The Essential Gibraltar

by Kelly J. McGuire

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

Throughout history, a rocky promontory at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea has welcomed travellers from distant lands. Known to the Romans as Mons Calpe and long believed to be one of the legendary ‘Pillars of Hercules’, Gibraltar has seen its fair share of visitors over the centuries. British since 1704 and one of the last few remnants of the glorious British Empire, the Rock owes a lot of its history and local flavour to the diverse cultures of those who have lived upon its shores, from prehistoric man to its Moorish occupiers of the Middle Ages.

Today the Rock is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern Europe and is home to over 28,000 inhabitants. Visitors coming to Gibraltar have often remarked on Gibraltar’s unique culture, an exotic blend of British tradition and Spanish lifestyle. One minute they could be eating tapas at a local restaurant, the next they may find themselves watching the ceremonial Changing of the Guard by the Convent, the official residence of the royal-appointed Governor, or relaxing with friends in the comfort of a traditional English pub. Whether you come for the sunshine or simply want to explore the many historical sites of this small colony, Gibraltar is the ideal place to spend some quality time with friends or family.

• Key Attractions
• Gibraltar for Day Trippers
• Further Suggestions
• Fun for the Kids
• Shopping
• Food & Drink
• Nightlife

KEY ATTRACTIONS

Cable Car

Gibraltar’s most popular attraction is perhaps the Cable Car, which was constructed in 1966 and has since taken visitors up to (and down from) the Upper Rock. Visitors have the option of getting off at the midway station for the Apes Den or the top station for panoramic views of the city, beaches, bay and Straits. For those travelling to the top station, plenty of information on Gibraltar’s history and sites can be found as well as the ruins of the Signal Hill Battery. A number of Gibraltar’s famous Barbary Apes can often be found in this area so exercise caution when approaching these. If you have any food with you, make sure you put it away as apes are known to snatch food away from tourists and may even bite.

Gibraltar’s most popular attraction is perhaps the Cable Car, which was constructed in 1966 and has since taken visitors up to (and down from) the Upper Rock. Visitors have the option of getting off at the midway station for the Apes Den or the top station for panoramic views of the city, beaches, bay and Straits. For those travelling to the top station, plenty of information on Gibraltar’s history and sites can be found as well as the ruins of the Signal Hill Battery. A number of Gibraltar’s famous Barbary Apes can often be found in this area so exercise caution when approaching these. If you have any food with you, make sure you put it away as apes are known to snatch food away from tourists and may even bite.

Jews Gate

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

The first stop on the road for those travelling to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve by car or foot is Jew’s Gate. The site is built on an old battery and gets its name from the close-by Jewish cemetery. These days, visitors can come and admire the Pillars of Hercules Monument which overlooks a stunning panoramic view of the Straits and Morocco. Gibraltar was known as to the Romans as Mons Calpe and is reputed to be one of the legendary Pillars of Hercules of Greek myth. Together with Monte Hacho in Ceuta, it was believed that the Pillars marked the edge of the known world, a story propagated by the Phoenicians to keep other traders from discovering the treasures that lay beyond. Entry to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and its sites costs £7 for adults and £4 for children.

St. Michael's Cave

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

Located some 300 metres above sea-level, this spectacular grotto in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve is one of Gibraltar’s most visited sites. St Michael’s Cave consists of an Upper Hall and several smaller chambers, all adorned with spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations. More than just a geologist’s dream, visitors will learn more about Gibraltar’s prehistory and about the creatures that once inhabited the caves, the remains of which can be found in the Gibraltar Museum. There is also a stalagmite that has been cut across, revealing its interior structure. Its rings indicate the changing climate over the centuries and is a valuable source of information about the Rock’s ancient past.

Visitors can also catch a show which highlights Gibraltar’s history in a colourful display of sound and light. The ‘son-et-lumiere’ show is shown twice daily during on weekdays and lasts approximately 15 minutes. The cave is open daily from 9:30am to 7pm and tickets can be bought as part of the entry pass into the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The ticket, costing £7 for adults or £4 for children, will allow you entry into the other sites within the Reserve.

