This Under-the-Radar City Is the Highest Capital in Europe — and Its Thermal Spas Offer the Ultimate Mountain Escape
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The best things to do in Andorra la Vella, Andorra, include exploring the medieval halls of Casa de la Vall and crossing the modern steel arches of Pont de Paris. As the highest capital city in Europe at over 3,300 feet above sea level, Andorra la Vella offers visitors history, nature, and modern luxury.
Despite its small size, this charming capital welcomes over 8 million visitors annually, drawn by its tax-free shopping, breathtaking mountain views, and unique cultural legacy.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, shop for luxury goods at Avenida Meritxell, or relax in the thermal waters of Caldea Spa, one of Europe’s largest wellness centers.
To help you plan the perfect trip, here are 12 must-do things in Andorra la Vella. To curate this list, we enlisted the help of traveler reviews, local recommendations, and expert insights.
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Highlights at a Glance
Explore Casa de la Vall

Exploring Casa de la Vall is one of the most popular things to do in Andorra la Vella. Constructed in 1580, this historic structure first served as a manor house for the Busquets family. In 1702, it became the headquarters of the General Council of Andorra.
Today, Casa de la Vall is a popular museum where visitors can learn about Andorra la Vella’s history. Before you enter the museum, take photographs of its traditional architecture. It looks very much like a medieval building you’d see in a Disney movie.
Inside, there are many exciting things to see, highlights including the Court of Courts, the Room of Lost Steps, and the old kitchen. A 30-minute Casa de la Vall tour costs €5 ($5.21).
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Walk Across Pont de Paris

Pont de Paris is one of the best things to see in Andorra la Vella if you want to take photographs. Constructed in 2006, this bridge stands proudly above La Valira River, offering scenic river and city views. Better yet, the bridge itself is beautiful.
It features an avant-garde design and is formed by two upper arches. You’ll also see the words Andorra la Vella in large letterings along the side of the bridge. Unsurprisingly, this is a popular place to grab a selfie for social media.
Once you’ve photographed the bridge, you can walk across it to get a closer look at its fascinating architecture. The next bridge along the river offers excellent Pont de Paris views.
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Relax at Caldea Spa

Caldea Spa is one of the best tourist attractions in Andorra la Vella for romantic couples and travelers searching for a relaxing experience. Opened in 1994, this famous spa has 18 floors of luxurious facilities that will help you unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. At over 64,583 square feet (6,000 square meters), it’s one of the largest spas in Europe.
Interestingly, at 262 feet (80 meters) tall, it’s also the tallest building in Andorra. However, it’s likely the luxury spa facilities drawing you in. Inside Caldea Spa, you’ll find a plethora of spa facilities, including indoor and outdoor lagoons, hydromassage basins, saunas, and exfoliation showers.
The Premium admission ticket grants you unlimited access to the entire facility.
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Watch a Soccer Match at Estadi Nacional

One of the best things to do in Andorra la Vella if you’re a sports fan is to watch soccer at the Estadi Nacional. This 3,347-seater stadium might be small, but it’s home to two football teams. FC Andorra, which plays in the third tier of Spanish football, and the Andorra national team both play at the stadium.
If you time your visit right, you can watch one of the two teams in action. Aside from the action on the pitch, Estadi Nacional sits in a beautiful location surrounded by lush hills. Therefore, if the games don’t provide enough entertainment, the picturesque scenery will.
You can book tickets to watch FC Andorra on their official website.
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Go On a Shopping Spree

Shopping enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Andorra’s unique tax systems make shopping in Andorra la Vella more affordable. Andorra is a microstate that’s not part of the EU. Therefore, travelers can enjoy tax-free shopping.
That said, a shopping spree is a must during your visit to the city. Whether you want to pick up souvenirs, buy presents for your family, or treat yourself to something nice, Andorra la Vella has something for you.
Duty Free, E. Leclerc Hiper, and Avinguda Meritxell are three popular places to shop in Andorra la Vella. Along Avinguda Meritxell, you can find everything from watches and designer clothes to alcohol and luxury perfume brands.
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Enjoy a Beer in Barri Antic

