Located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends British charm with Mediterranean flair. This captivating destination might not have been in your travel bucket list up until you discover that it offers visitors a unique mix of natural wonders and historical intrigue. Whether you’re scaling the iconic Rock, exploring ancient caves, or mingling with the friendly Barbary macaques, Gibraltar promises an adventure unlike any other. Dive into this travel guide to uncover the top things to do in Gibraltar, from must-see sights, to restaurants and hotels waiting for you in this extraordinary overseas enclave.

Disclaimers:

• I visited Gibraltar back in April 2018. This post includes the latest information available to the date of publication.
• Please note that this post includes some affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost for you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Throughout the trip, I used this Cádiz and Gibraltar travel guide by Anaya Touring to plan our stay and make the most out of it. I hope you’ll find it helpful too!

I made my best to condense the latest recommendations into this travel guide, from the top things to do in Gibraltar, to where to eat or stay in the Rock. At the end of this post, you will also find a Gibraltar map with all the spots mentioned here. I trust you will find it helpful to plan your trip. And now, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Welcome to Gibraltar!

What to see and do: top attractions in Gibraltar

Below I have listed the top 10 things to do in Gibraltar, from historic buildings to unique experiences you’ll only be able to enjoy in the Rock:

• Stroll along Gibraltar’s Main St and its historic landmarks
• Hit the beaches of Gibraltar
• Take the cable car to the Rock of Gibraltar
• Walk on the Windsor suspension bridge
• Enjoy outdoors in the various parks of Gibraltar
• Spot Gibraltar’s wildlife: Barbary macaques and much more
• Wander around Europa Point
• Discover the Moorish Castle and other Arab remains
• Inspect the Great Siege Tunnels and the World War II Tunnels
• Explore St Michael’s Cave

Stroll along Gibraltar’s Main St and its historic landmarks

Also referred to as Calle Real in Spanish, Main Street is one of the must-sees in Gibraltar. This iconic street, which is one kilometer long, is the main shopping area in the city. It draws millions of visitors every year thanks to its duty-free goods lined up in all sorts of shops, from jewelries and leather goods stores, to wine shops and liquor stores selling their products at cheap prices.

Gibraltar enjoys a special status as a duty-free British territory.

Gibraltar’s Main Street begins by Casemates Square and follows all the way to Southport Gates, next to the Trafalgar Cemetery.

Along Main St, you will see colonial facades as well as elegant wrought iron balconies, which sort of reminded me of New Orleans and La Habana. While you stroll along the Main Street of Gibraltar, keep an eye for the following landmarks:

• Irish Town: as soon as you enter Main Street, you will find the Irish Town neighborhood to your right. This is probably the most authentic area of ​​the Rock of Gibraltar, full of English pubs and with a certain fishing vibe.
• John Macintosh Square (La Piazza): this porticoed square of great Italian influence (hence its name) hosts two major civil buildings, namely the Gibraltar Parliament and the Gibraltar City Hall.
• A few steps ahead lies the Catholic Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned. That being said, you can find a variety of religious temples in Gibraltar, from the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, to synagogues and mosques.
• Gibraltar National Museum: make sure to visit this museum to learn more about the fascinating geology and history of the Rock, from the first Neanderthal skull found in Europe and the preserved ruins of 14th century Moorish baths, to the continuous attempts from Arab and Spanish troops to gain control of Gibraltar.
• If you keep walking south, you will run into the King’s Chapel. Founded in 1560, it is one of the oldest temples in the city, and it is integrated into the historical complex of the Governor’s Residence, also known as El Convento. Although for security reasons it is not held regularly, you might be able to see the traditional changing of the guard here on Tuesdays at 11am if you are a little lucky.
• For a glimpse of tropical patios and hallways off the beaten track in Gibraltar, head towards Flat Bastion Road and Devil’s Gap Steps.

Hit the beaches of Gibraltar

You might have never heard about the beaches in Gibraltar, but you might be surprised to learn that there are some coastal strands where you can lay down your towel while you’re visiting the Rock!

Write down these Gibraltar beaches before your next visit:

• Eastern coast of Gibraltar: Catalan Bay or ‘La Caleta‘ (cute beach with pastel houses in the background), Sandy Bay and Eastern Beach (largest beach in Gibraltar).
• Western shore of Gibraltar: Little Bay, Camp Bay and Western Beach.

By the way, I don’t know about you, but when spending the day at the beach, I enjoy feeling comfortable. Below are some of the sports products that I typically use. Feel free to check out my Decathlon affiliate profile in order to browse additional items.

Take the cable car to the Rock of Gibraltar

Unless you’re afraid of heights, taking Gibraltar’s cable car is definitely the most exciting way to get to the top of the Rock to enjoy the panoramic views and the company of the famous Barbary apes.

This must-do attraction opens seven days a week, and runs continuously throughout the day, approximately every ten minutes. The cable car will take you up 412 meters above sea level in just six minutes! Please note that, if you buy your tickets in advance, you will be able to fast track other visitors in the cable car ticket office.

From the cable car top station, you will enjoy an unforgettable view encompassing two continents (Europe and Africa), three countries (Spain, the United Kingdom and Morocco) and the meeting point of two great bodies of water (the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea). How cool is that? 🙂

In case you don’t feel like taking the cable car, you can walk uphill the steep road to get to the highest point of the Rock. This being said, you must first pay an entrance fee in order to access the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. The trek should take you two and a half hours. Alternatively, hop on the cable car one way only.

Walk on the Windsor suspension bridge

And speaking of heights, you may also cross the 70m-long pedestrian Windsor suspension bridge spanning a deep gorge. Inaugurated in 2016, it offers scenic views across the bay of Gibraltar.

This imposing suspension bridge can be found in the middle of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and it connects two batteries along the Royal Anglian Way. Explorers will also find walking trails, interpretation panels and picnic areas nearby.

As long as you purchase a ticket to access the Gibraltar Nature Reserve (£18.00 for an adult), you can cross the Windsor suspension bridge for free.

Do you fancy crossing other suspension bridges? Get inspired by these posts.

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Enjoy outdoors in the various parks of Gibraltar

Despite its rather small size and difficult terrain, Gibraltar boasts a vast array of green spaces where visitors can soak up nature. Below you will find a selection of the best Gibraltar parks:

• Campion Park: connected to the Commonwealth Park and located in the Midtown area, this park features picnic tables and a playground. This is the perfect spot if you’re visiting Gibraltar with your kids!
• Commonwealth Park: opened in 2014 next to the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, it provides an open recreational area in the city center.
• Gibraltar Botanic Gardens: known as The Alameda Gardens or simply The Alameda, these lush gardens lie right in the heart of Gibraltar, on the Upper Southwest side. There’s free admission from 8am til sunset, although you can make an appointment for a guided tour of the botanic gardens or to discover the Bicentenary House glasshouse. Nestled in the Botanic Garden is the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park (AWCP), a space dedicated to the preservation and conservation of endangered species including exotic and native animals.
• Gibraltar Nature Reserve: the best way to explore Gibraltar’s Nature Reserve is by purchasing a ticket that includes both the cable car ride and the entry into the Reserve (£38.00 for an adult). Doing so gives you access to the 17 attractions in the area, including the Great Siege Tunnels, St Michael’s Cave or the Skywalk, among many others. There’s an alternative option at £19.00 for adults if you don’t feel like taking the cable car and just prefer walking the various footpaths to access the Nature Reserve and its many historic sites. The starting point to enter the Reserve lies by the Mediterranean Steps, next to the Jew’s Gate.
• Westside Park: have a walk here for great views of the port of Gibraltar.

Spot Gibraltar’s wildlife: Barbary macaques and much more

Given its strategic location between the continents of Europe and Africa, Gibraltar is an excellent place for seeing wildlife up close, including the iconic wild monkeys, migratory birds or even dolphins. Let’s go one by one.

First, the Barbary apes are one of the symbols of Gibraltar and actually the only population of wild monkeys in Europe. Legend has it that they came from neighboring Morocco and that if they disappear, so will the British. In any case, what’s unique about these Gibraltar monkeys is that they don’t have a tail. You will see these cute macaques roaming free around Gibraltar. As entertaining as these apes might be, beware of your belongings, as they are extremely quick and can easily run away with whatever you leave unattended, be it food, your phone or your camera. They can be truly mischievous, so don’t say I didn’t warn you! Some great spots to snap a picture with the monkeys in action include Apes Den or the Cable Car Top Station.