A popular myth propagated over the centuries was that the cave was bottomless and that there was a subterranean passage that led from Gibraltar all the way to Morocco, some 20 kilometres away, and that it was through this tunnel that the Barbary Apes reached Gibraltar. While this myth has not yet proved to be true, there is a lower series of chambers and an underground lake beneath St Michael’s Cave, appropriately named Lower St Michael’s Cave. A visit to these lower chambers are not advisable for those suffering from claustrophobia and must be arranged in advance with a qualified guide. Tours to Lower St Michael’s Cave take around 3 hours and should preferably be arranged at least 3 days in advance through telephone booking. The admission is £5 per person and group sizes will range from a minimum of five people to a maximum of ten. In addition, visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes designed for wet conditions; hiking boots are a good option. Photography is allowed but parents should note that children under the age of 10 will not be allowed on the tour for their own safety. Tours operate after 6pm on weekdays, 2pm on Saturdays and by prior appointment on Sundays. (Telephone : +350 56639000, +350 54231000, +350 54004160)

Apes Den

No visit to Gibraltar would be complete without paying a visit to the Rock’s most famous inhabitants, the Barbary Apes. The Rock is home to over 200 macaques, the only primates living in the wild in Europe. Most of them congregate around Apes Den in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve where they eagerly await the coach-loads of tourists. The apes are more than happy to sit around and pose for photos but do keep an eye on your belongings as they are prone to snatching cameras and bags from unsuspecting tourists. It’s not entirely clear how the Barbary Apes came to be in Gibraltar. One myth is that they came from Morocco via a subterranean tunnel but it is more likely that they were brought over to the Rock as pets by earlier inhabitants. Regardless of their origin, the Barbary Apes, which are actually tail-less monkeys, are one of Gibraltar’s most enduring icons and popular lore states that the Rock would cease to be British when the last ape leaves Gibraltar. To visit these fascinating creatures, you can reach Apes Den by getting off at the Cable Car’s middle station or make your way up to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve by car, taxi or tour bus.

The Great Siege Tunnels

Between 1779 and 1783, France and Spain attempted to wrest control of the Rock from the British. Using the Rock’s northern face as a launch pad to stun the enemy, a network of tunnels hewn out of the Rock and guns were installed as part of an elaborate defence against the hostile forces. These are now known as the Great Siege Tunnels and now house exhibitions which try and recreate the life and times of those who helped defend the Rock from certain recapture. History buffs and youngsters will find plenty to spark their imaginations and there is also a possibility of posing for photos in the attire of the period. The Great Siege Tunnels are open to the public daily from 9:30am to 7pm.

"Gibraltar, A City Under Siege" Exhibition

The City Under Siege exhibition is a recent addition to Gibraltar’s list of tourist attractions and gives a valuable insight into the harsh living conditions endured by the civilian (and military) population during the Great Siege, a period which saw the destruction of much of the old city area. The buildings that house the exhibits are believed to be among the oldest built on the Rock by the British and eagle-eyed visitors will be able to see graffiti drawn by duty soldiers which dates from this era. Visitors can find the exhibition along the road between the Great Siege Tunnels and the Moorish Castle and entrance is free.

Moorish Castle

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

Perched on the Rock and towering above the city in the Upper Town area are the last remnants of a Moorish Castle. The original castle was first constructed in the 8th Century and was rebuilt several times, the last redevelopment being in 1333. When it was first built, it was the first Moorish fortification constructed on European soil and the citadel played an important role in the Moorish conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The Tower of Homage was the highest tower of the Islamic period on the entire peninsula and the castle’s Qasbah was one of the largest ever built in the region.

During the Great Siege (1779-1783), the castle and walls sustained heavy damage and much of the centuries-old structure was destroyed. Nowadays, only the Tower of Homage, Gate House and parts of the outer wall remain in testament to the lengthy Moorish occupation, which lasted over seven hundred years (711-1462). Due to ongoing conservation and restoration works, it may not be possible to go inside the Tower but visitors should be able to see the ancient structure close up if they make their way up to the castle, where they will also be treated to a panoramic view of the town and bay.

