Tapas, afternoon tea and snacks
Thanks to the good weather we have in Murcia we can enjoy tapas in the streets and squares of this beautiful city almost 365 days a year. In addition, Murcia offers a wide range of leisure activities: theatre, events, shows, pubs, terraces, casinos... Not to mention the extensive calendar of concerts that are held every year in the different concert halls, auditoriums, stadiums, etc.
Below I will inform you of some recommended areas to go out for a walk at night: the “Las Tascas” area (around the Campus Universitario de la Merced), the “Pérez Casas” street (located in Alfonso X el Sabio) and the Nueve Pisos area (next to the San Esteban Palace) among many others.
Where to go for tapas? In the Plaza de las Flores (if you go for Tapas, don't forget to try their delicious salad served on a doughnut with an anchovy, the classic marinera; los Navarros; los Zagales...); through the taverns (las Jarras; los Toneles; el Frasquito; el Patio…) through the Nueve Pisos (la Tapeoteca; los Ventanales; el Amarre; Pura Tapa…) and we must not forget the Vistabella area (el Jumillano, which has been offering Murcians and all tourists who wish to see it delicious typical Murcian food since 1953, and la Corra next to the auditorium).
Old townOne of the must-see places in the old town of Murcia is our wonderful Cathedral, an incredible historical monument, not only because it houses a mixture of three styles (Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque) but also because of its tower, the second highest in Spain, at 90 metres high, which can also be visited by appointment. We will continue walking through Trapería and Platería, charming streets full of shops, bars, restaurants, etc. These streets take us to interesting places such as the San Bartolomé neighbourhood, the Plaza de Santo Domingo, the Romea theatre...
We arrive at Paseo de Alfonso X, a beautiful area for strolling, visiting museums and having tapas in the different bars that populate these streets. We will go to Plaza Circular, a place where a variety of activities are organised on special dates. A curious cultural space, to say the least, is the Cárcel Vieja, which has been transformed into a Centre for Contemporary Culture. Then we go to Gran Vía, where we discover large commercial areas and small shops full of life.
From Gran Via to the Segura RiverThe Segura River runs through the city of Murcia, dividing it into two areas. To the left of the river as you enter Murcia you will find the old town and the city centre, and on the right side you will find the Carmen neighbourhood, famous for its procession of Los Coloraos and El Infante, where the train station is located.
I recommend a hiking route along the Paseo del Malecón. First we go into the gardens of the Malecón, enjoying one of the main green spaces in the city, no less than twelve hectares of nature. Ideal for going with children as it has several recreational and sports areas. It is also very pleasant to go around it by bicycle, you can rent them either from the town hall or through private companies.
Museums and cultural activities
Hydraulic Museum Los Molinos del Río: Located on the right bank of the river in the Carmen neighbourhood. It is a milling facility from the 18th century that has been renovated and transformed into a curious museum.
Museum of the Cathedral of Murcia: It is a museum that is part of the cathedral building, opened in 1956, a space full of legend and modernity.
Archaeological Museum of Murcia: Here you can discover the historical and cultural evolution of a society, highlighting the unique characteristics of each corner of Murcia through discoveries. It is not a large museum, but it is very complete. It perfectly explains the evolution of humanity.
The Royal Casino of Murcia: One of the most emblematic buildings in the city. It is located in the very centre of the city, very close to the cathedral. It will not leave you indifferent and you can have a drink in its wonderful cafeteria or eat in its exquisite restaurant.
Salzillo Museum: Dedicated exclusively to the works made by the Murcian Baroque sculptor Francisco de Salzillo, who exhibits his floats annually during the beautiful Holy Week in Murcia, specifically on Good Friday. This is a heritage of great value.
Muscia City Museum: This is the former home of López-Ferrer, in the Plaza de las Agustinas, next to the Jardín del Salitre. Three floors with permanent exhibition rooms and a room dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
Murcia Crafts Museum: If you value craftsmanship and are looking to buy handmade products, don't miss it. You will find hand-made products to treat yourself or surprise someone.