Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Extremadura.
Restaurants
La Tertulia
This excellent little tapas bar serves up specialities of the area and has a terrace out in the square which is very popular.
Plaza Chica, 10, Zafra
(+34 619 165076)
Altair
This restaurant does traditional cuisine with a modern twist, and has a wonderful view of the fantastic new Calatrava-designed bridge across the Guadiana.
Avenida José Fernández López, Mérida, Badajoz
(+34 924 304 512)
Cachicho
At one end of Lusitania Bridge in Mérida, this popular restaurant serves classic dishes on a sunny terrace.
Avenida de la Libertad 51, Merida
(+34 924 372 847)
El Cristo
Over the border in the Portuguese town of Elvas, and definitely worth the trip, this restaurant is very popular because of its fresh seafood.
Parque da Piedade, Elvas
(+351 268 623 512)
Cafés
Gran Café Victoria
A great place to stop off for a late-morning coffee and pastry in the sunshine.
Calle San Juan, Badajoz
(+34 924 263223)
LaCasaBar
Set in a beautiful old house, the roof terrace of LaCasaBar is perfect for drinks and tapas. Part of the town’s defensive wall is inside the bar. (Closed Sunday evening and Mondays).
Avenida Campo Rosario, 2, Zafra, Badajoz
(+34 924553972)
Bars and clubs
Samarkanda
There are several late-night bars near the cathedral in Badajoz – the exotic Samarkanda is one of the best and sometimes has live music on.
Calle de la Virgen de la Soledad, 3b, Badajoz
(+34 924 225 368)