Wander the cobblestone alleys of Alicante’s historic center to discover grand cathedrals, delicious regional cuisine and dramatic views of a castle.

The historic center of Alicante is one of the liveliest areas of the city. In the shadow of the Castle of Santa Bárbara, which sits atop Mount Benacantil, the Old Town’s narrow cobblestone streets are filled with hotels, guesthouses and hostels. This is one of the most popular locations for visitors to the city to stay.

The best way to discover Old Town’s secrets is to explore on foot. Many of Alicante’s major attractions are in the Old Town and can be easily reached without a car. Grab a map from the Alicante tourist office, located at the city bus terminal, to avoid getting lost in the maze of winding streets. The map will help you locate the main attractions, including the Alicante Town Hall. This 18th-century structure was built in the Baroque architectural style and is one of the most notable buildings in the city. People-watch in the square in front of the town hall, or see works by some of Spain’s most notable artists at the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts.

As the sun begins to set, make your way to Rambla de Mendez or Explanada de España, the two streets that border the Old Town, for a bite to eat. Sit down at one of the countless authentic Spanish restaurants in the area or grab some tapas at a bar and make friends with townspeople. Local dishes are largely rice-based. At an arroceria, or rice restaurant, you can try paella, a national dish of Spain. Toward midnight the Old Town becomes one of the most popular places to drink, dance and party. Many bars stay open until early morning hours.

Alicante Old Town is located at the base of Mount Benacantil, not far from the ocean. It’s well served by taxis and public transportation, but car parking is difficult to find.