Gibraltar Museum

The Gibraltar Museum on Bomb House Lane is a must-see for tourists visiting the Rock and is an excellent place to bring the kids. Visitors to the museum will be treated to an informative 15-minute film charting Gibraltar’s history from the prehistoric era to modern day. The museum contains a number of different exhibits on geology, military history and natural history as well as a section devoted to the Gibraltarian people. One of the museum’s most interesting displays is the ‘Passage of Time’ exhibit. Here visitors can learn more about Gibraltar’s prehistory and some of its earliest inhabitants, the Neanderthals. Various artefacts and animal remains found in Gorham’s Cave are also on display and visitors should look out for the museum’s Egyptian mummy, which had been found floating in the bay in the 1930s.

The highlight attraction of the museum are the Moorish Baths which were built in the same century as the Moorish Castle. The Baths consist of three main chambers which were heated by a network of underground canals. After several years of painstaking restoration work, the Baths have been restored and reveal stunning arches and vaulted ceilings which were once illuminated by the star-shaped lanterns. The Museum Shop has a wide selection of souvenirs on offer, including a number of books on local history, fridge magnets and T-shirts. There is also a small cafeteria for those wanting to grab a quick bite to eat or afternoon tea. The museum is open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays, 10am to 2pm on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays. Entrance fees are £2 for adults, £1 for children under 12 and free entry for under 5. (Telephone : +350 74289, Website : http://www.gib.gi/museum)

The Convent & Kings Chapel

Originally the quarters of Franciscan Friars, The Convent became the official residence of Gibraltar’s lineage of governors in 1728. Visitors to the Rock should try and catch the weekly Changing of the Guard, which takes place outside the Convent every Monday at 10:30am. Unfortunately the Convent itself is off-limits to tourists although it is open to the public on special occasions. Nevertheless, visitors can visit the adjoining King’s Chapel. This small but picturesque chapel was part of the original Franciscan convent and displays a number of plaques, artefacts and regimental flags. It is also the burial place of two former governors and visitors should look out for a silver chalice dating from 1710 which bears the coat of arms of Queen Anne. The chapel was damaged by an explosion in the harbour in 1953, losing its original stained-glass windows and sustaining structural damages. It has since undergone extensive reconstruction works and has been restored to its former glory. The chapel is open to the public daily and admission is free, although donations are welcome.

Alameda Botanical Gardens

The Alameda Botanical Gardens were first opened in 1816 and provides pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre as well as much-needed shade in the scorching summer months. The Alameda Gardens are an interconnected network of paths and gardens, including impressive cactus beds, ponds and a scenic covered bridge which overlooks beautifully tended flower beds. The gardens are a very popular destination for newlyweds, who can often be seen posing for photos in their wedding attire in one of Gibraltar’s most romantic locations. Green-fingered folk will enjoy walking through the gardens and admiring plants from subtropical climates around the world. There is ample space for children to run wild and a playground for the younger children can be found near the main entrance. Concerts and other shows are held in the garden’s Open Air Theatre during the summer and a programme of events can be found on the website below. Free guided tours are held once a month starting from the George Don Gates. Upcoming tours will be held on September 23rd (10:30am), October 21st (10:30am), November 18th (10:30am) and December 16th (3:00pm). To reach this verdant oasis, make your way past Referendum Gates to Grand Parade. The entrance is at the end of the car park (past the Cable Car). The gardens are open daily from 8am to dusk and there is no admission charge. (Telephone: +350 41235, Website: http://www.gibraltargardens.gi)

100 Ton Gun

Visitors who are interested in military history and weaponry should make their way to the 100 Ton Gun on Napier of Magdala Battery to see a relic of Gibraltar’s military past. This ‘supergun’ was designed by Sir W.C. Armstrong in 1870 and is one of only two such guns in good conditions left in the world (the other is in Malta). The entrance exhibition highlights the history and technical details of the gun and includes the original blueprints and photographs of the time. The entrance exhibit costs £1 per person (free if you have a full price Cable Car ticket) and is open daily from 9:30am to 7pm.

