Our most recommended things to do in Alcala de Henares

From Madrid: Alcalá de Henares & Cervantes Museum Day Trip

1. From Madrid: Alcalá de Henares & Cervantes Museum Day Trip

Delve into the life and times of Cervantes on this day trip from Madrid to Alcalá de Henares. Enter the house where Cervantes was born and the chapel where he was baptized. Enjoy walking through the oldest university in Spain at the University of Alcalá de Henares. Visit the house where Cervantes, the famed writer of 'Don Quixote' was born at the Miguel de Cervantes Birthplace Museum. Walk through reconstructed rooms from the 16th century and dive into the customs, traditions, and everyday life of the time period. Go to the Chapel of the Hears where Cervantes was baptized. Let your guide show you places that are related to his family and associated with the publication of his work. View the statue of the author in the elegant Plaza de Cervantes. Hear about how the Cardinal Cisneros worked to establish of the University of Alcalá de Henares, which is the oldest university in Spain. Take some time to explore this university before heading to Plaza de los Santos Niños where the Magisterial Cathedral is located. Listen as your guide tells you about the child martyrs that the cathedral associated with. Finish your visit with a stop at the Archbishop's Palace. Admire this splendid palace where Castilian monarchs once resided and where the English queen Catherine of Aragon was born.

Madrid: Half-Day Alcalá de Henares Tour

2. Madrid: Half-Day Alcalá de Henares Tour

After gathering at the Monument to Felipe IV in Plaza de Oriente, depart from Madrid in the direction of Alcalá de Henares. Once there, begin to explore the native city of Miguel de Cervantes, the greatest writer of Hispanic Literature. Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to many secrets of this famous character. Through its streets you can also find elements of the different cultures that have been part of Spain throughout the centuries. Learn how the rich historical and artistic heritage of this city is reflected in its imposing monuments, among which you will see the Cathedral of the Holy Children, the Palace of Laredo, the picturesque Calle Mayor, or the centennial University of Alcalá. This guided trip is a perfect option to spend half a day, a mere 20 minutes away from Madrid.

From Madrid: Private Day Trip to Alcalá de Henares

3. From Madrid: Private Day Trip to Alcalá de Henares

Travel to the ancient city of Alcalá de Henares on this private tour of Madrid. Visit the UNESCO's world heritage site-listed historical center with guide on a 4-hour tour. Learn about the Roman roots of this facinating city. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Madrid. Relax on the ride to Alcalá de Henares. Stop in the historical old town to meet your local guide. Find out where the author of 'Don Quixote' was born at the Cervantes Birthplace Museum. See the garden surrounding the Laredo Palace. Admire the unique brick styling of this neo-Mudejar building. View the past home of Castilian monarchs and the current home of the Diocese of Alcalá de Henares at the Archbishop’s palace. Marvel at the well-preserved medieval fortifications that still enclose the Archbishop's palace. Watch as your guide shows you the 16 remaining towers. Return to your accommodation in Madrid.

Madrid: Toledo, Aranjuez, & Alcala de Henares Private Trip

4. Madrid: Toledo, Aranjuez, & Alcala de Henares Private Trip

Our first stop will be Toledo, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The tour starts with a walk from Zocodover Square to the Cathedral, where on a nice walk, you will discover the history of this ancient city. You will get to know the Jewish quarter characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets and you will be able to visit the church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. The next stop will be Aranjuez, where the Royal Site of Aranjuez is located. You will get an explanation of how this place was built and enriched by the kings of Spain. You will have also time on your own to enter the Palace if you decide so or walk around the beautiful gardens. Do not miss the Garden of the Prince, created by Carlos IV following the English and French fashion at the end of the century XVIII. After meeting the city, we will move to our next destination, Alcala de Henares. Once you arrive, the guide will guide you around the city center and explain the most important monuments and squares of this city where Cervantes, the writer of the famous book Don Quijote de la Mancha lived for many years. You will pass by the Square of "Los Santos niños" where the Cathedral is and also, and you will have the chance to visit the University, founded by Cardinal Cisneros, minister of the Catholic Monarchs. Do not miss the Plaza Cervantes, the main square of Alcalá de Henares. Once the guided tour ends, you will have free time on your own to explore the city, visit any of the monuments, and have lunch. Do not miss the opportunity to take this historical ride around these famous cities!

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What people are saying about Alcala de Henares

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 17 reviews

A spectacular script. Starting with the discreet driver who took us and brought us to Alcala safely. A local guide with a lot of knowledge of all history, who took us to know it through universities, churches that are often not touristy, but splendorous, as well as the house of Cervantes, a place to be known by all.

Excellent tour. A lot of new history unknown to me. Guide is local and knows a lot of untold details aboutCervantes an Alcala. I recommend it 100%.

A great activity with an extra guide who explains very well and is also very friendly, we feel he is passionate about his city! To do

A very complete and pleasant experience on the most touristic places of Alcalá de Henares.

Paco was an excellent tour guide. Recommend for those interested in Cervantes.