Despite its diminutive size, Gibraltar punches far above its weight when it comes to things to do. This British Overseas Territory at the southern tip of Spain offers a remarkable concentration of natural wonders, historical sites, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. Here are the top things to do in Gibraltar.
Upper Rock Nature Reserve
The Upper Rock Nature Reserve covers approximately 40% of Gibraltar's total land area and is the territory's premier attraction. An entrance fee (around £13 for adults as of 2026) grants access to multiple sites within the reserve. The reserve is home to over 500 species of flowering plants and is a vital stopover for migratory birds crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. Interested in this topic? Read our where to stay in gibraltar: the complete accommodation overview.
1. See the Barbary Macaques
Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques are the only wild primate population in Europe. Approximately 230 macaques live in several troops across the Upper Rock. The Apes' Den near the middle cable car station is the most popular viewing spot, but macaques can be encountered throughout the reserve. These animals are wild - visitors should not feed them (it is illegal and carries a £4,000 fine) and should secure bags and belongings, as the monkeys are known to grab food, sunglasses, and phones. You might also find our barbary macaques of gibraltar: europe's only wild monkeys guide helpful.
2. St Michael's Cave
St Michael's Cave is a spectacular natural limestone cave system within the Rock. The main chamber, Cathedral Cave, features dramatic stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by coloured lighting. The cave is also used as a performance venue, with a capacity of around 400 seats for concerts and events. Deeper sections of the cave system, including Lower St Michael's Cave, can be explored on guided adventure tours.
3. The Great Siege Tunnels
During the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783), British forces carved a network of tunnels into the Rock to mount cannon positions against the besieging Spanish and French forces. The Great Siege Tunnels (also called the Upper Galleries) were an extraordinary feat of military engineering. Today, visitors can walk through the tunnels and see the original cannon embrasures with views over the isthmus toward Spain. You might also find our gibraltar weather: climate, best time to visit & what to expect guide helpful.
4. The Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is a medieval fortification that dates back to the Marinid period (14th century, rebuilt on earlier foundations from the 8th century). Its most prominent feature is the Tower of Homage, a large square tower visible from much of Gibraltar and across the bay. The castle is one of the best-preserved Moorish structures on the Iberian Peninsula.
5. Windsor Suspension Bridge
The Windsor Suspension Bridge, opened in 2015, is a 71-metre (233-foot) pedestrian bridge spanning a 50-metre-deep gorge on the eastern side of the Rock. It offers vertigo-inducing views of the Mediterranean, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the coast of Africa.
6. Mediterranean Steps
For the adventurous, the Mediterranean Steps is a challenging hiking trail that climbs from sea level on the eastern side of the Rock to the summit ridge. The trail passes through WWII gun emplacements and offers spectacular views. It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and is moderately strenuous.
Historical Sites
7. WWII Tunnels
During World War II, the British military expanded Gibraltar's tunnel network massively, creating over 50 kilometres of tunnels inside the Rock - including a fully equipped underground city capable of housing 16,000 troops. A section of these tunnels is open to the public, revealing hospitals, barracks, ammunition stores, and communication centres preserved much as they were during the war.
8. Trafalgar Cemetery
Trafalgar Cemetery is a small but poignant burial ground in the town centre. Contrary to popular belief, most of those buried here did not die at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) but rather from various epidemics and other causes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Some Trafalgar casualties were, however, brought ashore at Gibraltar for medical treatment, and a few are buried here.
Nature and Wildlife
9. Dolphin Watching
The Bay of Gibraltar is home to three resident species of dolphin: common dolphins, striped dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins. Several operators run dolphin-watching boat trips from the marina, with sighting success rates above 95%. The trips typically last 1 to 1.5 hours and also offer views of the Rock from the sea.
10. Europa Point and the Strait
Europa Point, the southernmost tip of Gibraltar, offers panoramic views across the Strait to Morocco. The area is home to the Trinity Lighthouse, the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, and the Nun's Well battery. It is one of the best spots in Europe for watching the sunset over Africa.
Beaches
11. Catalan Bay
Catalan Bay is a charming east-side beach village with a sandy beach, colourful buildings, and several restaurants. It is one of the most photographed spots in Gibraltar.
12. Eastern Beach
Eastern Beach, just south of the airport runway, is Gibraltar's largest sandy beach and popular with locals during summer months.
Shopping and Dining
13. Main Street Shopping
Gibraltar's duty-free status makes Main Street a popular shopping destination. You will find British high-street brands alongside local shops selling jewellery, perfume, electronics, and spirits at prices below EU retail.
14. Casemates Square
Grand Casemates Square is the social hub of Gibraltar, lined with restaurants and bars serving everything from traditional British pub fare to tapas, Indian cuisine, and Italian pizza.
15. Gibraltar Cable Car
The Gibraltar Cable Car carries visitors from the town centre to the top of the Rock in just six minutes. The views during the ascent are spectacular, encompassing the town, the bay, the airport runway, Spain, and on clear days, the African coast.
More Activities
- Gorham's Cave Complex - a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing evidence of Neanderthal habitation dating back over 50,000 years.
- Gibraltar Museum - chronicles the territory's history from prehistoric times to the present.
- Alameda Botanical Gardens - a peaceful urban garden established in 1816 featuring Mediterranean and subtropical plants.
- Queensway Quay - a waterfront marina area with restaurants and bars.
- Ocean Village Marina - modern development with dining and entertainment options.