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What to do in Murcia. While many articles focus on exploring the most beautiful places in the Spanish region of Murcia, in this article we will delve deeper into fun tips for activities in the city of Murcia itself. After all, it is one of the larger cities of Spain, but still a hidden gem! And just that makes Murcia such a special city to discover. Take a look at typical Spanish city life where you as a tourist walk among the locals (and not the other way around). Visit sights like the Cathedral of Murcia, go shopping on Calle Trapería and enjoy a snack and drink in one of the beautiful squares. These are fun things to do in Murcia, the capital of the Spanish region of the same name, Murcia!
A little history of the city of Murcia
Murcia, formerly known as Mursiya, has a rich history dating back to the early Middle Ages. The city was built on the banks of the Segura River, where the landscape was fertile to grow fruits and vegetables. An important and strategic place to found a city.
Because of Murcia's location between two powerful empires, the city has had much to endure. Consequently, the city of Murcia has different influences, both Arab and Christian.
Over the centuries, the city continued to grow, mainly due to its role as an important agricultural center. The 18th century was the city's heyday and this is reflected in the many beautiful buildings that date from that time. Consequently, you will find beautiful sights that you can still visit today, such as the Cathedral of Murcia and the Real Casino.
Murcia, both the city and the region, is still very much known for its agricultural production. Although the city has faced considerable flooding, it has been able to continue to develop into an authentic and dynamic city. A city with a rich cultural history and a mix of ancient traditions and modern influences.
The best things to do in Murcia
The city of Murcia may not have as many attractions as other Spanish cities, but if you are looking for a more authentic Spanish city experience, Murcia is the place to be. So below we share what we believe to be the most fun things to do in Murcia.
1. Visit the Cathedral of Murcia
With its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque style, the Cathedral of Murcia is definitely the city's eye-catcher. The 90-meter high bell tower, which you can also climb, literally towers above all the buildings and can be seen from different corners of the city. But the most impressive thing about the cathedral is its façade, which you can admire in Plaza del Cardenal Belluga. Inside the cathedral you can see several beautiful chapels, including that of the Savior and the tomb of King Alfonso X. In addition, it is nice to share that the organ comes from Belgium and is still in use, mainly during Easter and Christmas. Only people who are qualified organ players are allowed to play it!
2. Stroll through the streets of the historic center
The best way to explore a city is to wander its streets without a plan. You will end up in the most beautiful places and enjoy them much more than if you run from sight to sight. Take your time walking through the streets of Murcia's historic center, looking around and admiring the beautiful architecture of the buildings. Murcia's historic center is a feast for the eyes and there is an awful lot to see, such as the iconic Teatro de Romea building.
A fun fact shared with us by our local guide Luis is that the ironwork in front of the windows of the houses is not just to keep out burglars. In fact, it used to serve as a barrier for couples in love. That way they could see each other and talk to each other, the ironwork made sure it stayed that way. Eventually, window ironwork evolved into a stylish decoration, which is why you see it in front of windows in many buildings, even on two and three stories.
3. Go shopping on Calle Trapería
The most famous shopping street in Murcia is Calle Trapería. The street connects the Cathedral of Murcia, the Real Casino and the beautiful Plaza Santo Domingo. It is a lively, car-free street where you can find many boutique stores and eateries.
Originally, it was home to stores where merchants sold fabrics and carpets. Trapería is therefore derived from the Spanish word Trapos meaning cloth or rag.
4. Take a look at the Real Casino
One of the imposing buildings on Calle Trapería is the Real Casino. A building of historic value and enormous luxury. It dates from the 19th century and inside it is a mix of various styles. From neoclassical to modernist. The interior of each room is special and talked-about. You will find a Moorish courtyard, a library with an English look, a women's room full of mirrors and a beautiful ballroom. With the name Real Casino, you quickly think that a casino is hiding inside, but nothing could be further from the truth. At least, not these days. It now functions as a private club, a kind of cultural and social center, which also hosts events and exhibitions.