Parsons Lodge

Perched above Rosia Bay is the coastal military installation known as Parsons Lodge. This installation of underground tunnels, guns and sturdy stone walls was first built in 1333 by the Moorish occupants of the time and improved upon over the centuries by the Spanish and British. Once a strategic military defence post, Parsons Lodge is now a fairly unknown historical site tucked away in the South District. Military historians should include the Lodge on their itinerary as it is one of the best preserved installations on the Rock and there is a wealth of information at hand about the history and construction of this splendid military outpost. One of the highlights are the underground tunnels which look out onto the surrounding bays. To reach Parsons Lodge by bus, take Route 4 to the Rosia Bay terminus and follow the road towards the bay proper. Parsons Lodge is open to the public every day (except Mondays) from 10am to 7pm and there is an admission charge of £2 for adults and £1 for children.

Europa Point & Lighthouse

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

At the southernmost tip of Gibraltar is Europa Point, which looks out onto the Straits of Gibraltar. On clear days, visitors will be treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the Straits and the distant Rif Mountains of Morocco. One notable landmark of Europa Point is its red and white Lighthouse, the only one outside of Britain that is managed by Trinity House. The Lighthouse was built in 1838 and is now fully automated. Visitors will also be able to admire the majestic Ibrahim Al Ibrahim Mosque which was built in the area in the 1990s. The easiest ways to reach Europa Point are by car or by taking the south-bound Bus Route 3.

GIBRALTAR FOR DAY TRIPPERS

If you are only in Gibraltar for the day, there is still plenty you could do. If your time on the Rock is limited and you still wish to see all of the key sights, there are a number of ‘whirlwind’ tours available.

The Gibraltar Taxi Association offer guided tours to all of the major attractions. For those travelling with family or friends, these taxi tours are the ideal solution if you’re just stopping by the Rock for the day. The taxi drivers are all well-versed on the history of the Rock and will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about Gibraltar. In addition, you may even get to see some sights that most other tourists are unaware of and may have the chance to get up close and personal with the Barbary Apes. The apes and drivers have struck up certain friendships over the years and your driver will advise you on how best to approach the apes and let them climb on your shoulder. As part of the Official Rock Tour by Taxi, you will visit St Michael’s Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels, Moorish Castle and other key sights. There is also a chance to visit other sights around Gibraltar but you will have to negotiate with the driver beforehand as there may be an additional charge. The average tour lasts around 1 and a half hours but it is always possible to ask for more time to spend at any of the attractions. The taxi drivers are very flexible and will make every effort to accommodate your sightseeing needs. Tours start from only £7 but there may be an extra charge for entry into the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. (Telephone: +350 70027 or +350 70077, Website: http://www.gibtaxi.com)

Parodytur also organises tours of Gibraltar in their comfy air-conditioned coaches. The ‘2 Hour Rock Tour’ includes visits to Catalan Bay, Europa Point, St Michael’s Cave, Apes Den and a panoramic tour of the old city area while the ‘Extended 3 Hour Rock Tour’ also includes visits to the 100 Ton Gun and Upper Galleries. Tickets for the 2 hour tour are £8 for adults (£6 for children) and the 3 hour tour costs £11 for adults (£8 for children).
(Telephone: +350 76070, 70563, Website: http://www.parodytur.com)

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

For those feeling a little adventurous, the Dive Charters Scuba School based in Marina Bay offers ‘Try Dives’ for only £25. These dives are designed for absolute beginners and are under the guidance of PADI certified instructors who will supervise your safety brief and dive. All ‘Try Dives’ are held in the safe waters of Rosia Bay and will whet people’s appetites for the joys of underwater exploration. Dive Charters also offer a range of courses and certificates for those who have some prior experience. While every effort is made to ensure the safety of their clients, the company recommends that clients are covered by travel and dive insurance. (Website: http://www.divegib.gi)

Salsa and samba classes are available for those who want to revel in some latino spirit. These are held at the Corner House Restaurant, next to the Continental Hotel on Engineer’s Lane, and are suitable for absolute beginners. Classes are held by instructor Pedro Vera every Wednesday from 9pm to 10pm and cost only £3 per lesson.

