Must See Attractions in Gibraltar
Barbary Macaques
Cruise excursion visitors to Gibraltar can easily experience the famous Barbary macaques by joining a licensed taxi tour of the Rock or by purchasing entry tickets online for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
Taxi tours are the most popular option, as drivers provide direct access to key viewing areas such as Apes’ Den, where the monkeys are commonly seen in their natural rocky habitat.
Alternatively, independent visitors can enter the reserve by pre-booking tickets and exploring designated walking routes and viewpoints.
It is strongly recommended to book well in advance, especially during cruise ship days, as demand is high and access can be limited at peak times.
The Barbary macaques themselves are truly unique, being the only wild monkey population in Europe, they have become one of Gibraltar’s most iconic attractions and a highlight for visitors arriving by sea.
Great Siege Tunnels
Shore excursion visitors to Gibraltar can explore the fascinating Great Siege Tunnels, one of the most remarkable military engineering achievements on the Rock.
Carved out during the late 18th century to defend Gibraltar during the Great Siege, the tunnels offer a powerful insight into the strategic importance and history of the territory, with original gun placements and panoramic viewpoints still visible today.
This attraction is located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and can be accessed by purchasing a reserve entry ticket online or as part of a licensed taxi tour or private guided excursion.
Many cruise visitors choose the convenience of a taxi or private tour, as these options typically include multiple key sites within the reserve, making it an easy and efficient way to experience Gibraltar’s rich military heritage.
St Michael's Cave
Shore excursion visitors to Gibraltar can also experience the spectacular St. Michael’s Cave, one of the Rock’s most famous natural attractions.
Formed over thousands of years, this impressive limestone cave features vast chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, enhanced by atmospheric lighting that brings its dramatic formations to life.
It has also been used historically as a wartime hospital and even a concert venue, adding to its cultural significance. St. Michael’s Cave is included within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, meaning it can be accessed with a reserve entry ticket purchased online or as part of a licensed taxi tour or private excursion.
For cruise passengers, combining the cave with other highlights of the Upper Rock is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to experience Gibraltar’s unique blend of natural beauty and history in a limited time ashore.
World War II Tunnels
Cruise ship visitors to Gibraltar can explore the newly renovated World War II tunnels, a remarkable underground network that brings the Rock’s wartime history vividly to life.
These extensive tunnels were expanded and used during WWII as a key military headquarters, hospital, and supply route, playing a vital role in Gibraltar’s strategic defence. Recent renovations have improved lighting, interpretation, and visitor access, allowing guests to better understand how the Rock was transformed into a heavily fortified stronghold during the war.
Through exhibits, preserved rooms, and detailed displays, visitors gain insight into the daily lives of soldiers stationed underground. You can even see a replica spitfire in the first hall you enter!
The tunnels are typically included as part of Upper Rock Nature Reserve access and can be visited via licensed taxi tours or private excursions, making them an easy and compelling stop for cruise passengers looking to experience Gibraltar’s modern military history firsthand.
Skywalk
Cruise excursion visitors to Gibraltar can experience the impressive Skywalk, a glass viewing platform located near the famous Ape’s Den on the Upper Rock. This modern attraction offers truly spectacular, uninterrupted panoramic views across the Strait of Gibraltar, where on a clear day visitors can see two continents, Europe and Africa, as well as three countries: Gibraltar, Spain, and Morocco.
Standing on the glass floor creates a thrilling sense of height and openness, making it one of the most memorable photo opportunities on the Rock. Easily included as part of Upper Rock Nature Reserve access, the Skywalk is typically visited on licensed taxi tours or private excursions, and is considered a must-see highlight for cruise passengers looking to experience Gibraltar’s dramatic scenery from the top of the Rock.
Windsor Bridge
Cruise excursion visitors to Gibraltar can also take in the exciting Windsor Suspension Bridge, a striking walkway suspended high above a deep rocky gorge on the Upper Rock.
This short but memorable crossing offers a real sense of adventure, gently swaying as guests make their way across while surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and sweeping views of the nature reserve.