5. Admire the city's most beautiful squares
Like any Spanish city, Murcia has a number of atmospheric squares. Places where families, friends and families gather to have a bite to eat and drink together. The Spanish squares all have character and the surrounding characteristic buildings make them fine places to be. In my opinion, these are the most beautiful squares in the city:
Plaza del Cardenal Belluga: This is the city's central square and best known for its fantastic views of the façade of Murcia Cathedral. The square is surrounded by buildings in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Plaza de las Flores: It is one of the city's most popular and atmospheric squares. It is surrounded by flower stores and cozy tapas bars. At the square you will find the local bakery Bonache, here you must buy and taste the typical Murcian snack "pastel de carne"!
Plaza Santo Domingo: One of the city's oldest squares, it is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Church of Santo Domingo.
Plaza Glorieta de Espunya: Along with Plaza de las Flores, it is one of the city's most colorful squares. The square is adjacent to the City Hall and the Episcopal Palace.
Plaza de Eulalia: When you get off the beaten path you end up in beautiful places, such as Plaza de Eulalia. The square has a unique charm and an authentic Spanish atmosphere.
6. Walk over the Puente de los Peligros and look out over the Segura River
The Puente de los Peligros is the bridge connecting the two historic districts of the city of Murcia. The bridge dates back to the 18th century and crosses the Segura River that runs through the city. From the bridge you have beautiful views of the river and the surrounding mountains, as well as good views of the meter-high church tower of Murcia Cathedral.
But did you know that the Puente de los Peligros also has important religious significance for the city? In fact, on the east side of the burg stands the bald of Nuestra Señora del Carmen. Every day many locals pause here for a prayer. And if you pay attention, you will see that many passing drivers also make a cross. Nice to see!
7. Take a trip to the Sierra Espuña natural park
How much fun is it to combine your city visit to Murcia with a visit to one of the largest forest areas in the region? Murcia, the region, is known for being dry and arid, but nothing could be further from the truth if you visit the Sierra Espuña Natural Park. It is natural park is incredibly large and offers not only beautiful routes to go hiking and biking. You can also visit cozy mountain villages. You can read all about it in our article full tips for the Sierra Espuña natural park.
A nice hotel tip in the city of Murcia
The anticipation of a city trip or vacation starts with picking out nice accommodations to stay in. We like to look for a cozy hotel or a nice apartment where you can stay comfortably, but from where you can also easily and quickly walk into the city. And such a place we found in the city of Murcia.
The Catalonia Conde de Floridablanca is not only an attractive hotel, it is also well located in the city and it even has a swimming pool. Something you can be very happy with during the summer months in Murcia. After a day of wandering around the city, it's great to cool off on the roof. From the hotel you can walk into the historic city center in no time. And another advantage of this hotel is that there is private parking available, ideal for those touring the Spanish region of Murcia.
How to get to Murcia?
Murcia has its own airport, but it is not (yet) flown from the Netherlands. Therefore, it is best to fly to Alicante airport. From Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven you can fly to this airport with the Dutch airline Alicante. Skycanner.
Tip: Vueling also offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Alicante, prices can be quite competitive with Transavia.
Renting a car
When you arrive at the airport, the best way to get to Murcia is to rent a car. Renting a car we personally always do through SunnyCars, this is a reliable company with a large fleet of cars. You drive from Alicante to the city center of Murcia in 45 minutes. The highways are passable and the closer you get to Murcia the more beautiful the surroundings become!
A great advantage of having a rental car during your stay in Murcia is that you have the freedom to visit beautiful places outside the city. And there are many! We already tipped the Sierra Espuña natural park, but how about a visit to the port city Cartagena?
Take a cool road trip through Murcia
Murcia is a hidden gem filled with culture, beautiful squares and a rich history. Whether you want to climb the impressive Murcia Cathedral, stroll through the historic center, or sample delicious tapas at Plaza de las Flores, we'll help you put together the perfect trip. Do you also want to explore the beauty of Sierra Espuña Natural Park outside the city? Let us plan your ideal road trip through Spanish region of Murcia.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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