For those who want to explore the region a little more, the Blands Travel Group organise excursions to towns in Spain and Morocco from as little as £35. On Tuesdays, there are excursions to Ronda, a town which sits on the edge of the El Tajo canyon near Malaga. Here visitors will be treated to visits to its famous bull-ring, one of the oldest in Spain, and other local attractions. Tangiers is the destination on Wednesdays. Visitors signing up for this visit will get to experience Morocco’s exotic culture firsthand and walk through the city’s market, the Socco. On Thursdays, visitors can sample the sights and sounds of Jerez, the sherry capital of the world. (Telephone: +350 77012,Website: http://www.blands.gi/excursions.html)

FUN FOR KIDS

The Cable Car, Apes Den and St Michael’s Cave are all very popular attractions with children but there’s more for young travellers to experience and enjoy during their visit to the Rock.

• Dolphin Tours : Whether you’re travelling with children or you’re simply a kid at heart, a tour on one of Gibraltar’s renowned dolphin boats to admire these playful creatures will bring a smile to one’s face and create memories to last a lifetime. During the tours, your family will have the chance to see a number of species of dolphin which reside in the bay’s waters, such as the

  Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

  Common and Bottlenose dolphins, and watch them in their natural environment. Baby dolphins are common sights in the summer months and can be swimming alongside their mothers. If you’re really lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a whale in the distance as these mammoth marine animals are known to pass through the Straits of Gibraltar.
  
  A number of companies offering dolphin tours are based in Marina Bay and Waterport. Two of these are highlighted below.

SHOPPING

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

Due to its duty-free status and the countless number of shops, it’s no surprise that many visitors think of Gibraltar’s as a shopper’s paradise. Items such as perfumes, alcohol and cosmetics are, on the whole, cheaper than in many European countries but do shop around before parting with your cash as there are bargains to be had if you are able to sniff them out.

The official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar Pound (which is equivalent in value to the British Pound). The British Pound is interchangeable with the Gibraltar Pound and many shops also accept Euros as payment. If you’re paying with Euros, however, you should note that shops charge more for items paid for with Euros and change will often be given in Pounds. If you want to change your money into Gibraltar pounds, there are numerous travel exchange bureaus along Main Street and at the airport. You can also change money at Barclay’s Bank and Natwest.

Shops in Gibraltar are open from 10am to 7pm on weekdays and from 10am to around 1pm on Saturdays. Few shops are open on Saturday afternoons and Sundays so try to plan your shopping accordingly.

Clothing stores are in abundance, many of them being branches of UK high street stores. Marks & Spencers can be found next to the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned and has two floors of women’s, men’s and children’s clothes as well as a tiny supermarket. A branch of BHS can be found on the ground floor of the ICC Building off Casemates Square while branches of Next, Topshop and Dorothy Perkins can be found along Main Street. Menswear can be found at Napoleon Menswear Ltd at 44 Main Street and Louis Bernard at 255-257 Main Street among others. The best place for brand sportswear is Sports City at 81 Main Street. While it has all the Nike and Adidas sportswear you could ever want, prices are a little on the steep side when compared with prices in the UK or Spain.

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

If you’d like to buy some jewellery for yourself or as a gift, the Silver Shop in Horse Barrack Lane and 275 Main Street is the ideal place for beautifully crafted silver jewellery. Shoppers will find a wide range of rings, earrings and necklaces from as little as a few pounds. There are also a number of gifts suitable for men, such as silver compasses and cardholders. The Star of India at 108 Main Street is one of the best places for cosmetics and perfumes on the Rock. Visitors should also note that duty-free perfumes can be bought at the airport’s departure lounge and these are often cheaper than those bought in the city.

