10 Best Things to Do in Murcia City Center

Murcia is one of the biggest cities in Spain, yet it’s not that easy to find things to do in the city center. When I researched before my trip, I mostly found activities in the Murcia region, not in the city center itself.

So, I took it upon myself to find the best things to do in Murcia city center during my visit to the city. Though there aren’t as many as in other Spanish cities, I discovered some great ones. I hope this post helps make your trip smoother.

1. Explore the Real Casino de Murcia

The best thing to do in Murcia city center is explore the Real Casino, which is NOT a casino! It’s a beautiful historic building used as a private club. It hosts various events, like exhibitions, conferences and even book clubs, and it’s also open to visitors.

For a €5 entrance fee, you can stroll through the beautiful building and admire the stunning architecture and interior design. I loved how different the rooms look. Visiting the Real Casino feelt like a journey through time with its various architectural elements.

2. Visit the Cathedral of Murcia

The Cathedral of Murcia is a must-visit when you’re in the city center. It’s a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and one of the most iconic landmarks in Murcia.

Unfortunately, most of the cathedral’s exerior was covered with scaffolding during my visit. But usually just sitting at Plaza del Cardenal Belluga and taking in the view of the cathedral is a great experience.

You can visit the cathedral for free during praying hours but then you shouldn’t walk around, or pay a small entrance fee during visiting hours. For an additional fee, you can climb the bell tower for a spectacular city view.

3. Take a Picture With the MURCIA Letters

I love city letters, so I was excited to find the MURCIA letters at the Circular Square. It’s a great photo op and a fun way to show off your visit to Murcia on social media.

The square is in the middle of a roundabout and there’s also a cool fountain and a small café next to the Murcia letters.

4. Have Some Drinks at Plaza de las Flores

Plaza de las Flores is a charming little square with plenty of outdoor seating. It’s perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee, some tapas or a glass of wine while people-watching.

The square is surrounded by colorful buildings and it’s a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

It’s just one of the many beautiful squares in the city center, so make sure to take a stroll and discover your favourite one.

5. Visit the Salzillo Museum

The Museo Salzillo is home to the famous sculptures of Francisco Salzillo, who is considered one of the greatest Spanish Baroque sculptors.

The museum showcases a large collection of his works, including religious figures and scenes. You start at the museum exhibition, ending at a small church with more of Salzillo’s sculptures.

The church was my favorite part of the museum. Its round room with many nooks displaying sculptures was really impressive. The dome alone was beautiful.

Some other popular museums in Murcia are the Murcia Archaeological Museum, a great place to learn about the city’s history, and the Museo de Bellas Artes, which has a collection of paintings and sculptures from various periods.

6. Look for Street Art

Murcia isn’t as known for its street art as Valencia is for example but you can still find some really impressive works of art throughout the city.

I found beautiful pieces on Calle Horno and at the intersection of C. Antonio González Conejero Martínez and C. Pasos de Santiago. But that’s not all the street art in Murcia. So, when you walk through Murcia, keep your eyes open for more street art.

7. Go for a Stroll Next to the River Segura

The River Segura runs through Murcia and provides a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely stroll. You can walk along the river on the pedestrian path right next to the river.

During my visit to the city, the river looked a little bit brownish and it was very hot, around 40°C (104°F). It was too hot for a stroll, but in better conditions, it would be a lovely activity in Murcia.

8. Relax in Floridablanca Gardens

Floridablanca Garden is supposed to be the most beautiful park in Murcia, perfect for relaxing on a bench in the shade of trees. Unfortunately, the garden was closed during my visit because of the extreme high temperatures.

9. Go for Some Delicious Vegan Food

In every city I visit, I look for delicious vegan food, and Murcia was no different. While there aren’t as many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Murcia as in other Spanish cities I’ve visited, they have some great options.

My favorite vegan restaurant in Murcia was Pipoca. We sat outside on a little plaza and enjoyed tasty tapas. The nachos were really good, but the highlight was the vegan deviled eggs.

10. Wander through Mercado de Verónicas

If you’re a foodie or just love markets, then the Mercado de Verónicas is a must-visit in Murcia city center. This indoor market has been operating since 1922 and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, and local specialties. You can also stop at one of the vendors for a quick bite to eat.

The fruit and veg stalls are on the first floor, while the ground floor mainly houses fish and meat vendors, which means it smells a bit, but the fruit selection is amazing—perfect for a fruity snack during the day.

(11. Take a Cab to Castillo de Monteagudo)

I know I promised to write about 10 things to do in Murcia city center, but I can’t exclude Castillo de Monteagudo, even though it’s not in the center. As a matter of fact, it’s not that easy to get to from the center by public transport, you have to change at least once.

Castillo de Monteagudo is his medieval fortification with a giant Christ statue on top on a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t go there. It’s too far from the center, and I read online that the opening times are unreliable, so you might not be able to climb to the top. But when I left Murcia by bus towards Torrevieja, I saw Castillo de Monteagudo from a distance, and it looked very impressive.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Murcia Spain

There might be not as many tourist attractions in Murcia as in other Spanish cities but if you’re looking for a more authentic Spanish city experience, then Murcia is a great option.

And after you’re done exploring Murcia you can head on to the stunning Costa Blanca or Costa Cálida for a relaxing beach holiday or visit beautiful towns along the coast.

Pin it for later: