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Gibraltar is a great destination to visit. It’s small enough to see everything in a few days and has lots of history and wildlife for its size. If you’re planning a trip to Gibraltar for a weekend or longer and need recommendations for the best places to visit in Gibraltar, how to get around and where to stay, I’ve covered all in this article. Is Gibraltar worth visiting?’ Yes it is! And I explain why below.
N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to organisations helping vulnerable girls in conflict zones. Thank you for helping! Lisa x
The famous Rock of Gibraltar
Solo Travel in Gibraltar
Is Gibraltar good for solos? If you’re thinking of solo travel in Europe, it’s easy to be a solo traveller in Gibraltar. Gibraltar has a small city/town feel to it, with many expats living here. Just hang out at one of the English pubs or the marinas, and you’ll soon spark up a conversation.
Is Gibraltar safe to visit? Yes it is! People speak English, it’s easy to navigate your way around, and the territory is safe. If you’re solo in the evenings, you can go ice skating or watch a movie at the multi-screen cinema at King’s Bastion Leisure Centre.
Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting?
Top Reasons to Visit Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory in mainland Europe. Situated near the country of Spain, on the Bay of Gibraltar, this destination has a rich military history and the world-famous rock. This iconic limestone rock juts out into the sea, providing views of Spain and the North African coast.
Even though Gibraltar is a small destination, it appeals to many different visitors and has enough to keep you busy for a long weekend. There are beautiful nature sites, the historic Gibraltar Botanic Gardens and several walking trails to hike around.
The Barbary Macaque monkey!
Gibraltar is known for its monkeys! These famous Barbary Macaques live in the Apes’ Den. As Europe’s only free-roaming monkeys, they roam freely on the Rock, so don’t be surprised if you encounter one trying to grab your handbag.
One of the Territory’s largest attractions is St Michael’s Cave, a natural grotto that was once used as a hospital during WWII. Today, it is an auditorium, and you can take a tour to experience this natural environment and its limestone caves.
Inside the rock are the Great Siege Tunnels, excavated during the Great Siege in the late eighteen century by military engineers. You can also see the World War Two Tunnels that created a fortress inside a fortress within the rock.
You can learn more about WWII through the film shown at O’Hara’s Battery, located at the highest point of the Rock. The Battery also houses original materials from WWII, including a giant gun. This isn’t the only gun in Gibraltar. A 100 ton gun Victorian super-gun is located at Nelson’s Anchorage.
* Take a Gibraltar guided tour to see all the attractions
A beautiful view of Gibraltar Rock.
1. It Has Plenty of History
To delve into Gibraltar’s history, visit the Gibraltar National Museum and Moorish Baths, which houses original artefacts and photographs of Gibraltar, as well as its military history and natural history. It is also home to reconstructions of a Neanderthal woman and child which is interesting.
Visit the lower part of the museum for the Moorish Bath, one of the best preserved in Europe. For fine arts and crafts, see the three galleries within Casemates Barracks and Montagu Bastion, or visit the Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery for works by local Gibraltarian artists.
If castles are more your style, part of Gibraltar’s legacy is the Moorish Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. The castle marks the period of Moorish occupation and was rebuilt after being mostly destroyed in the 14th century. Trafalgar Cemetery is another landmark in military history, or take a tour of the Garrison Library to learn more about its collection of works and treasures. * Check rates for a Gibraltar guided tour
The Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque in Gibraltar.
2. It Has One of Europe’s Southernmost Points
Europa Point is a great place to spend a few hours. It is one of Europe’s southernmost points and in my opinion, one of the best places to visit in Gibraltar.
The Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque is a Gibraltar must see and one of the impressive buildings here. Built in the late twentieth century and paid for by the King of Saudi Arabia, the mosque is used by the Muslim population in Gibraltar and is also open to the public.
Close to the lighthouse, which has been operating since 1841, is a memorial to Sikorski, a wartime hero and exiled Prime Minister of Poland who died in a plane crash in 1943.
Not far from Europa Point is the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe & Museum. The Shrine used to be a mosque and has since been converted into a Roman Catholic chapel. Inside is a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child which dates back to the 15th century. * Take a Gibraltar guided tour to see all the attractions
The port in Gibraltar.