Also, please don’t feed the macaques, as it poses a serious risk to their health and may result in increased chances of humans being bitten and ultimately in a criminal offence. Note that the resident Barbary apes are well fed everyday by a dedicated macaque management team.

Second, thousands of migratory birds fly over crossing the Strait of Gibraltar every year, especially during the spring and fall seasons. This makes the Rock a popular bird lookout for ornithologists and tourists alike. For more information, you may contact the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS).

Third, marine life abounds in the Bay of Gibraltar and its surrounding waters. Dolphin watching is certainly one of the top attractions in Gibraltar. The local company Dolphin Adventure offers dolphin watching trips. During certain months, you might find other species such as tuna, orcas or whales navigating the migratory routes of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these Manawa activities near Gibraltar.

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Kitesurfing lessons in Tarifa, on the Gibraltar Stretch

Private Windsurfing lessons near Gibraltar, Tarifa

Semi private kitesurfing lessons and courses in Tarifa, near Gibraltar

Wander around Europa Point

Next up in this Gibraltar travel guide is Europa Point, the southernmost tip in this British enclave and also in Europe. From here, you might be able to spot migratory birds crossing the Strait of Gibraltar during the spring and fall.

A few steps away you will find some buildings worth mentioning, such as the University of Gibraltar, the ancient Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, the spotless Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim mosque or the white and red Europa Point lighthouse.

While you’re there, you can enjoy the panoramic view from the Europa Point Café.

Read these posts for more inspiration in the United Kingdom!

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See you soon Oxford!

Discover the Moorish Castle and other Arab remains

The Moors were the first city builders of Gibraltar. Hence, numerous Moorish ruins are scattered throughout the Rock, namely:

• The Moorish Castle: first built in the 12th century, what remains now is the Tower of Homage. Back in the day, this fortress was protected by walls and gates. It even housed Moorish baths (hammam)! You will need to purchase a Nature Reserve ticket to access the Moorish Castle.
• The Shrine of Our Lady of Europe located at Europa Point was part of an ancient Arab construction for collecting water. Although it dates to the Moorish period, it was turned into a Christian place of worship in the 14th century.
• Nearby, also on the southern isthmus of Gibraltar, lies a striking underground water reservoir known as the Nun’s Well. If you’ve visited Istanbul, it might remind you of the famous Basilica Cistern.
• Last but not least, Gibraltar’s National Museum houses the ruins of some Arab baths built in the 14th century.

Inspect the Great Siege Tunnels and the World War II Tunnels

Because of its strategic location, Gibraltar has often suffered sieges from enemy troops throughout its turbulent history. The last one was actually called the Great Siege and took place between 1779 and 1783, when Spanish and French armies joined forces to attack the Rock.

Led by Sergeant-Major Henry Ince, British artificers dug the first labyrinthian tunnels into the solid north face of the limestone Rock to place cannons and destroy the enemies’ artillery. Since then, the tunnels were expanded and were greatly used during World War II, hence turning Gibraltar into an impregnable bastion.

Nowadays, you can visit the tunnel galleries to see the system that was used to defend the Rock during the Great Siege firsthand. Similarly to other top attractions in Gibraltar, you will need to buy a Nature Reserve ticket to access the intriguing Great Siege Tunnels as well as the World War II Tunnels.

Note that, until 1865, the eastern slope of the Rock of Gibraltar was under military jurisdiction, attesting to its historic past as a garrison town. As a matter of fact, you will find endless former military sites such as batteries, bastions or memorials while you visit Gibraltar.

Explore St Michael’s Cave

The Rock is a gigantic Gruyere cheese full of holes crossed by more than 50 kilometers of caves, tunnels and galleries up to a total of 140, most of them on military terrain. Those wonderful natural caves took more than 5000 years to come together drop by drop.

Out of all the Gibraltar caves, St Michael’s Cave is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Gibraltar and the only one that is open to the public. Its fascinating interior featuring gigantic stalactites and stalagmites is the ideal setting for The Awakening, a dazzling light and sound show. The cave even serves as a venue for concerts, which reminds me of a similar concept in the Cuevas del Drach in Mallorca!

