# 10 Things to Do in Alicante – A Local’s Guide from Soho Boho Apartments

Alicante is one of Spain’s most underrated cities. While tourists flock to Barcelona or Madrid, this sun-drenched Mediterranean gem on the Costa Blanca offers everything you could want – history, beaches, incredible food, and a pace of life that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Here’s our favorite list of things to do in Alicante, curated from our neighborhood in the authentic Pla del Bon Repós district.

# 1. Hike up to Santa Barbara Castle

You simply cannot visit Alicante without climbing (or taking the lift!) up to Castillo de Santa Bárbara. This 9th-century Moorish fortress sits on top of Mount Benacantil and offers panoramic views over the city and the Mediterranean. From Soho Boho Apartments, you can walk there in just 5 minutes. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the light hitting the sea.

Practical info: Free entry. Lift access from Postiguet Beach (small fee). Open daily.

# 2. Stroll Along the Explanada de España

The Explanada is Alicante’s iconic palm-lined promenade, paved with over six million marble tiles in a wave pattern. It’s the social heartbeat of the city – locals come here for evening walks (*el paseo*), families bring their children, and street musicians fill the air with music. A 15-minute walk from our apartments.

# 3. Explore the MARQ – Provincial Archaeological Museum

Just 2 minutes from Soho Boho Apartments, the MARQ (Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante) is one of Spain’s best regional museums. The building itself is stunning – a converted 19th-century hospital – and the collection traces human life in the Alicante province from prehistoric times to the 20th century.

Tip: Tuesday entry is free for EU citizens.

# 4. Swim at Postiguet Beach

Alicante’s city beach, Playa del Postiguet, is a 10-minute walk from our apartments. It’s a long stretch of golden sand right beneath the castle walls, with clear Mediterranean water and plenty of beach bars (*chiringuitos*). It gets busy in summer, but early mornings are magical – you’ll often have it almost to yourself.

# 5. Take the Tram to San Juan Beach

For a more local experience, hop on the TRAM just a few blocks from our apartments (L2 line) and head to Playa de San Juan. It’s the beach the Alicantinos love most – wider, longer, with more facilities and a string of beach bars that come alive on summer evenings. About 20 minutes from the city center.

# 6. Wander Through the Old Town (El Barrio)

Our neighborhood borders Alicante’s charming Old Town (El Barrio), a maze of whitewashed streets, tapas bars, and hidden plazas. Stop by the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás, peek into the colourful Mercado Central, and get lost for an afternoon.

# 7. Visit the MACA – Contemporary Art Museum

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA) is housed in the oldest civil building in Alicante and holds a remarkable collection of 20th-century Spanish art, including works by Dalí, Miró and Picasso. Entry is free and it’s a wonderful rainy-day option.

# 8. Try Local Food at a Market or Tapas Bar

Alicante’s food scene is seriously underrated. Must-tries:

– Arroz a banda – rice cooked in fish broth, served with alioli

– Gambas rojas de Alicante – the local red prawns, best grilled with sea salt

– Turrón – the famous almond nougat from nearby Jijona

Visit the Mercado Central for fresh produce, or head to the tapas bars around El Barrio for an evening of pinchos.

# 9. Day Trip to Tabarca Island

Spain’s only inhabited island is just a short ferry ride from Alicante’s port. Tabarca is a protected marine reserve with crystal-clear water perfect for snorkelling, no cars, and a handful of restaurants serving incredibly fresh fish. Book the ferry in advance in summer.

# 10. Watch the Sunset from Our Rooftop Terrace

OK, we’re a little biased on this one – but honestly, one of the best things to do in Alicante is to grab a glass of local wine and watch the sun go down from the rooftop terrace at Soho Boho Apartments. The sky turns pink and orange over the city rooftops, and in the distance you can see the sea. It’s a moment that stays with you.

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Staying in Alicante? Soho Boho Apartments offers five unique apartments in the heart of the city – from a cozy Loft to a spacious Three-Bedroom or a Penthouse with terrace. All just minutes from everything on this list.

[Book your stay →](https://sohobohoapartments.es/book-now/)