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Home - Travel Destinations - Alicante City in Spain – Top Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
Alicante, the lively capital of Spain’s Costa Blanca province, buzzes with energy and charm. With its rich history, sun-soaked streets, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a must-visit destination. Here’s a quick guide to exploring Alicante and why it deserves a spot on your travel list.
Arriving in Alicante, the first thing that hits you is the light—bright, warm, and golden, spilling over the Mediterranean and making the whitewashed buildings glow. The streets hum with life: locals chatting at café tables, the scent of fresh seafood drifting from nearby restaurants, and the occasional strum of a guitar from a corner musician. The old town, with its narrow winding lanes and colorful balconies, feels welcoming and full of stories, while the bustling marina and sandy beaches promise sun, relaxation, and effortless charm. It’s a city that instantly feels alive, yet easy to explore at your own pace.
The best time to visit Alicante is during July and August (summertime), when you can explore the city with excellent weather.
The public transport system is very good and you can make use of the tram that will get you to some of the best spots to explore. However, the most hassle-free way of getting around is on foot or by hiring a car with GPS.
Calle San Francisco: This lively pedestrian street is located in the heart of the old town of Alicante. It’s known for its charming architecture, colorful buildings, and numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio: This wide, tree-lined avenue is one of the main shopping streets in Alicante. It’s home to a variety of high-end fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, and department stores.
Calle Mayor: This historic street is located in the heart of the old town of Alicante. It’s known for its charming architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional Spanish shops and cafes.
Rambla de Méndez Núñez: This bustling street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It’s also home to the famous Mercado Central de Alicante, a bustling food market where you can find a variety of fresh seafood, meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Paseo de la Explanada de España (Explanada de España) is a beautiful walkway made with more than 6.5 mil marble mosaic tiles. Here you can enjoy the craft stalls and cafes along the way.
This walkway runs parallel to the port of Alicante and the Paseo de los Mártires de la Libertad, from the Puerta del Mar to the Canalejas park.
Calle San Francisco is a whimsical street with huge funny face mushroom statues and is the perfect Instagram spot or just a spot where you can be a kid again and take some cute selfies. However, you will also enjoy this walk for its little boutiques and a few interesting tapas bars.
Exploring the streets of Alicante City will bring you to interesting places, beautiful photo spots and you might discover a few ‘secret hidden gems’ along the way.
This is one of the must-see tourist spots in Alicante. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, cocktail and tapas bars, and beautiful streets. This is also the place where you’ll find those picture-perfect streets with white-washed buildings and flower-filled flowerpots everywhere. It is a picturesque area that you simply must visit.
Learn a few local phrases – “Hola,” “gracias,” and “buenos días” go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and it makes wandering around the city feel friendlier.
Carry some cash – While cards are widely accepted, small tapas bars, market stalls, and taxis often prefer cash.
Check transport and timing – Alicante is compact, but if you’re taking trams or buses, know the schedules. Evening services can be limited, so plan your return ahead of time.
Watch your belongings – The city is safe, but busy areas like the promenade or markets can attract pickpockets. A small crossbody bag or secure backpack is handy.
Yes, you’ll generally be understood in Alicante, but there are a few things to know.
In tourist areas—hotels, restaurants, cafés, and shops along the promenade—most staff speak at least basic English, and many speak it well. Menus and signs are often in both Spanish and English.
Once you wander into quieter streets, local markets, or smaller neighborhoods, English is less common. A friendly “hola” or “buenos días” goes a long way, and simple phrases or gestures help. Pointing, smiling, and using basic Spanish words usually works perfectly.
So, English will get you by, but a few Spanish words make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are a few insider tips that only locals—or long-time visitors—usually know about Alicante:
For first-time travelers to Alicante, a few extra things make the trip smoother and more enjoyable:
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but appreciated – Leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common if the service is good. Small gestures at cafés or for taxi drivers are welcomed but not expected.
Timing matters – Shops often close for a midday siesta (around 2–5 pm), and many smaller businesses shut on Sundays. Plan meals and shopping accordingly.
Traffic and parking – The city center is busy and parking is limited. Walking or using trams is often easier than driving.
Local etiquette – People are friendly but relaxed. A smile, polite greetings, and patience go a long way in shops, cafés, and streets.
Cash vs. card – Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small purchases, markets, or taxis.
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