There is no shortage of souvenir or gift shops and visitors will be able to find a little something for everyone within the city walls. Cuddly monkey soft toys make an excellent souvenir and can be bought at various stores around Main Street for as little as £3.50. Customised T-shirts, beach bags, baseball caps and other typical touristy items can be found in stores around town. For those hoping to spice up their own houses, many of the Indian shops along Main Street sell beautiful tablecloths and cushion covers. It is advisable that you shop around for bargains and don’t be afraid to haggle over the prices as many shopkeepers are quite flexible. Nature lovers can find an amazing range of gifts at the Nature Shop on the first floor of the Casemates Shopping Centre. Items sold include soft toys, photo frames and wood carvings.

Bookworms will be disappointed when it comes to shopping for books in Gibraltar as the range is fairly limited and prices are often higher than in the UK. Bell Books on Bell Lane has a rather good selection of travel books, novels and non-fiction. The selection in the Book Centre at 219 Main Street is very limited although there is quite a good selection of books for children and young adults. For a wider selection of books on most subjects and genres, check out the Gibraltar Bookstore at 300 Main Street. As well as novels and popular non-fiction, they also sell a number of books on the history of Gibraltar and a selection of nautical books. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, the shop in the airport’s main hall sells all the latest bestsellers as well as a large selection of magazines.

FOOD & DRINK

Gibraltar has a wide range of restaurants and bars to suit anyone’s culinary desires. Whether you’re after delicious Spanish tapas, looking for a quick bite for lunch or simply want to relax with a drink in a traditional English pub, you can find it in and around the city centre.

There are several sandwich bars in Gibraltar. Fancy That Sandwich Bar and Just A Nibble can be found in the I.C.C. building off Casemates Square while The Lunchbox can be found at 301 Eurotowers near St. Bernard’s Hospital. All of these offer a wide range of fillings at reasonable prices. The Sacarello’s Coffee House at 57 Irish Town is an ideal place to grab a quick bite to eat. You can find an excellent selection of salads, jacket potatoes and other snacks as well as an assortment of homemade cakes and coffees. Sacarello’s is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7:30pm and closed on Sundays.

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

Fish and chips is one culinary legacy from the British and is sold in a number of outlets around town. The Rock English Fish & Chips in Casemates serves up some great battered fish and early birds take advantage of its hearty English breakfasts. At 295 Main Street, visitors can stop by Smith’s Fish & Chip Shop and be treated to some of the best cod, haddock and plaice on the Rock. Pub lunches and Sunday roasts are also catered for on the Rock. The Angry Friar at 278 Main Street (opposite the Convent) is a popular place to have a traditional English roast dinner and visitors can enjoy their Yorkshire puddings and gravy in the pub’s outdoor terrace. For those looking for something Scottish, they should make their way to The Three Roses on Governor’s Street. As well as being the Rock’s unofficial ‘Scottish Embassy’, the pub offers several happy hours a week and free tapas on Fridays between 4pm and 6pm.

Those after something slightly more exotic will be happy to know that Gibraltar has its own selection of Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants. Lek Bangkok in Europort is Gibraltar’s top Thai restaurant and diners can opt to eat in or takeaway. The Pad Thai and Thai fish cakes are highly recommended. The best places for Indian cuisine are Maharaja on Tuckey’s Lane (off Barclay’s Bank) and Viceroy of India at 9/11 Horse Barrack Court, both of which serve a wide range of Indian dishes at affordable prices. For Chinese food, look no further than the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant in Market Lane, which is open daily from 12pm to 3pm and 6:30pm to midnight. For those wishing to sample some authentic Moroccan cuisine, head to La Bayuca on 21 Turnbull’s Lane for some of the best couscous and tagine dishes this side of the Straits.