The Nature Reserve ticket will give you access to Saint Michael’s cave, otherwise you won’t be able to get in.

Good to know before visiting Gibraltar

After going through all the top things to do in Gibraltar, you might still not be clear about certain aspects of this British headland.

Here are some fun facts and frequently asked questions about Gibraltar that might be helpful to prepare your trip.

• Where is Gibraltar exactly? This British Overseas Territory is located at the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Bay of Algeciras in the Cádiz province, Spain. Just over one kilometer separates Gibraltar from the Spanish city of Línea de la Concepción. The landscape is dominated by the imposing Rock of Gibraltar, a limestone ridge over 400 meters high. The Strait of Gibraltar lying between Spain and Morocco connects two main bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
• How big is Gibraltar? The town of Gibraltar itself is actually a narrow strip of 5 kms long and 1.2 km wide. As of 2024, over 30.000 people live in Gibraltar, making the Rock a very densely populated area.  
• What’s the weather in Gibraltar like? Thanks to its location in southern Europe, Gibraltar makes for a great year-round destination with mild winters and warm summers, similar to the neighboring Spanish Costa del Sol.
• The name Gibraltar originates from the Arabic words ‘Gibel Tarik‘, meaning Tarik’s mountain. In 711, Tarik invaded the Rock with his 8.000 men, kicking off a period of Muslim domination of most of the Iberian peninsula (then called al Andalus) that would last almost eight centuries.
• Which language is spoken in Gibraltar? You might hear a mix of English and Spanish (with an Andalusian accent) while exploring the streets of the Rock. Even though Gibraltar is on British soil, the proximity to Spain makes the interactions between the two countries very frequent.
• Did you know that Gibraltarians are called ‘llanitos‘ in Spanish?
• What is the Gibraltar currency? The current currency in the Rock of Gibraltar is the British pound sterling (£), although almost all shops accept euros. This being said, the return will always be given in British currency.
• How long does it take to visit Gibraltar? A day should be more than enough, but consider spending a few more days if you can to make the most of your trip. Consider purchasing a Gibraltar Pass if you’ll be visiting the most popular attractions in the Rock. There are One Day and Multiple Day passes available. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to at least purchase a Nature Reserve ticket as it gives you access to the top attractions in Gibraltar such as St Michael’s Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels or the Windsor suspension bridge.
• Why is Gibraltar somewhat controversial? Gibraltar is nowadays a British overseas territory. However, it was in the hands of the Moors and the Spanish before belonging to the United Kingdom, which explains the continuous invasion attempts to gain control of the Rock of Gibraltar. In 1704, the British took over Gibraltar, and in 1713 Spain ceded sovereignty of the Rock to the UK via the Treaty of Utrecht. Although Gibraltar was a garrison town and under military rule for centuries given its strategic importance, self-governance was only achieved in 1921 with the election of the first civilian City Council. To this day, Spain is still claiming sovereignty over Gibraltar.

Where to eat and have fun in Gibraltar

In this Gibraltar travel guide, I also made sure to include the best bars, pubs, and restaurants in the city, so you can make the most of your experience during your visit to the Rock.

• Bars, cafeterias, pubs and restaurants: The Queen’s Picturehouse & Eatery (dining gem with a private cinema room), Casa Pepe (Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine), Copacabana (bar and restaurant), Gallo Nero (Italian dishes), Pickwick’s Bistro (English pub with a terrace), The Horseshoe (serves English breakfast as well as fish & chips), Mons Calpe Suite Restaurant and Bar (amazing view from the Top of the Rock), Europa Point Café (cafeteria in the southernmost tip of Europe), Ocean Village (vibrant oceanfront restaurants and bars overlooking the Mediterranean), Irish Town (authentic area with pubs open from the time of English breakfast until the last order at 1am), the Lord Nelson (pub offering live music a few days a week), Star Bar (Gibraltar’s oldest bar), the Hendrix, Rock on the Rock Club, Gin and Wine Club.
• Tea rooms: your best bets to experience British traditions at their finest are The Rock Hotel (serves the traditional afternoon tea daily from 4pm to 6pm) and Mons Calpe Suite (afternoon tea served daily from 1pm to 4pm with a magnificent view from the Top of the Rock!).
• Entertainment: the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre (a vast space in the heart of Gibraltar that includes a bowling alley, a fitness gym, a boulder park, an amusement arcade, two cinemas, a collectibles store as well as restaurant, bars and an events area), John Mackintosh Hall, Inces Hall Theatre, Casino Admiral Gibraltar.

