Things to Do in Gibraltar
A famous Rock, Europe’s only wild monkeys, a town you can walk end to end, and Africa on the horizon — here’s how to make the most of a few days in Gibraltar, from someone who lives here.
The Rock & the Upper Rock Nature Reserve
The Rock is the headline act — a 426-metre limestone monolith you can see from almost everywhere. Most of it is the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, a single ticket that covers the big sights: the apes, the caves, the Great Siege Tunnels and the Skywalk. Take the cable car up for sweeping views over two continents and three countries, then walk back down through the reserve.
Meet the Barbary macaques
Gibraltar is the only place in Europe with wild monkeys. The Barbary macaques live on the Upper Rock and are completely used to visitors — charming, cheeky, and quick. Don’t feed them and keep food and bags zipped away; they will happily help themselves.
The cable car & the Skywalk
The cable car whisks you from the town centre to the top of the Rock in a few minutes. Up there you’ll find the best viewpoints, the glass Skywalk jutting out over the cliffs, and the Windsor Suspension Bridge for anyone with a head for heights.
St Michael’s Cave
A vast natural cavern of stalactites and stalagmites, lit in shifting colours and sometimes used as a concert hall. It’s one of the most atmospheric stops on the Upper Rock and an easy add-on to the cable car trip.
Europa Point — where Europe ends
The southern tip of Gibraltar, with its red-and-white lighthouse and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque. On a clear day you can see across the Strait to the mountains of Morocco — Africa, close enough to feel within reach.
Main Street & Casemates Square
The pedestrian heart of town. Main Street is lined with VAT-free shops, cafes and old colonial facades, opening out at the north end into lively Casemates Square — the best spot for a coffee, a meal or an evening drink.
Beaches & coves
For its size, Gibraltar has a surprising choice of beaches. Catalan Bay is a former fishing village with real character; Sandy Bay and Eastern Beach are the biggest stretches of sand; and Camp Bay and Little Bay on the west side have a lido feel with pools and sun terraces.
History under your feet
Gibraltar has been fought over for centuries and it shows. Walk the Great Siege Tunnels carved into the Rock, climb to the Moorish Castle, pay your respects at Trafalgar Cemetery, and see the 14th-century Moorish Baths inside the Gibraltar National Museum. It’s an enormous amount of history packed into a very small place.
Jewish heritage & kosher Gibraltar
Gibraltar has one of the oldest Sephardic Jewish communities in the world, with four synagogues, kosher food and a full eruv all within the walkable old town. If you keep kosher, see our guide to kosher & Shabbat-friendly apartments in Gibraltar.
Practical tips for your trip
How many days do you need?
Two to three days is enough to see the Rock, Europa Point, Main Street and a beach at a relaxed pace.
Getting around
Gibraltar is tiny and walkable. Between your feet, the cable car and local buses you won’t need a car in town.
Money
The Gibraltar pound is worth the same as the British pound, and euros are widely accepted. Main Street shopping is VAT-free.
Crossing into Spain
The border with La Línea is a short walk away — you literally cross the airport runway on foot to reach Spain.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are mild and quieter. Summer is hot and busy; winter stays gentle and green.
Day trips from Gibraltar
Gibraltar makes a great base for the western Costa del Sol and beyond. Catch the fast ferry to Tangier in Morocco for the day, surf and seafood at Tarifa, the cliff-top town of Ronda and the white villages, or the glamour of Marbella — all within easy reach by car or bus.
Gibraltar travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Gibraltar?
Two to three days covers the main sights — the Rock and its apes, the cable car, Europa Point, Main Street and a beach — without rushing.
Do you need a car in Gibraltar?
No. Gibraltar is small and walkable, with a cable car and local buses, so most visitors get around easily on foot.
Can you see Africa from Gibraltar?
Yes. On a clear day you can see Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar, best from Europa Point or the top of the Rock.
What currency is used in Gibraltar?
The Gibraltar pound, which is equal in value to the British pound. Euros are also widely accepted.
Where should you stay in Gibraltar?
Staying centrally puts the Rock, Main Street and the beaches within walking distance. Self-catering apartments in the old town are a flexible, good-value base.
More Gibraltar guides
Stay in the heart of it all
All of this is within walking distance when you stay central. Our self-catering apartments sit in the old town — book direct and pay less than on Airbnb or Booking.com.