From the bridge, visitors can enjoy unique perspectives of Gibraltar’s rugged landscape, making it a popular stop for photos and a highlight of many Rock tours.
The Windsor Bridge is included within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and is usually visited as part of a licensed tour or shore excursion package.
Europa Point
Cruise excursion visitors to Gibraltar can easily make their way to Europa Point, the southernmost tip of the territory, where sweeping views stretch across the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe to Africa. It’s about an hour’s walk from the cruise port terminal, or much quicker by taxi or local bus for those who prefer a more relaxed journey.
Once there, two of the most popular landmarks are the striking Europa Point Lighthouse and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, both set against a dramatic coastal backdrop. You can also enjoy views toward the UNESCO-listed Gorham’s Cave Complex on the eastern side, where some of the first Neanderthals of Europe were discovered.
Catalan Bay
On the eastern side of Gibraltar, visitors can head to Catalan Bay, a small, colourful fishing village known for its postcard-worthy setting.
The beach curves gently along a sheltered cove, with brightly painted houses stacked along the hillside, creating one of the most picturesque scenes on the Rock. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busier town centre, making it an ideal spot to slow down and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
If cruise ship visitors are on a short time scale, it's recommended to take either a bus or taxi here as it's around a 45 minute walk from the Cruise Terminal.
Along the beachfront you’ll find relaxed places to stop for a meal or grab a drink, with cafés and restaurants offering tables just steps from the sand. It’s a great place to sit back and watch the waves and enjoy the view.
Alameda Gardens
The Gibraltar Botanic Gardens (Alameda Gardens) are a peaceful green escape located just beyond the top of Main Street, making them an easy and rewarding stop after exploring the town centre.
Originally created in 1816, the gardens are filled with a rich variety of Mediterranean and exotic plants, shaded walkways, and quiet corners perfect for a break from the busier streets below.
Visitors come here not only for the lush landscaping but also for the sense of calm and the chance to see wildlife such as parrots and terrapins in the ponds at the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park. It’s a lovely place to slow down, enjoy the subtropical atmosphere, and take in a different, more tranquil side of Gibraltar
Main Street
Main Street is a must for anyone looking to experience the lively heart of Gibraltar.
As the territory’s most popular shopping and social street, it’s lined with a mix of local boutiques, international brands, and plenty of places to stop for a break.
Visitors can wander at a relaxed pace, browsing shops, picking up souvenirs, or enjoying a quick snack along the way. The street is especially well known for its tempting selection of ice cream parlours, bakeries offering fresh pastries, casual cafés, and traditional pubs where you can pause for a drink and soak up the atmosphere.
With its vibrant energy and constant buzz, Main Street is the perfect place to enjoy Gibraltar’s everyday charm while sampling a little of everything it has to offer.
Ocean Village & Marinas
A stroll through Ocean Village offers one of the most enjoyable waterfront experiences in Gibraltar, with its modern marina setting, palm-lined promenades, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Visitors can walk along the promenade watching yachts gently sway in the harbour, while choosing from a wide range of lively bars, cafés, and restaurants that line the waterfront. It’s an ideal place to pause for a drink, enjoy a meal outdoors, or simply sit back and take in the sunset over the marina.
With everything from casual dining to stylish cocktail spots just steps apart, Ocean Village is perfect for an easy-going evening walk where good food, great views, and a vibrant social scene come together in one scenic location.
Dolphin Watching
Cruise ship visitors to Gibraltar can enjoy the unforgettable experience of dolphin watching in the Bay of Gibraltar, where pods of wild dolphins are often spotted swimming and playing close to the boats.
These trips offer a unique opportunity to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat against the dramatic backdrop of the Rock. Due to high demand, especially on cruise ship days when many visitors are in port, so it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance and select a specific departure time to secure availability.
Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out on one of Gibraltar’s most popular and memorable wildlife experiences.
Dolphin Adventure: www.dolphin.gi
Dolphin Safari: www.dolphinsafari.gi