Where to stay in Gibraltar: best hotels in the Rock

Looking for the best hotels in Gibraltar? Browse the options below to find the perfect accommodation for your next trip, sorted by price range:

• Expensive hotels in Gibraltar ($$$): Sunborn Gibraltar (on board of a luxury yacht!), The Rock Hotel, The Eliott Hotel
• Medium-range hotels in Gibraltar ($$): Bristol Hotel, E1 Suites & Spa aparthotel, Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar
• Budget hotels in Gibraltar ($): Emile Youth Hostel

How to get to Gibraltar

As part of the United Kingdom, Gibraltar doesn’t belong to the European Union, nor to the Schengen area. Hence, depending on your country of origin, you might need a national identity card, a passport or a visa to enter Gibraltar. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact your own Embassy beforehand or visit this webpage.

There are multiple ways you can make it to Gibraltar, be it by foot, car, plane or ship. Let’s go into the details of each one of them.

• 👣 How to get to Gibraltar by foot: you can easily enter Gibraltar from neighboring Spain, although you will have to go through a passport control at the border checkpoint. Once you’re cleared, you’ll walk across the airfield (yes, you read that right 🙂 ) before getting into the city of Gibraltar.
• 🚙 How to get to Gibraltar by car: if you’re driving into Gibraltar, you would have two options. You could either park on the Spanish side in La Línea de la Concepción, in the designated space (parking Santa Bárbara) next to the passport control station and then walk, or you could cross the land frontier in your car while going through passport check. However, note that there are usually long lines for vehicles crossing the border, and that driving might be rather slow because of the narrow streets. Surprisingly, contrary to the UK, traffic in Gibraltar drives on the right.
• ✈️ How to get to Gibraltar by plane: looking for flights to Gibraltar International Airport? The Rock is connected to the United Kingdom with regular flights to and from Bristol, London (Gatwick and Heathrow) and Manchester. Once you’ve reached this British Overseas Territory, you would go through passport control. As a pedestrian, you can then cross the live runway by keeping within the white lines.
• 🛳️ How to get to Gibraltar by ship: thanks to its strategic location by the sea and its pleasant weather, Gibraltar is a popular destination for people traveling by ferry, cruise or their own yacht. Tourists can disembark at the cruise liner terminal in the port of Gibraltar, while yacht owners can check out Ocean Village (mixed use marina resort featuring residential apartments, a marina, an office complex, as well as eateries, bars, boutiques and a casino) or Queensway Quay (Gibraltar’s marina for luxury yachts).

Gibraltar map

Check out the Gibraltar map below, where I pinpointed all the locations mentioned throughout this post, be they historic landmarks in the Rock, iconic restaurants or hotels. You can also save it ahead of your next visit.

What to see and do beyond Gibraltar

Gibraltar is worth exploring in a day, or even more if your schedule allows. In case you have additional time at your disposal, you may wish to consider the following options.

Because of its proximity to Spain, Gibraltar makes for an easy day trip from neighboring Spanish cities such as Cádiz, Málaga or Sevilla. Should you want to visit other destinations in my home country, head to the Spain page.

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While you’re in Gibraltar, another fantastic idea is to explore the continent of Africa. You can easily hop on a ferry from the Spanish cities of Algeciras or Tarifa and you’ll make it to Morocco in no time. Your first stop would be the Moroccan city of Tangier. How appealing does that sound?

However, note that many Moroccans living throughout Europe flock to their home country during the summer holidays and, hence, ferries tend to be crowded throughout that period. If you can, I would avoid visiting in that particular season.

Browse my Morocco page for more inspiration about this fascinating country!

Casablanca

Fez

Marrakech

Rabat

How did you enjoy this travel guide about the iconic enclave of the Rock outlining the top things to do in Gibraltar? I trust that it inspired you and helped you plan your next trip to this unique British Overseas Territory. Feel free to leave your questions and comments below.

✈️ Curious to know where I’ll be traveling next? ✈️

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In the meantime, safe travels around the world!