3. You Can See Three Countries in One Day
One of the Gibraltar Spain attractions is the Skywalk. It stands 340 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views. The glass panels cover the equivalent of 4 tennis courts, and you can see all three countries from here on a clear day, as well as the surrounding areas. Or walk along Windsor Bridge, a 71 metre-long suspension bridge across a gorge situated at Royal Anglian Way.
For more views, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Viewing Platform at the Gorham’s Cave Complex site on the east side of the Rock gives a perfect vantage point of the Neanderthal Caves.
It tells the story of the site, our human evolution and the Neanderthals who once lived in Gibraltar. The findings that have been excavated over 25 years. Gorham’s Cave Complex and its buffer zone, the Gibraltar Nature Reserve covers 40% of Gibraltar’s territory.
You can see views that extend to the Rock at O’Hara’s Battery which stands 1400 above sea level. Or take the cable car to the top of the Rock. Or just walk along the city wall in the city, and you’ll see the archway, an American War Memorial built to commemorate the comradeship of the U.S. Navy in World War I.
A beach in Gibraltar.
4. There’s Plenty Above and Below The Water
The rock of Gibraltar is known as one of the mythical pillars of Hercules, and where it is positioned is one of the world’s busiest sea lanes. The Strait of Gibraltar divides Europe and Africa and it is said the rock has been a seafarer’s haven for centuries.
Underneath its waters are more than 30 wrecks and reefs, where you can dive remains of ships from WWII and Napoleonic times. You can also learn to dive here at one of the established diving schools. Gibraltar also lies on migration routes and is also popular with bird lovers.
If you prefer to stay above the water, you can try stand-up paddle boarding or sailing for the first time and come away from your trip as a confident sailor. The Bay of Gibraltar is an ideal place to see dolphins in their natural environment, and you can take a boat tour from the marina or just enjoy a coffee and a bit of yacht-spotting instead. * Check rates & availability for dolphin watching tour
Dine outside in Main Street
5. It’s Buzzing at Night
Cafe culture dates back to the 1800s with traditional coffee houses in the Main Street and Casemates Square.
Irish Town is also a coffee lovers haven with pubs and restaurants. You can find all types of food in Gibraltar from Asian, Moroccan and European. Fish is also popular here, and there are specialist fish and Mediterranean restaurants. As well as the typical British food in English pubs, be sure to try the local cuisine: Calentita, pinchitos, or kebabs.
Once a year a ‘Calentita’ food festival takes place in Casemates Square. Sitting in one of the lively bars in Casemates Square, it’s hard to believe that this used to be the centre of public executions in Gibraltar.
At night, it’s perfectly safe to hang out at the marinas. Gibraltar has two marinas, the Queensway Quay Marina, and Ocean Village Marina, where you can find classy bars, restaurants serving international cuisine and casinos. Chatham Counterguard has lively bars and is also vibrant at night.
Plants at Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park.
6. It’s Great For Nature Lovers
One of the prettiest places in Gibraltar is Catalan Bay Village, a sheltered bay with dramatic rocks. This former fishing village was formed in the 18th century by Genoese settlers and is an ideal place to stare out at sea whilst enjoying some freshly caught fish.
For nature, head to the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens. Opened for more than a century, you can find exotic plants and flower beds and references to Gibraltar’s military past.
Visit here in the summer months, and you can enjoy a cultural show at the open-air theatre. Also inside the gardens is the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park where you can see exotic and unusual species.
The Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock is another area for nature, with nature trails. Heritage sites and landscapes, the Reserve covers much of the Rock’s surface and is one of the visitor attractions here. Or walk through Commonwealth Park in the heart of the town for its attractive gardens. * Check rates for Gibraltar Nature Reserve
The picturesque Catalan Bay Village in Gibraltar.
7. The Shopping is Tax Free!
If you love shopping, Gibraltar has VAT-free shopping. The main thoroughfare is the place to shop whether you’re looking for perfume, electronic goods, or just a cheap bottle of wine or spirits. Don’t forget to explore the old quarter and get lost in the narrow backstreets and alleyways as you stumble upon independent shops. You can also find designer brand outlets near the city centre.
