Andorra la Vella

Understand

Andorra la Vella means "the city of Andorra", to distinguish it from the Principality of Andorra as a whole. In 2023, Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany had a population of about 28,500, or about a third of the total of the country. It is the country's cultural and commercial centre. At an elevation of 1023 m, it is Europe's highest capital, and the only one located over 1 km above sea level. The city's old town is characterised by old stone streets and houses. It was built in a Romanesque style in the eleventh century. The old town also includes the country's historic parliament building. Native Andorrans account for only a third (33%) of the population, with the plurality being Spanish (43%), and notable minorities of Portuguese (11%) and French (7%) (2013).

History The settlement of Andorra la Vella has been the principal city of Andorra since 1278 when the French and the Episcopal co-princes agreed to joint suzerainty. Andorra la Vella's old town—the Barri Antic—includes streets and buildings dating from this time. The city continues to maintain its medieval character, but simultaneously undergoing a process of development and modernisation. As a modern city, Andorra la Vella was largely developed relatively late, during the 20th century. Many ski resorts developed around the city around this time, including a thriving tourism industry. Since 1993, Andorra has also developed as a tax haven, resulting in the construction of modern banking offices in Andorra La Vella.

Economy Andorra la Vella is the main economic centre of the country, where most of the nation's economic activity takes place. Similar to Andorra as a whole, a significant portion of the economy is based on the tourism industry, which brings about ten million tourists to the country each year, with almost all of them visiting the capital, Andorra la Vella. In addition to tourism, the capital of Andorra is an important and thriving banking and business hub, serving as the headquarters for many large companies that benefit from Andorra being a local tax haven. The local standard of living is extremely high, positioning the city as one of the wealthiest in Europe.

Tourist information 1 Tourist Office of Andorra la Vella, Plaça de la Rotonda, ☏ +376 750 100, [email protected]. M-F 08:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-21:00, Su 09:00-19:00. (updated Jan 2025) 2 Escaldes-Engordany Tourist Office, Plaça Santa Anna, 1, ☏ +376 890 881, [email protected]. (updated Jan 2025)

Getting there

By bus 1 Intercity bus station (Estació Nacional d'Autobusos del Principat d'Andorra). The bus station is not far from the centre, and provides toilets and free wifi. (updated Feb 2025) Bus companies operating international lines via Andorra la Vella:

Flixbus. (updated Apr 2024) Andbus (Novatel), Estació Nacional d’Autobusos d’ Andorra, C/ de la Cúria, ☏ +376 803 789, [email protected]. Service to Andorra la Vella from Toulouse (€36 one-way, €64 roundtrip), Barcelona (€30 one-way, €56 roundtrip) and Girona from Estació Nacional d’Autobusos d’ Andorra station. (updated Jan 2025) Alsa. Operates between Andorra and Spain. (updated Sep 2016) Montmantell. Operates to Andorra from Lleida. Also operates a twice-daily bus from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre train station in France. (updated Sep 2016) Within Andorra, Interurbana operates seven bus routes. All of the lines either start at or have stops in Andorra la Vella.

By car From La Seu d'Urgell, Spain: follow N-145 north for 20 km. From Barcelona, it's about 200 km north. The fastest option is following C-16 then N-260 until La Seu d'Urgell an then N-145 . This route travesses the Cadi tunel which is a Toll Tunel. From Toulouse, France, it's about 190 km south. From Carcasonne, it's 180 km. From Perpignan is 155 km following N-116 until Bourg-Madame and then N-20

By plane Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport LEU IATA near La Seu d'Urgell, Spain is 12 km south of Andorra la Vella. Andorra does not have its own airport. LEU is nearby, and is served by Iberia Regional-Air Nostrum airlines twice weekly from Madrid-Barajas Airport, and twice weekly seasonally from Palma de Mallorca Airport. Andbus provides a free shuttle between the airport and Andorra La Vella co-ordinated with the flight arrivals and departures.

Getting around

You should be able to walk around most of Andorra la Vella. The town is really in two parts. There is the newer section at the north end of the town that is very commercial with lots of shops. The other half is the older half, down across the river and to the south and west. This also has shops, places to eat and the historic part. If you stay in either of these areas, you can easily cover them on foot, but walking from the end of one half to the other will take a good half hour or more, so it may be worth taking the local bus which is cheap. Be sure to read the timetable and routes carefully at the bus stop. With the exception of e (express) bus to Sant Julia de Loria, all of the Andorra's local bus routes (L1 through L6) have stops in Escaldes-Endogrdany. International bus line between Toulouse and Andorra la Vella also stop here.

