Cuenca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the cities that surprised us the most in Spain. Its historic center nestled among canyons and its medieval atmosphere make it a perfect destination to explore in a single day from Madrid.
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What to see in Cuenca, Spain
1. The historic center and the Hanging Houses
One of the best things to do in Cuenca is to spend at least a couple of hours exploring its old town. Wandering aimlessly through its narrow, steep, cobblestone streets, lined with colorful houses and balconies, is an experience that immerses you in its medieval atmosphere.
The main attraction of the historic center are the Hanging Houses, built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Huécar River Gorge. These medieval dwellings, which seem to defy gravity, are not only the symbol of Cuenca, but also of the entire autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha.
During your tour of Cuenca, you can visit the free Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, located inside one of these hanging houses. It’s worth entering, not only for its collection, but for the experience of entering a hanging house. You’ll also find plazas, churches, and viewpoints.
Tip: Although it’s possible to visit Cuenca in one day, if you have time, stay at least one night in the historic center. This way, you can explore the city at your own pace. Accommodations with excellent locations and that often have last-minute deals: Hotel Convento Del Giraldo, Los Ojos de la Mora and Casa Botes.
Tips for finding great and affordable accommodation: The best way to secure the lowest prices is to book early. If you wait until the last minute, the cheapest and highest-rated places will likely be sold out, and you’ll have to settle for what’s left.
Our favorite platform for finding hotel deals is Booking.com. By booking through this link, you can save up to 15% on your next stay. The best part is that, in many cases, you can pay directly at the property, and cancel for free if your plans change.
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2. San Pablo Bridge and its viewpoints: What to see in Cuenca
The San Pablo Bridge is another of Cuenca’s must-see attractions. It’s an iron and wood structure that spans the deep canyon of the Huécar River. Crossing it gives you some of the best panoramic views of the Hanging Houses and the city’s rocky skyline.
Across the bridge, the Parador de Cuenca awaits you. This luxury hotel is located in the former Convent of San Pablo, and its surroundings offer excellent views of the historic center. And if you enjoy walking and panoramic views, it’s worth continuing to other viewpoints such as Cerro del Socorro or the Mirador del Rey.
If you decide to travel to Cuenca on your own, an ideal way to enrich your experience is to join this complete tour with tickets, which covers the most emblematic corners of the city and includes a detailed visit to the Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián, with all its curiosities, legends and history.
You might be interested in: Cuenca Day Tour from Madrid
How can I book the full tour of Cuenca? It’s super easy! Just click to see all the tour details, including what’s included and the total price. Then, choose your preferred date, the number of participants, and hit “Book” to enter your details and confirm your reservation in just a few simple steps.
Over the course of four hours, you’ll wander through history-filled alleys, visit the remains of the ancient Alcázar, explore the Enchanted City and the Devil’s Window, enjoy breathtaking viewpoints over the gorges, and, of course, see Cuenca’s famous Hanging Houses up close.
One of the best parts about booking online is that you’ll get instant confirmation — and if your plans change, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Plus, the price is excellent for everything that’s included.
Check prices and availability for the complete Cuenca tour
Book the day trip from Madrid here
3. Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián
Without a doubt, one of the places that surprised us most in Cuenca during our visit was the Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián. Located right in front of the Plaza Mayor, it is one of the first Gothic cathedrals built in Castile and one of those architectural gems that still capture our breath today.
Its neo-Gothic facade, rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century, may seem incomplete at first glance, but that’s precisely what makes it so unique. Inside, the cathedral is a marvel: it has an impressive rose window, a mystical play of light, and richly decorated chapels.
We recommend joining this guided tour, as exploring it on your own without knowing its history can lead you to miss many details. With the right explanation, every corner comes alive: you’ll discover the symbolism of its figures, associated legends, and how this cathedral has evolved alongside the city. We did it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
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4. Old Alcázar: What to See in Cuenca
Exploring the area of the old Muslim Alcázar is another thing you can’t miss in Cuenca. This part of the city was a fortress during the Islamic occupation, which later became the Jewish quarter, and today preserves vestiges that provide a glimpse into the region’s multicultural history.
Although there are no major structures left standing, it is still possible to see archaeological remains that give an idea of what this space was like: walls, cisterns, homes, and even a small mosque. In the middle of all this stands the Mangana Tower, one of Cuenca’s most iconic postcards.
But the best thing about touring the Alcázar is that, at every turn, you’ll find natural balconies overlooking the Júcar River Gorge, offering spectacular views of the landscape. It’s an ideal place to pause, take photos, and be amazed. If you like history, ancient architecture, and charming viewpoints, you’ll love this place.
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Want to save time and money on your next trip? Planning with the right tools can make all the difference. To find cheap flights, we recommend Skyscanner.com, which operates worldwide and compares hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to help you find the best fares.
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5. The Medieval Skyscrapers of Cuenca
If you’re still wondering what to see in Cuenca, you should know that the Hanging Houses aren’t the only surprising buildings. You can also discover its ancient skyscrapers, which defy gravity by being built over the river valley, adapting to the unevenness of the rock and forming facades up to 10 stories high.
From Alfonso VIII Street, which leads to the Plaza Mayor, these buildings appear to have only 3 stories, but if you look at them from the bottom of the canyon, you’ll discover that they are actually medieval skyscrapers perched on the cliff.
Also, if you decide to spend the night in the city, an excellent option is to look for accommodation in the San Martín neighborhood. There you will find hotels and apartments located in the historic skyscrapers themselves, such as the Rascacielos San Martín, where you can enjoy an authentic and charming experience.
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How to get to Cuenca from Madrid
Now that you know what to see in Cuenca, keep in mind that the fastest way to get there from Madrid is to take the AVE train from Chamartín station to Cuenca Fernando Zóbel. The journey takes 50 minutes, and from the station you can take a bus to the historic center. You can buy tickets here.
If you’re traveling to Madrid and have limited time, a very convenient option is to join this day trip, which includes transportation, a guide, and a visit to the natural formations of the Enchanted City.
If you’re traveling in a group and don’t have a car, renting one is a great idea, as it allows you to travel at your own pace without relying on public transportation schedules. Plus, when splitting the cost among everyone, it could be more affordable than other transportation options. It’s also a much more comfortable choice if you’re traveling with children.
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Tips for visiting Cuenca
On your trip to Cuenca, be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the old town has many hills and cobblestone streets. Also, remember that winters tend to be cold and summers quite hot, so check the weather to pack what you need.
If you’re traveling independently, it’s best to take the train before 9 a.m. to make the most of the day. Upon arrival at the Cuenca Fernando Zóbel station, check the bus schedules to the historic center, especially if you’re traveling on the weekend, as they can vary. Keep in mind that the city center is 7 kilometers from the station.
Here are some other guides to help you continue your trip through Spain:
- What to see in Salamanca on a day trip from Madrid
- Historic and charming places to visit in Segovia
- Royal Monastery of El Escorial: Guide for your visit
- Guide to visiting Toledo
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