If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Madrid, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Alcala de Henares, an amazing historic city located only 40 km east of the Spanish capital.
Steeped in history, Alcala is famous for being the birthplace of the infamous Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote (one of the most iconic books set in Spain) and one of the world’s greatest novelists.
That said, there’s so much more to discover about its past, from its origins as a Roman settlement to medieval times to the present day. To do so, here are some must-see places you need to add to your itinerary when you visit Alcala de Henares.
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*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
How to Travel From Madrid to Alcala de Henares, Spain
From Atocha train station, take line C2 or C7, which belong to Cercanias Madrid (the suburban train of Madrid, serving the city and its surroundings). It only takes them about 40 minutes to get to Alcala de Henares.
C2 conveniently leaves the train station every 7-12 minutes, and you can purchase your ticket there at the ticket machines (there’s no need to book it in advance online).
Alternatively, you can also book a half-day guided tour to Alcala de Henares.
Where to Stay in Alcala de Henares
If you’re looking to spend the night in the city, a couple of highly-rated central hotels to check out include the cozy & budget-friendly Casa de Huéspedes Lorca and the more luxurious Parador de Alcalá de Henares, housed in a 17th-century convent/collegiate school.
Top Things to Do in Alcala de Henares, Spain
Admire the Beauty of Plaza de Cervantes
There’s no shortage of beautiful squares in Europe, but Plaza de Cervantes boasts a unique charm you won’t find anywhere else, especially if you’re visiting on a sunny spring day.
The square dates back to medieval times (possibly to the 12th century) and is where Alcala’s annual fair and other important events took place in that era.
It underwent many changes over the years and is now lovingly decorated with beautiful trees and flowers, a statue dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes, and the Kiosk of Music.
If you’re looking for other pretty squares to see in Alcala, head to Plaza de los Santos Niños, Plaza de las Bernardas, and Plaza Rodríguez Marín.
Walk Along Calle Mayor
If it’s not your first time here, you might already know that I love finding traces of my Jewish heritage around the world (and especially in Spain).
That’s why I was thrilled to discover that Calle Mayor, Alcala de Henares’ most famous street, was also the main street of the Jewish quarter and the city’s most prominent commercial hub back in the Middle Ages. The Jews lived on the upper floors while their shops were on the ground floor.
The buildings changed throughout the centuries, but this street still makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Along with the rest of the historic center and the university, Calle Mayor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Cervantes Birthplace Museum
It’s not every day that you get to step into the house where Miguel de Cervantes was born and raised, so visiting the Cervantes Birthplace Museum (Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes) is definitely one of the best things to do in Alcala de Henares.
The museum aims to give a glimpse into the family’s day-to-day life in the 16th century, but it also houses a collection of Cervantes’ works, as well as paintings, ceramics, and furniture from that era. It is free to visit and is located in Calle Mayor.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday – Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM.
See the Unesco-Listed University of Alcala de Henares
As I’ve mentioned, the historic center shares its World Heritage Site status with Alcala’s University.
Founded by Cardinal Cisneros in 1499 (though its history traces back to the 13th century), it’s one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the first in Spain.
His goal was to build a fine institution that would make Alcala de Henares a well-known university town, which didn’t take too long to accomplish.
Several buildings belong to the university, but the main one is the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso. While I only appreciated its beautiful facade, it’s possible to take a guided tour inside (in Spanish).
Admire the Uniqueness of the Laredo Palace
The Laredo Palace is a stunning 19th-century Neo-Mudejar building you don’t want to miss in Alcala de Henares.
Originally built as a private home, it now houses a museum dedicated to Cardinal Cisneros (who founded the city’s university).
Even if the museum doesn’t particularly interest you, you have to visit it to see the Laredo Palace on the inside. If you think its exteriors are beautiful, wait until you see the intricate details of its rooms – there’s a good chance it’ll remind you of the iconic Alhambra (in Granada).
Opening hours: Every day, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Take a Tour Inside Corral de Comedias
One of the oldest, best-preserved theatres in Europe, Alcala’s Corral de Comedias dates back to the early 17th century.
A corral de comedias is a typical Spanish open-air theatre housed in a small courtyard, but this specific one was roofed in the 18th century.
Surprisingly, it’s still in operation today, and you can even take a guided tour in Spanish to learn more about it.
See the Palacio Arzobispal
Though it does have a pretty facade, you can quite easily pass by the Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace) without suspecting it has witnessed some major historical events.
Not only was it the residence of the Archbishops of Toledo in Alcala de Henares, but also:
- A temporary residence of the Castilian monarchs
- The birthplace of Catherine of Aragon
- The first meeting point between the monarchs and Christopher Columbus regarding his expeditions
Since you don’t want to miss such a piece of history, head to Plaza Palacio to see the palace in all its (modest) glory.
Visit the Regional Archaeological Museum of Madrid
There’s no doubt that the National Archeological Museum is one of the best museums in Madrid, but the Regional Archaeological Museum (or Archaeological Museum of the Community of Madrid) in Alcala is also worth the visit.
Housed in a 17th-century convent, its collection of artifacts unravels the history of the region of Madrid from prehistoric times to the present.
The museum is also free to visit, which makes it a great budget-friendly attraction in Alcala.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM.
See Alcala’s Walls and Puerta de Madrid
Although only a small part of it is still standing today, don’t miss seeing the inner wall which protected the Palacio Arzobispal (in Spanish: Recinto Amurallado de Alcalá de Henares), built in the 14th century.
Right next to it, you’ll find Puerta de Madrid, an 18th-century gate (resembling a triumphal arch) that replaced a medieval gate of the wall and served as the entrance point to the city.
Stroll Through O’Donnell Park
It’s not the most impressive of parks, but if you’re looking for a green area to wander around, O’Donnell Park is a great option. Inaugurated in the late 19th century, it’s a nice spot for a morning or an afternoon stroll.
Visit Some Roman Archeological Sites
Want to get to know Alcala’s history as the Roman town of Complutum? Good, because you’ll find quite a few intriguing spots to visit!
Inside the complex of the Roman City of Complutum, you’ll find remains of the Roman forum and the House of Griffins (a typical Roman peristyle house), and a second site you can visit is the House of Hippolytus (Casa de Hippolytus), which served as a school.
It’s good to know that both sites are free to visit.
Opening hours of the Complutum complex: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 2 PM & 5 PM – 8 PM in summer and 10 AM – 2 PM & 4 PM – 6 PM in winter.
Opening hours of the House of Hippolytus: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 2 PM & 5 PM – 8 PM in summer and 10 AM – 2 PM & 4 PM – 7 PM in winter.
Visit the Motorcycle Museum (Museo de la Motocicleta Española)
Housed in an old factory, this unexpected museum in Alcala de Henares boasts an awe-inspiring collection of motorcycles, all made in Spain throughout the years. The museum is open on Friday (4 PM – 8 PM), Saturday (10 AM – 2 PM & 4 PM – 8 PM), and Sunday (10 AM – 2 PM & 4 PM – 7 PM).
Attend Cervantes Week
Alcala de Henares hosts quite a few festivals throughout the year, but Cervantes Week (Semana Cervantina) has to be the most famous of all.
It’s actually still on my Spain bucket list because I visited the city in spring, and it takes place around Miguel de Cervantes’ baptism date (October 9th).
Celebrating the novelist, Alcala’s biggest pride and joy, the festival includes all kinds of events, from parades and theatrical performances to a huge open-air market and even gastronomic days in which restaurants offer a menu inspired by Don Quixote.
More Madrid and Spain Travel Guides
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