Andorra La Vella, Andorra

Travel Guide to Andorra La Vella, Andorra

Welcome to Andorra La Vella, the capital city of the tiny principality of Andorra! Located in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra La Vella is a hidden gem for travelers. This guide will take you through the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat, stay, and other essential information to make your trip unforgettable.

Places to Visit

1. Casa de la Vall

  • Address: Carrer de les Avingudes, 4, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This 16th-century building serves as the country’s parliament house and is an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture.
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Closed Mondays
  • Admission: Free admission, but donations are welcome

2. Parc Central

  • Address: Passeig de la Vila, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This central park is a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Hours: Open 24 hours a day
  • Admission: Free admission

3. Meritxell Fountain

  • Address: Carrer de les Avingudes, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This beautiful fountain is dedicated to the patron saint of Andorra.
  • Hours: Open 24 hours a day
  • Admission: Free admission

4. Caldea Spa and Wellness

  • Address: Ctra de les Avarós, s/n, AD200 Escalduna, Andorra
  • Description: This spa resort offers a range of relaxation options including hot springs, pools, and massages.
  • Hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Admission: Prices vary depending on the services chosen

5. Encante d’Andorra Shopping Centre

  • Address: Avinguda Meritxell, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This shopping centre offers a range of shops, restaurants, and services.
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Admission: Free admission

Activities

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

Andorra La Vella is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Several ski resorts are located near Andorra La Vella, including Grandvalira, Vallnord, and Ordino Arcalís.
  • Prices: Prices vary depending on the resort and time of year

2. Hiking and Walking

Andorra La Vella is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, making it a great destination for hikers and walkers.

  • Hiking and Walking: Several hiking trails are located near Andorra La Vella, including the GRP trail which runs through the city.

Where to Eat

1. Els Jardins de Solà

  • Address: Carrer de les Avingudes, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This restaurant serves traditional Andorran cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Closed Mondays
  • Admission: Prices vary depending on the menu chosen

2. La Bodeguita del Mar

  • Address: Carrer de les Avingudes, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This restaurant serves seafood and traditional Andorran cuisine.
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Admission: Prices vary depending on the menu chosen

3. Casa de la Vall Restaurant

  • Address: Carrer de les Avingudes, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This restaurant serves traditional Andorran cuisine in a beautiful setting.
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Closed Mondays
  • Admission: Prices vary depending on the menu chosen

Where to Stay

1. Hotel Andorra Park

  • Address: Carrer de les Avingudes, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities including a fitness centre and restaurant.
  • Prices: Prices vary depending on the time of year and room type
  • Admission: Free admission

2. Hotel Sol de Llevant

  • Address: Carrer de les Avingudes, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities including a fitness centre and restaurant.
  • Prices: Prices vary depending on the time of year and room type
  • Admission: Free admission

3. Hotel Comtesa

  • Address: Carrer de les Avingudes, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
  • Description: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities including a fitness centre and restaurant.
  • Prices: Prices vary depending on the time of year and room type
  • Admission: Free admission

Things to Know

1. Language

The official language of Andorra is Catalan, but many people also speak Spanish, French, and English.

  • Language: Catalan, Spanish, French, and English are all widely spoken in Andorra.

2. Currency

The Euro is the official currency of Andorra.

  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency of Andorra.

3. Weather

Andorra La Vella has a mild climate with cold winters and warm summers.

  • Weather: Andorra La Vella has a mild climate with cold winters and warm summers.

Transportation

1. Airport

The closest airport to Andorra La Vella is the Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) in Spain, which offers flights to several destinations around the world.

  • Airport: The closest airport to Andorra La Vella is the Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) in Spain.

2. Bus

Several bus companies offer routes from nearby cities and towns to Andorra La Vella.

  • Bus: Several bus companies offer routes from nearby cities and towns to Andorra La Vella.

3. Car Rental

You can rent a car at the airport or in the city centre.

  • Car Rental: You can rent a car at the airport or in the city centre.

Tips and Tricks

1. Respect for the Environment

Andorra La Vella is known for its commitment to environmental protection, so make sure to respect this by reducing your waste and using public transport.

  • Respect for the Environment: Andorra La Vella is known for its commitment to environmental protection.

2. Be Prepared for Altitude

If you’re not used to high altitudes, it’s recommended that you drink plenty of water and take regular breaks to avoid altitude sickness.

  • Be Prepared for Altitude: If you’re not used to high altitudes, it’s recommended that you drink plenty of water.

3. Learn Some Basic Catalan Phrases

While many people in Andorra speak English, learning some basic Catalan phrases can go a long way in showing respect and appreciation for the culture.

  • Learn Some Basic Catalan Phrases: While many people in Andorra speak English, learning some basic Catalan phrases can go a long way.

4. Don’t Miss the Festa de la Mercè

The Festa de la Mercè is one of the most important festivals in Andorra La Vella, and it’s not to be missed.

  • Don’t Miss the Festa de la Mercè: The Festa de la Mercè is one of the most important festivals in Andorra La Vella.