Alicante’s historic Old Town is the heart of the city, situated below Mount Benacantil and the Castle of Santa Bárbara. The Old Town is a popular spot for visitors to stay and is filled with guesthouses, hostels and hotels.
Explore Alicante’s Old Town on foot to take in the area’s attractions at your own pace. Head to the Alicante tourist office by the city bus terminal and pick up a map to find your way around the maze of streets. The map will make navigating the narrow roads much easier and can point you in the direction of the main attractions. Visit the Alicante Town Hall, an impressive example of Baroque architecture that was built in the 18th century. The square in front of the Town Hall is a good spot to people-watch. The Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, featuring works by notable Spanish artists, is located nearby.
Make your way over to the Old Town’s bordering streets, Rambla de Mendez or Explanada de España, as the sun begins to set. Take a seat at one of the many restaurants serving authentic Spanish cuisine or enjoy some tapas at a bar. Rice dishes, such as paella, are the traditional dishes of the area and specialty rice restaurants are called arroceria. The Old Town is a popular spot for late-night revellers and many bars stay open until early in the morning.
Alicante Old Town is located just below Mount Benacantil. The area is not ideal for cars as parking is limited but there are excellent taxi and public transport services. The best way to soak up the atmosphere of the historic streets and lively restaurants is to explore the area on foot. Come here with several hours to spare or base yourself here for the duration of your stay.