8. There Are Many Religious Monuments
There are chapels, convents, synagogues and cathedrals in Gibraltar. On Main Street, you’ll find the Catholic Cathedral of St. Mary, one of the earliest Spanish churches. After it was damaged during the Great Siege, it was modified in 1810, and subsequently, Main Street was created.
Other places to visit for religion are: the King’s Chapel where British Governors are buried beneath. The Convent, a former Franciscan convent which is now the residence of Gibraltar’s Governors. St Andrew’s Church, opened by Scottish ex-patriots in the nineteenth century. And the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, which was once the centre for Anglicans in the whole of Europe, and has a Moorish appearance.
You can also take tours of the Flemish Synagogue, one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula, which dates back to 1724. Gibraltar is great for a short break from the UK or Spain, or you can make the most of your time on the European mainland and explore more of Spain.
* Take a Gibraltar guided tour to see all the attractions
The Rock Hotel
Where To Stay When Visiting Gibraltar
When you’re visiting Gibraltar, there isn’t a great choice of budget accommodation in Gibraltar as many of the hotels are 4 and 5-star. So if you’re wondering ‘Is Gibraltar expensive to visit?’ it can be in regards to accommodation.
If hotels are too expensive for your budget, consider renting a private room, studio or apartment on Airbnb. Airbnb allows you to stay with locals or rent out their whole apartments.
The best areas to stay here are near the marinas where bars and restaurants are walking distance or you may prefer to stay on the Rock for great views and make use of public transport to get around. * Check rates and availability for all Gibraltar accommodation
Room at The Rock Hotel.
The Rock – $$
Named the Rock Hotel because of its position on the Rock, this hotel is world famous. Perched above the city with views of the Bay of Gibraltar, the hotel is nearly 90 years old and decorated in a colonial style.
No matter where you go here you are guaranteed a sea view. The restaurant has panoramic views and each room here has a view of the ocean. You can swim in the seawater pool and enjoy the secluded gardens. Plus, the Botanical Gardens are just nearby. Choose from a twin or double room or a twin or double room with a balcony. Breakfast is included in the rate. * Check rates & availability for Rock Hotel
Sunborn Gibraltar, a super yacht and a floating hotel.
Sunborn Gibraltar – $$$
If you really want to stay in style, Sunborn Gibraltar is a super yacht and a floating hotel over seven floors. Situated in Ocean Village Marina, this five-star hotel has everything you need for a classy stay.
Each room has a TV and a champagne minibar. There are two bars, an infinity pool, a spa, a gym, restaurants and even a casino onboard. And being at the marina means that there are even more bars and restaurants on your doorstep. Choose from a king room, a deluxe, superior or executive double, or if you’re feeling flush, upgrade to a suite. * Check rates & availability for Sunborn Gibraltar
Sunbeds at Jasmine Coral Jay Boutique Botel.
Jasmine Coral Jay Boutique Botel – $
If you fancy staying somewhere unique and more personal, how about on an 80-foot motor yacht instead? The yacht has several cabins so you won’t be alone. The yacht has a TV lounge, music player, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The bathroom is just a walk away at the marina where you can also find bars and restaurants.
It’s a great opportunity to feel like a yachtie for an evening or two! Choose from a budget twin/double, a deluxe double with a sea and rock view, or a deluxe suite with a sea view. * Check rates & availability for Jasmine Coral Jay Boutique Botel
A colourful street in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar Tours
Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Gibraltar. Choose from a dolphin watching tour, a full day Gibraltar sightseeing tour or a Cable Car and dolphin watch tour. Although some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people, there are tours available for just one person. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check prices and availability for all Gibraltar tours
One Day in Gibraltar
For your Gibraltar itinerary, start at the Gibraltar Nature Reserve on Upper Rock. You can either take a bus, a taxi or the cable car from Grand Parade to reach here.
Taking a Rock Tour is a great way to learn about the evolution of the Rock and the Great Siege of 1779 – 1783 when construction of the tunnels inside the Rock began. See the Ape’s Den and the stalagmites and stalactites within St Michael’s Cave.
From here, travel to Europa Point to see the sea views across the Strait of Gibraltar and learn about the Neanderthals and how Gibraltar was once their home. Then take in the stunning views at the Skywalk, a glass balcony that is positioned at the top of the Rock.
