Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra. It is a small alpine city that draws visitors primarily for skiing, hiking and tax-free shopping. Even if those activities don't appeal to you, there is enough in the city to fill a day or two. There is a large spa complex, an interesting old town, and several museums This article also covers the adjoining parish of Escaldes-Engordany.

See: 15
Do: 3
Eat: 12
Drink: 2
Buy: 3

35 places

Eat

Bar Els Manyos

Small and popular with locals, this restaurant is a great place to try some local cuisine, including escudella. The food is rustic and portions are generous.

Mon-Sat 08:00–00:00Around €15 for two courses

Eat

Bar Nou

Tasty tortilla sandwiches and Francesinhas. Directly at the river. The terrace is nice.

Mon-Fri 07:00-01:00, Sat Sun 08:00-01:00

See

Bridge of la Margineda

Pont de la Margineda

This bridge dates from medieval times but is still in perfect condition. Nearby there is a metallic sculpture made by the Valencian sculptor Andreu Alfaro.

Caldea spa

A spa, sauna and swimming complex. It is at the top of the town in the dramatic glass spire structure.

€46-70 for 3 hours

See

Caldes Project

An outdoor art installation created by Javier Balmaseda that uses brightly painted monumental taps and pipes to line the promenade along the river from an old stone footbridge to a whimsical sculpture of bathtub and pipes. It is illuminated at night by LED lights.

See

Casa Creu

Modernist style, designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. It is not possible to visit inside because it is a private home. From the 1930s.

See

Casa de la Vall

Dating from the 16th century, it was the seat of the Consell General (Andorran Parliament). Access is by guided tour only. Tours are on the half hour and last about a half hour. Reservations are required for the tour, so it's best to stop by and reserve a tour in the morning and return during your tour time.

Mon-Sat 09:30-13:00, 15:00-19:00; Sun (May-Oct only) 10:00-14:00€5 adult, €2.50 concession

See

Church of Saint Stephen

Església de Sant Esteve

This church in the old part of the city dates from the 12th century, but was restored in 1940 by the Moderniste architect Josep Puig y Cadafalch who also undertook important works in Barcelona. Free guided tours; otherwise, the church is open to tourists outside of mass hours.

10:00-13:00 & 15:00-19:00free

See

Church of Sant Andreu

Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. It is obligatory to reserve by phone.

Mon-Sat

See

El Portal de la Vall

This visitor centre has useful information on the leisure activities offered in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, as well as facts on the tasks carried out to manage the valley and promote the values that have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mon-Fri 09:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00; Jun 26 - Sep 7 08:00-15:00Free

Eat

El Refugi Alpí

The place is beautiful. The food is good. The attention of the waiters is excellent.

Daily 12:30-16:00, 19:30-23:00Mains €20-30

See

Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre

Centre d'Art d'Escaldes-Engordany (CAEE)

An art gallery that used to be a cinema. It has sculptures by Josep Viladomat, Romanesque models of Andorra buildings and temporary exhibitions. First floor is a library with washroom facilities.

Mon-Sat 09:30-13:30, 15:00-19:00Free

Buy

Illa

A large commercial centre with several floors of shops, many of which are clothing and fashion stores. There is a food court on the 3rd floor and a supermarket at the basement level.

Mon-Thu 10:00-20:30, Fri Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-22:30

Eat

L'Alternativa

Perfect place to dine or have some tapas. Homemade food. A cool place. The whole team is professional, attentive and friendly.

Open now · closes midnight tomorrowMains €16-22

Eat

L'Escenari de pizzes

The pizzas are very good, especially the signature ones; you can see how they are making it. Friendly treatment. Cozy place. It is run by some Argentines. It is tiny, it has 4 tables so it is essential to book on Friday and Saturday.

Open now · closes 10:30 pmPizzas €12-16

Eat

L'arroseria

Spectacular black rice. The place is very cozy. The attention is great. Warm welcome. A little hidden, small room (remember to book).

Tue-Sun 12:30-16:00, 07:30-23:00Mains €14-26

See

L’Espai Caldes

Art gallery for temporary exhibitions. It is worth going in just for the great view over the river (including a glass floor) and up the valley.

Mon-Sat 10:00-13:30 and 15:00-19:00; Jul Aug: also Sun 10:00-13:30

Eat

Marisqueria Don Denis

A Mediterranean restaurant with local cuisine. The restaurant also has a wall of photos of "who's who" celebrities, politicians and dignitaries eating at the restaurant.

Open now · closes 10:45 pm3-course menu €26

Eat

Pizzeria La Piazza

The pizzas and hamburgers are great. Attentive and friendly service. It is somewhat hidden from the shopping area. Dine-in or delivery. Order or reserve online.

Mon-Thu 13:00-16:00, 20:00-23:00; Fri Sat 12:00-23:30; Sun 12:00-23:00Puzza €10-15, pasta €12-13

Buy

Pyrenees

Department store with several floors. There are various family-friendly restaurants, a large electronic goods floor, designer label floors, and a supermarket notable for interesting Andorran and Spanish specialty foods and red wines.

Daily 09:30-21:00

Eat

Restaurant les Closes

Very nice place. They have a wide variety of food. They serve you quickly. The staff polite and efficient.

Mon-Sat 08:00-23:00, Sun 08:00-17:003-course menu €23 with a

See

Roc del Metge

A hot spring water fountain, considered one of the hottest in Europe (70ºC). Bring a water bottle, but be careful.

See

Sant Miquel d’Engolasters

Romanesque style, dated from 12th century and restored on 20th century. It is notable the disproportion between the nave and the 17-m bell tower. It is obligatory to reserve beforehand. Free-guided tours.

Jul Aug: daily 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00. The rest of the year only at mass hours

Drink

The Cellar Door

This wine and alcohol shop does wine tastings, including of Andorran wines, which you will otherwise get only at the wineries (€4 a tasting, €8 a glass, €45-50 per bottle).

Daily 10:00-20:00

See Not mapped

Consell General and old town

The parliament building is a relatively modern building and you can walk around up the hill behind it and go onto the roof where there is a type of mini park. On a nice day, there is a great view out over the valley across and looking south towards Santa Coloma. From here you can head back up the hill slightly to the right and visit the old church of St Esteve. Behind it is an interesting little area filled with narrow streets which is clearly the original location of the settlement.

Do Not mapped

Rec de l'Obac hiking trail

trail of shade

A easy, shaded and paved 3-km trail along the south edge of the city with nice views. From to the (a roundabout with a large gold rooster in the middle). Look for the green marker signs.

Do Not mapped