Alcala de Henares Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Alcala de Henares
Alcala de Henares
Alcala de Henares
Alcala de Henares
Alcala de Henares

Take a stroll through the atmospheric streets of the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes and the home of one of Spain’s most elite universities.  

The UNESCO-protected city of Alcalá de Henares is an ideal daytrip from Madrid. Pretty plazas and grandiose sandstone buildings decorate the streets of the city’s old quarter, museums celebrate Spanish art and literature and restaurants serve up authentic tapas. Romans built a settlement in Alcalá de Henares in the 1st century B.C. and the Moors later turned it into a fortified town. In 1293 King Sancho IV of Castile established the University of Complutense, one of the world’s oldest universities.

Experience college life at the University of Alcalá, which occupies some of the buildings of the city’s first university. The magnificent Mudejar-style Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso houses the Paraninfo, the setting for the annual Miguel de Cervantes Prize ceremony. See the mausoleum of Cardinal Cisneros, an important university figure, at the Chapel of San Ildefonso. The Museum of Latin American Art of UAH has works by influential artists from Spanish-speaking countries.

Get acquainted with the fascinating life of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, at the Cervantes Birthplace Museum. Inside the Madre de Dios Dominican Convent, the Regional Archaeological Museum has everything from paleontological fossils to Bronze Age relics and Roman mosaics. A group of around 50 sculptures make up the Museum of Outdoor Sculpture of Alcalá, set outside the walls of the Archbishop’s Palace.

Dedicate time to visit other outstanding landmarks such as the Magisterial Cathedral, the burial place of Cardinal Cisernos and baptism site of Catherine of Aragon. Views from the cathedral tower are worth climbing the spiral staircase for. Enjoy more great views from the medieval Santa Maria Tower. Discover artistic influences from the Alhambra, Pompeii and plateresque traditions at Laredo Palace.

After a busy day, take a seat at the tapas bars situated on Calle Mayor and Plaza de Cervantes. Attend concerts, poetry readings and theater productions at the Corral de Comedias. Learn about the history of this 400-year-old theater on a guided tour.

Alcalá de Henares is about 22 miles (35 kilometers) east of Madrid. Getting here is quick and easy by catching the train from Madrid’s Atocha Cercanías station.

Hotel Emperador
Hotel Emperador
4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,649 reviews)
"Perfect location in Gran Via. Comfortable room. Great rooftop. Love the breakfast. 100% recommended!"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Hotel Emperador
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
3 out of 5
Avenida de Aragón 402, Madrid
The price is Rp1.181.090 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
Rp1.181.090
Rp1.299.199 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Madrid. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,050 reviews)
"M"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Riu Plaza España
4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
The price is Rp3.235.278 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
Rp3.235.278
Rp3.558.806 total
15 Jun - 16 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,110 reviews)
"The staff is very professional. The reception , the bell boy and the bartender!"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gran View Apartments
Gran View Apartments
4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,133 reviews)
"Staff were very kind and patient with our elementary level Spanish, and elected to speak to us in our native language. They were very accommodating in storing our luggage, since we arrived hours before check-in, and even arranged to have the apartment ready early for us - that was VERY welcome, since ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Gran View Apartments
Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47
Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47
3.5 out of 5
Calle Gran Vía 47, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (351 reviews)
"Location location location, price and an incredible breakfast for 14 euros with incredible views and perfect service!"

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47
Suites Viena Plaza de España
Suites Viena Plaza de España
3 out of 5
Juan Alvarez Mendizabal 17, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,256 reviews)
"Good breakfast, good restaurant around and within walking distance from metro."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Suites Viena Plaza de España
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Alcala de Henares

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

MrsLMeerkat

Fantatic town with lots of history. Excellent restaurants serving authentic food. Great place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very busy and also enjoyable town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Alcala is a very pretty small city with friendly people. I stay there when visiting for work and have even visited for vacations. The University, cathederal and Calle Mayor are a must to visit.