Free walking tours in Murcia and what to see

Must-sees

The cathedral of Santa María is the centre of Murcia, and its Baroque façade, facing Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, is one of the most striking in Spain. Its tower, built over several centuries, can be visited. On the same square, Rafael Moneo’s town hall annexe contrasts with its surroundings. From there run Trapería and Platería, the old town’s main shopping streets, where you will find the Real Casino, with its Moorish courtyard and ballroom.

The Salzillo Museum holds the processional figures of the Murcian Baroque sculptor, stars of Holy Week. Nearby are the Romea Theatre, Plaza de las Flores and Plaza de Santo Domingo, good spots for a drink. The Segura river separates the centre from El Carmen and is crossed by the Puente de los Peligros. On the outskirts, the sanctuary of La Fuensanta has views over the market gardens.

Free tours and guided visits

Murcia’s pay-what-you-like free walking tours cover the old town in about two hours. They pass the cathedral, Trapería and Platería, the façade of the Casino, the Romea and the main squares, and explain the city’s Moorish past and its relationship with the market gardens. Among the paid visits, a guided tour of the Casino and the climb up the cathedral tower are worthwhile. The most common day trips are Cartagena and its Roman Theatre, the Mar Menor and Caravaca de la Cruz.

How long to spend

You can see Murcia well in a day or a day and a half. Spend the morning on the cathedral, the Casino and the streets of the centre, and the afternoon on the Salzillo Museum, the river and the terraces on the squares. If you stay a weekend, on the second day you can go to Cartagena, less than an hour away, or spend the day at the Mar Menor.

Where to stay

The best area to stay is the historic centre, between the cathedral, Trapería and Plaza de Santo Domingo. Everything is within walking distance and the tapas bars are around the corner. The Gran Vía and around have larger hotels and good connections with the rest of the city. Across the river, El Carmen is close to the train station and a short walk from the centre.