By bus There are three lines of the communal bus, which connect the towns and industrial and residential areas of the parish. All vehicles are adapted for people with disabilities .

LM (La Margineda): Santa Coloma - La Rotonda LS (Serradells): Serradells - Hospital - Plaça Guillemó LV (Ciutat de Valls): Consell d'Europa - Plaça Guillemó - Gil Torres

Parking 2 Parking Saba Cèntric, Carrer Pau Casals, 7. 290 places, 24x7, , , , credit card, Near AVinguda Meritxell shoping area. €3.1/h. (updated Nov 2025) 3 Aparcament Vinyes, Carrer Prat de la Creu, 46-52, ☏ +376 806 100, [email protected]. €2.4/h, Max €30/day. (updated Nov 2025) 4 Aparcament Valira, Carrer del Valira. 184 places Paid parking. (updated Nov 2025) 5 Aparcament comunal El Trillà, Carrer Dr. Molines, ☏ +376 73 00 48, [email protected]. Near Pyrenees Department store. €2.8/h Max €24/day.. (updated Nov 2025) 6 Aparcament Comunal Parc Central, Carrer Pere d'Urg, ☏ +376 73 00 48, [email protected]. €2.8/h Max €24/day.. (updated Nov 2025) 7 Aparcament Comunal Prada Casadet, Carrer Doctor Vilanova, ☏ +376 73 00 48, [email protected]. €2.8/h Max €24/day.. (updated Nov 2025)

See

Andorra la Vella

1 Church of Saint Stephen (Església de Sant Esteve), Plaça Príncep Benlloch, ☏ +376 730 003, [email protected]. 10:00-13:00 & 15:00-19:00. This church in the old part of the city dates from the 12th century, but was restored in 1940 by the Moderniste architect Josep Puig y Cadafalch who also undertook important works in Barcelona. Free guided tours; otherwise, the church is open to tourists outside of mass hours. free. (updated Jan 2025)

2 Noblesse du Temps (nobility of time), Plaça de la Rotonda. A sculpture by Salvador Dalí featuring his melting clock. (updated Jan 2025) Rocks in the Street Museum, also in Plaça de la Rotonda, is formed by different specimens of sedimentary, magnificent, metamorphic rocks and high-quality fossils from Andorra, it is accompanied by a panel with explanations. 3 Church of Sant Andreu, Sant Andreu St., ☏ +376 827 117. M-Sa. Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. It is obligatory to reserve by phone.

4 Casa de la Vall, Carrer de la Vall. M-Sa 09:30-13:00, 15:00-19:00; Su (May-Oct only) 10:00-14:00. Dating from the 16th century, it was the seat of the Consell General (Andorran Parliament). Access is by guided tour only. Tours are on the half hour and last about a half hour. Reservations are required for the tour, so it's best to stop by and reserve a tour in the morning and return during your tour time. €5 adult, €2.50 concession. (updated Feb 2018) 5 Consell General and old town. The parliament building is a relatively modern building and you can walk around up the hill behind it and go onto the roof where there is a type of mini park. On a nice day, there is a great view out over the valley across and looking south towards Santa Coloma. From here you can head back up the hill slightly to the right and visit the old church of St Esteve. Behind it is an interesting little area filled with narrow streets which is clearly the original location of the settlement. 6 Parc Central. 06:00–00:00. Park with small pond and public toilets. 7 El Portal de la Vall, c/ Prat de la Creu 74-76, baixos (ground floor of the Comú building), ☏ +376 823 000, [email protected]. M-F 09:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00; Jun 26 - Sep 7 08:00-15:00. This visitor centre has useful information on the leisure activities offered in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, as well as facts on the tasks carried out to manage the valley and promote the values that have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free. (updated Sep 2017)

Escaldes-Engordany Escaldes-Engordany is the calmer part of the city, where you can escap

Do

Football: the men's national soccer team play at Estadi Nacional (capacity 3300) on Baixada del Molí, central in town. This is also the home ground of FC Andorra, who were promoted in 2025 to Segunda División, Spain's second tier. Rec del Solà. A paved path with handrails illuminated in the night. 2.5 km long. From 1 Collegi Sant Ermengol road to 2 Carrer Mestre Xavier Plana. Look for the green marker signs. (updated Jan 2025) Rec de l'Obac hiking trail (trail of shade). A easy, shaded and paved 3-km trail along the south edge of the city with nice views. From 3 Bar Nobega to the 4 Rotonda de Gall (a roundabout with a large gold rooster in the middle). Look for the green marker signs. (updated Jan 2025)

Escaldes-Engordany 5 Caldea spa, Parc de la Mola, 10, ☏ +376 800 999. A spa, sauna and swimming complex. It is at the top of the town in the dramatic glass spire structure. €46-70 for 3 hours. (updated Jan 2025) There are some wonderful walks up the Riu Madriu direction Pics del Pessons, the "lakes" and the Coll de Vall Civera. The 5-day Coronallacs hiking trail starts and finishes in Escaldes-Engordany.

Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

The cultural landscape of Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can only be accessed on foot. It offers great hiking and climbing possibilities in summer and in winter ski mountaineering or walking with snowshoes is an option. One entrance to the valley is a short bus ride or just over an hour walk from the oldest part of Andorra la Vella. Start at Estació de Servei REPSOL gas station. Take Cami de la Muntanya (mountain path) until it crosses a road (Ctra de la Comella i de la Plana) which takes about 20 min. At this point you will be in the valley and can continue hiking on the mountain path for hours.

Buy

Av. Carlemany is the pedestrianised main shopping street that is packed with tax-free stores selling liquor, perfumes, tobacco products, designer clothing and shoes, electronics and so on. It is a paradise for shoppers and perdition for non-shoppers. The best bargains can be obtained in electronic goods and jewellery. High-cost items tend to be cheaper than anywhere else because of the low tax. The great thing about electronic goods like digital cameras is that there is a huge range of shops and a huge stock range, so you really get to see all the different makes and models. Some of the larger shops seem to stock a lot of brand-label clothing. Don't miss out on the Via Moda Group, a chain of stores under different names, especially during sales. There are loads of ski gear shops. Shop around.

1 Pyrenees, Avinguda Meritxell 11. Daily 09:30-21:00. Department store with several floors. There are various family-friendly restaurants, a large electronic goods floor, designer label floors, and a supermarket notable for interesting Andorran and Spanish specialty foods and red wines. (updated Jan 2025) 2 Illa, Av. Carlemany, 70. M-Th 10:00-20:30, F Sa 10:00-21:00, Su 10:00-22:30. A large commercial centre with several floors of shops, many of which are clothing and fashion stores. There is a food court on the 3rd floor and a supermarket at the basement level. (updated Jan 2025) 3 Carrefour Andorra 2000, Avinguda Tarragona 26. Daily 09:00-21:00. Supermarket sells electronics, clothes and food. (updated Jan 2025)

Eat

There are reasonably priced restaurants, although many of them tend to be Italian restaurants serving pizza and pasta. You find almost nothing open after 22:30, and many restaurants close Su or M.

Budget All these are in the city centre:

1 Bar Els Manyos, Av. de Tarragona, 61, ☏ +376 825653. M-Sa 08:00–00:00. Small and popular with locals, this restaurant is a great place to try some local cuisine, including escudella. The food is rustic and portions are generous. Around €15 for two courses. (updated Feb 2025) 2 Bar Restaurant Las Vegas, Carrer Callaueta, 15, ☏ +376 824 555. Tu-Su 06:00-23:00, M 06:00-21:3. An excellent place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or tapas. (updated Feb 2025) 3 Pizzeria Primavera, Carrer Callaueta, 8, ☏ +376 800 530. Daily 13:00-16:00, 20:00-23:00. Tasty homemade menu. Very good atmosphere. Warm welcome. Pizza €11-15; pastas, meats, fishes €13-18. (updated Feb 2025) 4 Pizzeria La Piazza, Passatge de l'Aigüeta, 1 (Centre històric), ☏ +376 868 600. M-Th 13:00-16:00, 20:00-23:00; F Sa 12:00-23:30; Su 12:00-23:00. The pizzas and hamburgers are great. Attentive and friendly service. It is somewhat hidden from the shopping area. Dine-in or delivery. Order or reserve online. Puzza €10-15, pasta €12-13. (updated Feb 2025) 5 Bar Nou, Avinguda Doctor Mitjavila (Centre històric, next to the river). M-F 07:00-01:00, Sa Su 08:00-01:00. Tasty tortilla sandwiches and Francesinhas. Directly at the river. The terrace is nice. (updated Feb 2025) 6 Restaurant les Closes, Av. Carlemany, 95 (in the centre of Andorra, hidden in the main street). M-Sa 08:00-23:00, Su 08:00-17:00. Very nice place. They have a wide variety of food. They serve you quickly. The staff polite and efficient. 3-course menu €23 with a. (updated Feb 2025)