One of the most relaxing things to do in Andorra la Vella is to enjoy a refreshing beer in Barri Antic. Barri Antic is the city’s Old Town. It was once the heart of Andorra la Vella when the city was nothing more than a small village.
Today, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Here, you’ll find historic cobblestone streets lined with traditional stone houses. You’ll also find many quaint places to buy a drink. Barri Antic Hostel and Pub is one of the neighborhood’s best places to grab a beer.
This lively pub offers a selection of beers and tapas dishes, a vibrant atmosphere, and a beautiful setting. You’ll love the signposts decorating the walls of the pub.
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Go Skiing

Skiing is one of the best outdoor activities in Andorra la Vella. Andorra la Vella is ideally located near several world-class skiing resorts, including Grandvalira, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees. This enormous ski resort offers over 124 miles (200 kilometers) of skiable terrain.
Besides skiing, outdoorsy travelers can also try snowboarding, snowmobiling, mushing, and zip lining at Grandvalira. This ski resort is only a 24-minute drive from Andorra la Vella. Another popular ski resort near Andorra la Vella is Vallnord, which offers over 56 miles (90 kilometers) of skiable terrain.
The nearest Vallnord ski resort gondola to Andorra la Vella is the La Massana gondola, 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) away.
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Have Fun at the Andorra La Vella Christmas Village

Having fun at the Christmas Village is one of the most exciting things to do in Andorra la Vella. Every year, the streets of Andorra la Vella transform into a winter wonderland bursting at the seams with delicious smells, magical sights, and Christmas festivities. Better yet, the Christmas Village runs well into the New Year.
The Christmas Village ran from November 28th to January 5th in 2024, so we can expect something similar in 2025. One of the best things about the village is how it offers something for everyone. Children can enjoy over 30 entertainment options, including festive workshops, theatrical performances, and the Magic Post Office.
Meanwhile, adults can shop for last-minute gifts and refreshing beverages in the market stalls and listen to live Andorran music.
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Walk Around Parc Central

Parc Central is one of the nicest places to walk in Andorra la Vella. Designed by the architect Daniel Gelabert Fontova, this public park and gardens is the city center’s primary green space. It offers scenic walking paths, children’s playgrounds, unique art installations, and picnic areas.
If you visit in spring, particularly between late April and early June, you can admire the park’s blooming cherry blossom trees as you walk. As you walk around the park, keep your eyes peeled for the marble sculptures. Make sure you also cross the unique Parc Central Bridge.
Other than that, enjoy the lush scenery and take some time to relax. Why don’t you take a picnic with you?
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Visit the St Esteve of Andorra Church

The St Esteve of Andorra Church, also known as Església de Sant Esteve, is one of Andorra la Vella’s most beautiful buildings. Constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries, this gorgeous structure features a stone bell tower and facade with Romanesque features. Meanwhile, the church is surrounded by picturesque hills, making it an excellent photography spot.
As if that wasn’t enough, the city views from the church are spectacular. Inside, visitors can find a beautiful 12-century altar-piece and medieval frescoes. Visiting hours vary due to the season and religious events.
However, the church is generally open to visitors year-round. Visitors can also observe or participate in religious services.
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Take a Photograph of La Noblesse du Temps

La Noblesse du Temps is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Andorra la Vella. That said, take a photograph of it during your trip. La Noblesse du Temps, or the Nobility of Time, is a bronze sculpture by artist Salvador Dalí. It was created between 1977 and 1982.
In 2010, the sculpture was placed alongside the La Valira River in Andorra la Valle’s Plaça de la Rotonda. La Noblesse du Temps features a melting clock hanging in a tree surrounded by angels.
This breathtaking sculpture is in a public space, so you can visit it anytime. However, we recommend visiting during the day to see it in all its glory.
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Admire the Views at Plaça del Poble

Plaça del Poble is among the best places in Andorra la Vella for city views. This lively square occupies the roof of a government building near Casa de la Vall and the St Esteve of Andorra Church. From the square, travelers are treated to magnificent views of Andorra’s valleys and mountains.
You can also see St Esteve of Andorra Church’s stone tower. Aside from offering exceptional views, Plaça del Poble is a popular place for locals to gather, especially in the evening. That makes it a fantastic place to watch people.
If you visit in the evening, you’ll also enjoy gorgeous sunset views over Andorra la Vella. What’s not to like?
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