Jerez de la Fronterra - best things to do in Jerez, Andalucia, Spain
Jerez de la Frontera is one of those Spanish cities that sweeps you up the moment you arrive. Famous for its sherry, flamenco, and sunny plazas, it offers a blend of history, charm, and flavour that makes it a perfect stop in Andalusia. Wandering its streets, you’ll stumble across centuries-old landmarks like the Alcázar fortress and the striking cathedral, then just a few steps away, find yourself sipping a glass of Tío Pepe sherry in the bodega that made it world-famous.
But Jerez isn’t just about its headline attractions. It’s also about lingering over tapas in hidden corners, finding a favourite café for breakfast, and soaking up the easy rhythm of local life. This guide brings together the highlights, along with a few of our own finds, to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Our first VoiceMap tour was in Jerez de la Frontera, and it turned out to be the perfect way to explore the sherry capital of the world. Starting at the lively Mercado Central de Abastos, the 90-minute walk winds through the old town’s streets where Moorish and Christian history meet in landmarks like the Cathedral and the Alcázar. Along the way, you’ll stop at plazas, tabancos, convents, and monuments, while hearing stories of flamenco legends, local cuisine, and Jerez’s centuries-old sherry tradition. The tour finishes at the famous Tío Pepe bodega, where the city’s winemaking expertise takes centre stage. What we loved most was how easy it was — the GPS audio guide lets you go at your own pace, no data needed, and no groups to follow. With over 2000 tours and growing everyday, it’s a brilliant way to see a city, and after Jerez we were hooked — we even did two more tours in Spain. Click the link below to download the free app - or if you already of the app, click on the button to see the tour we did in Jerez.
Abastos Central Market and El Gallo Azul
This lively market is the heart of daily life in Jerez. Stalls are piled with fresh fish straight from the coast, colourful fruit and vegetables, and local cheeses and cured meats. It’s the best place to feel the rhythm of the city and watch locals shop for their favourite ingredients.
El Gallo Azul is a round, blue-tiled building that stands out on one of the busiest corners in Jerez. Built in 1929, it was a gift from the Domecq sherry family to the city and has become an easy landmark to spot. These days, it’s home to a café where you can stop for a drink and people-watch.
Plaza de Arenal
Plaza de Arenal is the largest square in Jerez and a popular meeting place. Lined with cafés and shops, it’s perfect for sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by. In the centre is a striking equestrian statue of General Primo de Rivera, a reminder of the city’s history. This is where the community comes together for all sorts of celebrations, and many years ago horse races were held in the huge square.
Plaza Asunción
Plaza Asunción feels more intimate, framed by elegant historic buildings. The standout here is the Church of San Dionisio with its beautiful Gothic-Mudejar style. This square often hosts cultural events, so you never know when you’ll stumble across music or local celebrations.
Iglesia San Dionisio
Dedicated to the patron saint of Jerez, San Dionisio, this church dates back to the 15th century. Its unique mix of Gothic and Mudejar design makes it a rare gem in the city, and the inside holds centuries of devotion and community history.
Cabildo Antiguo and the Monument in Front
The Cabildo Antiguo, or old town hall, is a Renaissance building that has stood since the 16th century. Outside is a monument dedicated to Miguel Primo de Rivera, an important figure from Jerez who went on to become Spain’s prime minister.
Torre de la Atalaya
This tower was once part of the city’s defensive walls and later became known as the Clock Tower. Today, it houses the “Cámara Oscura,” where a clever system of mirrors gives you a real-time panoramic view of Jerez from above.
Hammam Andalusí Arabic Baths
Hidden in the old town, these restored baths are designed in the style of traditional Moorish hammams. You can move between hot, warm, and cold pools, surrounded by candlelight and tiles, for a relaxing break from sightseeing. You can even indulge in a fabulous relaxing massage as well. We certainly loved our visit to the baths.
The Jerez Cathedral
Built on the site of a former mosque, the Cathedral of San Salvador is a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Its massive dome dominates the skyline, and inside you’ll find intricate chapels and artwork, including a painting by Zurbarán. Inside the cathedral you can do a “virtual” tour with a virtual headset. You feel like you're flying around inside the cathedral and seeing all the details including stain glass windows up close and personal,.
The Alcázar and Palace
The Alcázar is a reminder of Jerez’s Moorish past, with defensive walls, horseshoe arches, and peaceful gardens. Inside the complex is a Baroque palace that shows how later generations reshaped the site, blending centuries of history in one place. You can visit the original Arab baths and explore inside the palace. The views from the alcazar and palace over the cathedral and the city are spectacular.
Tío Pepe Sherry Bodega
Visiting Tío Pepe is a must in Jerez — not only to tour the vast bodega and sample its famous sherries, but also to walk along Calle Ciegos, often called the prettiest street in the city thanks to its arched vine canopy. One of the quirkiest stories from here is about the bodega’s sherry-loving mice: tiny holes were drilled in the walls so the mice could come and sip from glasses of sweet sherry left out for them. The full tour includes a train ride and walk through many barrel rooms. It is a lovely way to learn about the sherry production in the sherry triangle of Andalucia.
We loved the tour we did of Jerez de la Frontera and the exploring we did of all the major sites. We now love sherry, flamenco and we especially love doing tours with the voicemap app. It is now our preferred way of learning about new places.