids in Guadalajara

There are a few things to do in Guadalajara with kids. The city isrelatively small, so you can easily explore it on foot. Beyond the mainattractions, families can visit the Guadalajara Zoo for free.Alternatively, you can go hiking or kayaking along the Alto Tajo NaturalPark.

Where to eat in Guadalajara

Like many places in the Castilla–La Mancha region, Guadalajara isknown of its meat dishes. Roasted lamb and kid are some of the topspecialities. Other favourite ingredients include trout, crayfish andpork. Below are some of the best places to eat in Guadalajara:

• Casa Palomo: This family-run restaurant is located right next to thecity's cathedral. The decor is rustic, with exposed brick walls andceramic flooring. Oxtail, suckling pig, lamb and mushrooms are a fewthings you can expect to find on the menu.

• Bureo: Bureo focuses on anouvelle cuisine concept. It offers a variety of dishes, includingseafood and meat options. Make sure to leave room for the cheesecake,one of the house specialities.

• Dávalos: This spacious restaurant isconveniently located in the city centre. The menu features localspecialities like oxtail, as well as fresh fish. For dessert, try thebizcochos borrachos, a kind of sponge cake typical from this region.

Where to stay in Guadalajara

• AC Hotel by Marriott Guadalajara (4 stars): Only a few steps from theInfantado Palace, this contemporary hotel offers easy access to thecity's main attractions. It features 103 rooms with a minimal design.Facilities include a fitness centre and a lounge offering co*cktails andsmall plates to share.

• Hotel Pax Guadalajara (4 stars): Set on theoutskirts of the city, this hotel offers 105 rooms. Clients can accessthe gardens and parking, which includes charging stations for electriccars.

Best time to visit Guadalajara

The best time to visit Guadalajara is around May. The weather ispleasant enough for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging between 20ºCand 26ºC. It gets much hotter in July when the temperatures can reach32ºC. Meanwhile, January is the coldest month of the year, with anaverage of 10ºC.

Guadalajara Festivals

• Festival of Medieval Theatre in Hita: The most important festival in the district of Guadalajara is the Festival of Medieval Theatre. Held in the town of Hita, it includes medieval plays, processions and dances. It all starts in early July with the 'Botargas' and 'Danzantes de la Somosierra', a performance that includes pipers and 'dulzainas' (an instrument similar to a clarinet). Other activities include a medieval lunch and the running of the bulls.