A picturesque city known for its history, wine, and horses, it’s the perfect way to experience Andalucía without larger crowds found in cities like Sevilla.

Day 1

Eat churros with chocolate at La Vega

In Spain, churros are a breakfast food or snack, and they’re a great way to fill up before a day of sightseeing. I loved La Vega’s outdoor terrace. When you finish, take a walk through el Mercado Central de Abastos, which is right next door. Here you’ll see locals buying fresh produce, meats, and seafood. The market is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 2:45pm.

Visit the Jerez Cathedral and bell tower

Just a short walk from La Vega, head to the cathedral. Pay an extra euro to climb to the top of the bell tower, which is outside the cathedral, for great views of Jerez and the cathedral’s dome.

More information: https://www.catedraldejerez.es/

Visit the Gonzalez Byass Bodega (also known as Tío Pepe)

Jerez’s climate is perfect for growing the special grapes that produce the region’s world famous wine, called sherry. And it’s the only place in the world where this type of wine is produced. That’s why a visit to Jerez isn’t complete without a stop at a bodega. The Gonzalez Byass Bodega, started in 1835, is probably the most famous because of its Tío Pepe brand, which was named after the founder’s uncle.

You will definitely want to reserve your visit in advance. Tours last two hours and are offered in English or Spanish. You’ll finish the tour with a sherry tasting, and depending on your ticket, you can try 2-6 sherries. We purchased the Sherry Fusion Tour, which included 4 sherries and tapas for 24 euros per person. The tapas were smaller than expected. I’d recommend grabbing a snack before your tour or having a lunch reservation right after so you don’t drink all that sherry on an empty stomach.

Tour reservations: https://www.tiopepe.com/es-en/book

Dinner and drinks at Tabanco San Pablo

Head back to your hotel or AirBnB to rest after the sherry tasting and then go to Tabanco San Pablo for dinner and drinks. Dinnertime in Spain is later, around 9pm-9:30pm, so if you want to see this bar bustling with activity, dine later. Nothing about this bar is pretentious and that’s what makes it fun. The sherries are excellent, tapas are served on paper plates, and you pay as you order. I recommend ordering a sherry, one or two montaditos (little sandwiches), and the ensaladilla (potato salad) or papas aliñas (potatoes dressed with garlic and olive oil). Yum!

Day 2

See the famous dancing horses

If you didn’t come to Jerez for the wine, you probably came for the horses. Located outside of the historic center, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is famous for its dancing horses show. But it’s also a working training center dedicated to equestrian arts. A visit here will take up most of your day, but is definitely worth it. I’ve never experienced anything like it.

While there are a few weekday shows, when I went there was only one Saturday show a month, so plan carefully and book in advance. Come 90 minutes early to visit the museum and walk around the beautiful grounds. After the show, stop by the Carriage Museum to see carriages members of the Spanish royal family have used, and check out the stables where you can see some of the amazing horses up close.

Prices and showtimes: https://www.realescuela.org/en/main/

Day 3

Grab a quick breakfast at a typical Spanish bar

There are several bars in the plaza around el Mercado Central de Abasto. A lot of times typical Spanish bars don’t have menus, but you can count on them having these staples: café con leche, zumo de naranja (fresh squeezed orange juice), and tostadas (toast with toppings). Order your tostada with olive olive, tomato, cheese, or jamón iberico if you want to treat yourself!

Explore the Alcázar de Jerez

The Alcázar de Jerez makes you feel as though you stepped back in time. You’ll need about two hours to explore all that the Alcázar de Jerez has to offer. From the mezquita, the archeological ruins, the gardens, and the palace, there’s a lot to take in. Tours are self-guided through audios accessed on your phone via QR codes. The audios are available in Spanish, English, French, and German. It’s a good idea to bring your headphones.

Visit Palacio Virrey Laserna, an 18th century palace

I’m so happy I had the opportunity to visit. Originally the home of General José de la Serna y Martínez de Hinojosa during the late 18th and early 19th century, he was the 1st Conde de los Andes and a hero of the War of Independence and the last Viceroy of Peru and Spain in America. Since then, the palace has been passed down for generations. What surprised me was current family members give the tours. The guides are extremely knowledgeable about all the paintings and furniture in the palace. Old family photos are also on display throughout the visit and the guides share anecdotes about growing up around the palace. Tours are offered in English and Spanish and last about 45 minutes.

More information: https://www.palaciodelvirreylaserna.com

Treat yourself to tapas at Albores

Recommended by a fellow American expat, this restaurant did not disappoint! Sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the sun and views of Jerez’s city hall. The service is great and the food is even better. If you like seafood, the coquinas cooked in vino fino were to die for. And the el capuchino for dessert is a must! This is a popular restaurant, so definitely make a reservation.

More information: https://www.restaurantealbores.com/

Walk off lunch exploring Jerez’s beautiful plazas

Jerez has no shortage of beautiful plazas in the historic center. Take a walk through Plaza de la Asunción and Plaza de la Yerba.