Free walking tours in Alcalá de Henares and what to see

Must-sees

Alcalá de Henares is the birthplace of Cervantes, and its university and historic centre are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main building is the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso, with its Plateresque façade and the Paraninfo hall, where the Cervantes Prize is awarded each year. Close by, Calle Mayor, one of the longest arcaded streets in Spain, leads to the Cervantes Birthplace Museum.

Plaza de Cervantes is the centre of city life. Beside it is the Corral de Comedias, one of the oldest theatres in Europe still in use. The Magistral cathedral, dedicated to the child saints Justo and Pastor, and the Archbishop’s Palace complete the route. On the outskirts are the remains of Complutum, the Roman city. And in many bars a tapa comes with every drink.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-wish free tours in Alcalá cover the historic centre: Calle Mayor, Plaza de Cervantes, the Magistral and the outside of the university, with stories about Cervantes, Cardinal Cisneros and student life in the Golden Age. The guided visit inside the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso is worthwhile, letting you see the courtyards and the Paraninfo. The Corral de Comedias also offers guided visits.

How long to spend

You can get to know Alcalá well in a day. In the morning, take the university tour and walk along Calle Mayor to Cervantes’ birthplace. After lunch, spend the afternoon at the Magistral, the Corral de Comedias and a round of tapas. If you are coming from Madrid, the local train drops you near the centre in just over half an hour.

Where to stay

The best place to stay is the historic centre, between Calle Mayor and Plaza de Cervantes, with the monuments and tapas bars a few steps away. The area near the train station is practical if you want to come and go to Madrid or the airport. If you are driving, some hotels on the outskirts have easier parking, although you will have to travel into the centre.