Due to its seaside location, Gibraltar has a large number of restaurants serving fresh seafood and fish. The La Mamela restaurant in Catalan Bay is an excellent place to sample some of the Rock’s best seafood dishes. Bianca’s Bistro in Marina Bay has a superb selection of seafood dishes, including its renowned swordfish steaks. The Waterfront Restaurant in the Queensway Quay Marina has a wide range of fish and meat dishes as well as some of the best international cuisine in Gibraltar.

Vegetarian restaurants are still few and far between in Gibraltar as there has been little demand for them in the past. Just Desserts on the 1st floor of the ICC Building has a range of vegetarian lunches and snacks and is open from 8am to 4:30pm on Mondays to Fridays. Most good restaurants do offer a number of vegetarian options but there are very few places which serve dishes suitable for vegans. The Leanse Kosher Restaurant at 7 Bomb House Lane and Solly’s Salt Beef Parlour and Delicatessen at 8 Cannon Lane serve a selection of Kosher dishes and foods under the supervision of local rabbis.

There is also no shortage of fast food on the Rock. Branches of Burger King can be found in Casemates Square and 292 Main Street while the McDonalds restaurant and drive-through is located on Europort Avenue. Pizza Hut fans will find a branch of the restaurant in the ground floor of the ICC Building and might even be able arrange a home delivery to their hotel should they wish (make sure to clear this with the hotel staff first). For fast food with a Spanish twist, you can buy some delicious churros (fried dough snacks) at the Picadilly Garden Bar on Rosia Road. While these are traditionally eaten as part of a Spanish breakfast, they taste just as good in the evening.

NIGHTLIFE

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

While the nightlife scene in Gibraltar lacks the vibrancy of the nearby Costa del Sol, there are a number of places to take in the local ambiente (atmosphere). Local nightlife is centred around Casemates Square, where several restaurants and bars have dance floors and drink deals to satisfy any customer. Latino’s is a popular destination with both locals and tourists, featuring salsa music and table-top dancing. All’s Well and The Tunnel are also lively locales and are often open until the early hours. During the summer months, live music and karaoke competitions are held in the Square as part of Gibraltar’s Summer Nights programme.

Just outside of Casemates, on the top corner of the ICC Building, is the Sax II nightclub. The club charges a small entrance fee and is very popular with young Gibraltarians. For those who dislike cramped clubs or cheesy latino pop, you may want to look elsewhere. The Underground at 8 West of Arms (near the market) plays a wider selection of music and has an outside area and pool tables for those who need a respite from the indoors dancefloor. The club’s dress code is ‘smart-casual’ and charges a £3 entrance fee.

For those just looking for a place to enjoy a drink with friends, there’s a wide selection of bars and pubs to choose from. The Angry Friar, opposite the Convent, is a pub that is popular with English expats and visitors and is open until midnight. Its outdoor terrace is an ideal place to sit with a drink on a warm summer’s evening. If you’re looking to catch live sports events on TV, the Clipper in Irish Town is the place for you. It offers a varied menu of meals and snacks and is open until midnight. The Duck & Firkin in Building 6, Europort, also broadcasts live football events, boasts a number of pool tables and holds a monthly karaoke competition. Gibraltar’s best beer garden can be found at The Royal Calpe at 176 Main Street.

The Corks Wine Bar is a good alternative to the traditional English pub and is known for its lively atmosphere. If you’d like somewhere a little quieter, Bianca’s Restaurant in Marina Bay and The Waterfront in Queensway Quay have plenty of outdoor tables and a wide selection of drinks and delicious desserts. These are ideal venues in the summer and the perfect place to watch the sun set while sipping on some tinto verano.

Photo © Gibraltar Tourist Board

For those looking for something a little different, a night out at Gibraltar’s casino would be an evening to remember. The Gibraltar Casino is one of Gibraltar’s more upmarket locales, host to the renowned ‘Terrace Restaurant’, a bingo hall and a superb games room. Visitors can relax with a cocktail in the casino’s bar or dance the night away to some of the best live music on the Rock. Unlike other casinos, there is no entry or 24-hour waiting period. Visitors should note that there is a dress code (smart-casual) and that they should bring along one form of ID for admission.