Free walking tours in Jaén and what to see

Must-sees

Jaén cathedral is the great work of the Andalusian Renaissance, designed by Andrés de Vandelvira. Its façade and two towers dominate the city. Inside is kept the relic of the Holy Face. From the cathedral, the streets of the old town climb towards the San Juan and La Magdalena districts and the old Jewish quarter, with churches and traditional houses.

The Villardompardo Palace holds the Arab baths, among the largest surviving in Spain, along with a museum of folk arts. The church of La Magdalena stands on the site of a former mosque. On top of the hill is Santa Catalina castle, with views over the olive groves. The Iberian Museum is another recommended visit.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours usually cover the outside of the cathedral, the old town, the historic districts and the Arab baths. They tell the city’s story from the Andalusí period to the Renaissance, and you pay what you wish at the end. The paid guided visit to the cathedral is worth it to see the interior and its details. Trips run from Jaén to Úbeda and Baeza, Renaissance towns that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are also olive oil tours, with visits to oil mills and tastings, and outings to the Sierra de Cazorla.

How long to spend

A full day is enough for the city. Spend the morning at the cathedral and the Arab baths, and the afternoon in the historic districts and at Santa Catalina castle. If you stay two or three days, add a trip to Úbeda and Baeza or an olive oil route. For the Sierra de Cazorla, keep a whole day.

Where to stay

The old town, near the cathedral, is the best area for seeing the city on foot. You will be next to the monuments and the tapas bars. The Plaza de la Constitución area, a little lower down, is also convenient and has more shops. If you want views and peace, Santa Catalina castle houses a hotel on top of the hill, although you will need a car to get down.