Join a walking tour or self-guide yourself around the town centre, seeing its original walls, Casemates Gates, Kings Bastion, and Charles V Wall. Gibraltar’s architecture is a mix of Spanish, Moorish, Portuguese, and British-style buildings.
Main Street is Gibraltar’s commercial district and the place to go for a spot of shopping. Wander through the streets and lanes and then shop til you drop. Enjoy lunch at one of Gibraltar’s marinas.
Queensway Quay or Ocean Village offer you the chance to enjoy a meal whilst yacht spotting on a sunny day. Take a dolphin watching tour in the afternoon to see pods of dolphins that live in the Strait of Gibraltar.
In the evening, head to Casemates Square for dinner to people-watch. The square has numerous bars, cafes and restaurants with different types of cuisine. Or catch the bus or a taxi to Catalan Bay and dine at a seafood restaurant whilst staring out to sea.
After dinner, head to Casemates Square to listen to some live music from one of the bars. Then when you fancy a change of scenery, enjoy a drink at Ocean Village or head to the casino for a flutter.
Take the cable car for a great view
Getting Around Gibraltar
Gibraltar isn’t that large, so it’s easy to get around the town centre on foot. Other parts of the territory can be quite steep, so to reach other areas of Gibraltar, such as Europa Point, there are local buses (number 3) and taxis.
You can buy an all-day bus pass which takes you to the main attractions such as Europa Point, the tunnels, the Botanical Gardens and the Moorish Castle. I used a day bus pass to get around. The number 9 bus will take you to the city centre.
To get to the Rock and Apes’ Den, you can take the cable car near the southern end of Main Street. The journey only takes 6 minutes.
Tip – You may want to purchase a Gibraltar Pass. It includes the CableCar, a minibus Rock tour, the monkeys, cave, SkyWalk, and siege tunnels. * Check prices for the Gibraltar Pass
How To Get To Gibraltar
Gibraltar Airport
Gibraltar Airport is an International airport. It has direct flights with the UK, and Morocco. The airport is literally walking distance from the town centre, and you have to walk across the runway to get into Gibraltar. Even that is an adventure in itself.
Visiting Gibraltar from Spain
From Spain, you can travel by bus to La Linea and then pass through border control before crossing the runway into Gibraltar.
Be prepared for queues to get into Gibraltar if you are driving. You can also reach Gibraltar from Malaga or Jerez airports, which are only 90 minutes by road. Use Rome2Rio to plan your journey into Gibraltar.
The iconic British red phone box
Best Time To Visit Gibraltar
It is said that Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine each year. The best time to go depends on what you are looking for.
Gibraltar has a Mediterranean climate and the hottest months are June, July and August. There is limited rainfall between May to October, but if you want to avoid the crowds, you may want to avoid the summer holidays, where temperatures are approximately 30 degrees Celsius. Below is an annual weather chart from January to December to help you plan your Gibraltar trip.
FAQs
- Is Gibraltar worth seeing? Yes, there are many fantastic attractions like the Rock of Gibraltar and St Michael’s Cave. But if you’re wondering “Is Gibraltar worth visiting for a week?” I would recommend just a long weekend but if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday then you could stay for a week.
- Can I drink the water? Yes, but it does taste of chlorine, so you may prefer to take a water filter with you.
- Is tipping expected? Yes, tipping between 10 to 20% is expected.
- Fixed price or barter? Fixed price.
- Any ATMs? Yes, there are plenty in the city centre.
- Which side of the road do they drive? They drive on the right-hand side.
- Good for vegetarians? There are a few vegetarian restaurants. You can find vegetarian food in the restaurants.
- Any Seven Wonders of the World? No, but the rock should be!
Map of Gibraltar
Plan a Trip to Gibraltar
Current time in Gibraltar
Budget – £120 a day (staying in a hotel)
Capital – Gibraltar
Population – 32,649
Language spoken – English but Spanish is also widely spoken.
Local Currency – Gibraltar has its own legal tender, but you can also use Pound Sterling (£).
Did you know? Gibraltar has the only wild monkey population in Europe
Lingo – They speak English
Useful Info
The Best Time to Go – June, July and August
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