Mid-range 7 L'Escenari de pizzes, Avinguda Doctor Mitjavila (Centre històric), ☏ +376 818 899. 13:00-15:00, 20:00-22:30. The pizzas are very good, especially the signature ones; you can see how they are making it. Friendly treatment. Cozy place. It is run by some Argentines. It is tiny, it has 4 tables so it is essential to book on Friday and Saturday. Pizzas €12-16. (updated Feb 2025) 8 L'arroseria, Carrer de la Vall (Centre històric). Tu-Su 12:30-16:00, 07:30-23:00. Spectacular black rice. The place is very cozy. The attention is great. Warm welcome. A little hidden, small room (remember to book). Mains €14-26. (updated Feb 2025) 9 L'Alternativa, 8 Plaça Guillemó (Centre històric). 17:00-00:00. Perfect place to dine or have some tapas. Homemade food. A cool place. The whole team is professional, attentive and friendly

Drink & nightlife

Drink and spirits especially are very good value in the supermarkets. Especially at the Hiper Andorra.

1 The Cellar Door, Avenida Meritxell (beside E. Leclerc Hipermarket). Daily 10:00-20:00. This wine and alcohol shop does wine tastings, including of Andorran wines, which you will otherwise get only at the wineries (€4 a tasting, €8 a glass, €45-50 per bottle). (updated Jan 2025) 2 Entre Nous, Carrer de la Sardana, 3, ☏ +376 873 434. Su-Th 19:00-01:00, F Sa 19:00-03:00. A "heterofriendly" gay cocktail bar. (updated Jan 2025)

Sleep

Budget 1 Hotel Yomo Centric, Av. Meritxell 87-89, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 877 500. Located centrally in the main shopping area. Formerly Husa Centric Hotel. from €72. (updated Jan 2025) 2 Hotel Sant Jordi, Princep Benlloch 45, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 876 200. Check-in: 14:00-24:00, check-out: 12:00. Cheap price, no air-conditioner, breakfast buffet and parking are available. Double room €50/night. (updated Jan 2025)

Mid-range 3 Hotel Andorra Palace (formerly Ibis Hotel), Avenue Meritxell 58, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 873 601. 59 rooms in the middle of the Meritxell Avenue shopping district. From €104. (updated Jan 2025) 4 Hotel Yomo Eureka, Avinguda Carlemany 36, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 880 666. A hotel beside the Av. Carlemany pedestrian street. €58-238. (updated Jan 2025) 5 Hesperia Andorra, Carrer del Prat Gran, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 760 760. A hotel with underground parking. Next to Av. Carlemany pedestrian street. This hotel offers some fantastic views of the Pyrenees. €61-237. (updated Jan 2025) 6 Hotel Panorama, Carretera de l'Obac, 64, ☏ +376 873 400, [email protected]. Spa, Touristic Bus, Bikers friendly, Near shopping area Avda.Carlemany. (updated Nov 2025)

Splurge 7 Novotel Andorra, Prat de la Creu s n, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 873 603. 24-hr parking, buffet restaurant. From £94. (updated Jan 2025) 8 Hotel Andorra Center, Carrer Dr. Nequi, 12, Andorra la Vella, ☏ +376 824 800. Nice 4-star hotel in the centre of the town. Andorra Center is part of the Best Hotels chain. From €90. (updated Jan 2025) 9 Hotel Spa Termes SERHS Carlemany Andorra (Hotel Carlemany), Av. Carlemany, 4, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 870 050, [email protected]. Spring-fed thermals, jacuzzi, sauna, massage and other services available in the hotel. Queen room with access to the spa: from €87.50. (updated Jan 2025) 10 A Casa Canut Hotel Gastronòmic, Av. Carlemany, 107, Escaldes-Engordany, ☏ +376 739 900. From €291. (updated Jan 2025) 11 Andorra Park Hotel, C/ Les Canals 24, ☏ +376 877 777, [email protected]. Spa, transfer to ski areas, access to Pyrenees Department Store, Near old downtown. from €200. (updated Nov 2025)

Go next

Andorra la Vella is not a bad location if you want to go skiing because you can get either the local bus or the "Snow" bus up to most of the ski resorts. Most hotels during the ski season should have details. If you're leaving Andorra, Toulouse, France, and Barcelona, Spain, are the obvious destinations, 3-4 hours away by direct bus.