Murcia
- Jan 30
- 5 min read
An incredible city in Spain
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Murcia isn’t the sort of place that jumps out at you on first glance. There’s no instantly recognisable skyline or must-see tourist attraction that makes you gasp the moment you arrive. But that’s exactly part of its charm. Arriving in Murcia feels like stepping into a city that has developed slowly and comfortably. It doesn’t chase trends or pose for postcards. Instead, it just… exists being warm, easy-going and quietly inviting.
Walk around the centre without much of a plan and you’ll soon notice how calm it feels. The streets are open and bright, cafés spill out onto pavements, and there’s a rhythm to daily life that isn’t hurried. People stop for coffee mid-morning and seem to enjoy taking their time over lunch. It’s a gentle pace, like most Spanish cities. There’s a real sense that life that isn’t designed for visitors alone. Murcia quietly stands out by being itself. Shopping in Murcia feels practical rather than performative. This isn’t a city of luxury flagships or trend-led establishments, and it’s better for it. What you get instead is a mix of familiar high-street names, small independent shops, and places that seem to exist mainly to serve the people who actually live here.
At the heart of the city is its old quarter and cathedral with a mix of wide avenues and cozier lanes. Murcia’s cathedral towers over one of the main squares as a familiar landmark that seems part of everyday life. You’ll pass through plazas such as 'Plaza de flores' where locals gather to chat, or stop and watch the world go by from a shaded bench.
These moments don’t feel instagrammable like Santorini; they feel lived-in, honest and comfortable. It’s still very much a working city, where everyday life carries on alongside celebrations, which is part of what makes the whole place feel so authentic.
Eating in Murcia is refreshingly straightforward. Menus aren’t over-designed, flavours are simple and satisfying, and portions are great. You’ll find plenty of places serving up local specialities alongside the everyday dishes people here enjoy. It doesn’t take much effort to find somewhere nice to eat. Sometimes you sit down for a drink and end up staying for lunch. Other times you wander in somewhere without even glancing at the menu first and that ends up being one of the better meals of the trip. Notable mentions include the incredible tapas at 'Bar Los Zagales' and a really lovely Italian 'Oven'.
We were lucky enough to visit during the Feria, which gave the city a slightly different energy without overwhelming it. There was more movement in the streets, more people out in the evenings, and a sense that something communal was happening, even if you weren’t fully part of it. One of the nicest touches was how the tapas bars were opened up specially in the botanical gardens, alongside a handful of street vendors, giving the area a lively, festive feel without losing the sense of calm that’s so typical of Murcia. It didn’t feel staged for visitors; it felt like the city enjoying itself in its own way, and being allowed to witness that added an extra layer to our experience.
Murcia feels like a city that breathes. There are parks and gardens tucked in between streets, and paths along the river where people walk or cycle without taking their eyes off the scenery. These stretches give the city a lighter, more open feel than you’d expect in an inland Spanish city. Part of that balance comes from the number of students here. Murcia has a large student population, and you feel it in subtle ways rather than obvious ones. There’s a youthful buzz in certain areas, especially in the evenings, but it never feels chaotic.
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Murcia isn’t dramatic. It doesn’t try to be. And that’s what makes it surprisingly easy to fall for. If you’re after somewhere with glossy landmarks or a non-stop itinerary of sights, this might not be your first pick. But if you enjoy places that feel grounded, unpretentious and full of real life, it’s worth giving Murcia a chance. There’s a warmth here that simply stays with you once you’ve spent a little time wandering its streets, eating at its cafés, and noticing the ordinary things done well. Murcia doesn’t try to overwhelm you. It just carries on as it always has and sometimes that’s exactly what makes a place worth visiting.
Here is some additional information that may help your trip to Murcia:
How do I get to Murcia?
Murcia is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally around 2 and a half hours. You can then take the bus or a taxi straight from the airport to the city centre! Use Trip.com to help you find cheap flights to Murcia.
Where should I stay in Murcia?
We stayed in this hotel several times. Hotel Cetina in Murcia is a lovely, well-located option in the heart of the city, with clean, comfortable rooms and a welcoming feel that makes it a genuinely nice place to stay. We couldn't recommend this hotel more.
If you don't fancy this one, don't worry, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Murcia Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget below:
Do I need a visa to visit Murcia?
The rules of entering Europe are changing. Take a read of our handy European travel rules post for more information.
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Spain for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
What's the currency in Murcia?
The currency of Spain is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Murcia.
What languages are spoken in Murcia?
The official language of Spain is Spanish, but English is spoken in Murcia as it is a major city. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Murcia?
Murcia has an average of almost than 300 sunny days per year, so if you're looking for sunshine, it's a great option. Be aware that the temperatures do drop in winter, though.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Murcia:
Spring: 19°C / 9°C
Summer: 30°C / 18°C
Autumn:19°C / 10°C
Winter: 11°C / 5°C
Always make sure to check the forecast before your trip so you pack the correct clothing.
This is the current weather in Murcia:
What's the time zone in Murcia?
Murcia is in the Central European Time Zone, usually an hour ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Murcia?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Murcia on GetYourGuide here.
