Andorra la Vella Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Andorra la Vella is a picture perfect city set high in the mountains in Andorra. This charming city is a great place to come for a weekend escape. It has excellent shopping, plenty of great cafes and restaurants, relaxing spas and beautiful walking areas. Not only that but it has it’s very own sculpture by Salvador Dalí, which has pride of place in the middle of the city. In this Andorra la Vella destination guide we’ll share what you need to know to plan the ultimate Andorra la Vella vacation.

What is Andorra la Vella known for?

Andorra la Vella is famous for being the highest capital city in Europe. Set amongst the Pyrenees Mountains, it has an elevation of 1,023 meters (3,356 feet). It is also know for its tourism, being a duty free shopping destination as well as being close to a number of ski resorts.

Why you should visit Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is a great place to come for a European weekend getaway. Conveniently located between Spain and France, it is just a short drive away from cities like Toulouse France and Barcelona Spain. Its location in the Pyrenees mountains provides the city with gorgeous mountain views from all directions. There are plenty of stunning hikes around the city which provide beautiful views and crisp mountain air. The area is also blessed with thermal waters, with Caldea Spa being a popular spot to relax and unwind. Additionally, Andorra la Vella is a popular shopping destination, particularly around its Shopping Mile. The city also has plenty of great cafes, restaurants, bars and markets to enjoy serving local as well as international cuisine.

Andorra la Vella Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Andorra la Vella

City name in English – Andorra the Town
Language – Catalan. Spanish, Portuguese and French are also widely spoken throughout the country. Additionally, in tourist areas of Andorra many people speak English.
Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Andorra since 2012. Currency exchanges and ATMs are available widely throughout the country.
Population – 22,886 (2015).
Area – 12 km² (5sq mi).
Parish – Andorra la Vella
Medical Emergency number – 116
Police number – 110

Utilities in Andorra la Vella

Electricity – Andorra uses Types C and F power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Andorra.
Water – the tap water in Andorra is safe to drink everywhere in the country.
Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Andorra. You can flush your toilet paper directly into the toilet. Public toilets are very common in Andorra. Many public toilets are free to use. Toilets are cleaned regularly and are in excellent condition.
Telephone country code: +376

Where is Andorra la Vella?

Andorra la Vella is the capital of the Principality of Andorra. It is also situated in the parish of Andorra la Vella. It is located in the Pyrenees mountain range, between France and Spain.

Andorra la Vella is less than 3 hours drive from the French cities of Toulouse, Perpignan and Carcassonne. It is also about 2.5 hours drive from Barcelona and 3.5 hours drive from Zaragoza in Spain.

How to get to Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Arriving by land

Andorra la Vella intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Andorra la Vella are:

Private vehicle
Private transport operator
Shuttle
Bus
Bike

Driving to Andorra la Vella

If you are driving to Andorra la Vella, here are the travel times and distances:

Barcelona Spain – 2 hours 49 minutes (195km, 121miles) with tolls, 3 hours 3 minutes (218km, 135miles) without tolls.
Toulouse France – 2 hours 58 minutes (188km, 117miles) with tolls, 3 hours 30 minutes (194km, 121miles) without tolls.
Zaragoza Spain – 3 hours 53 minutes (303km, 188miles) with tolls, 3 hours 54 minutes (304km, 189miles) without tolls.
Montpellier France – 4 hours 37 minutes (327km, 203miles) with tolls, 5 hours 15 minutes (351km, 218miles)without tolls.
Bordeaux France – 5 hours 7 minutes (430km, 267miles) with tolls, 6 hours 58 minutes (461km, 286miles) without tolls.
Madrid Spain – 7 hours 1 minute (619km, 385miles) with tolls, 7 hours 3 minutes (620km, 385miles) without tolls.

Andorra to France Land Border Crossing by bus, queue of vehicles at the French border crossing, snow capped mountains in the background — Andorra to France Border Crossing by bus

Intercity trains to Andorra la Vella

There are no trains in Andorra.

Intercity buses to Andorra la Vella

Andbus Shuttlebus at Gare Routière de Toulouse, silver minivan at bus terminal — Shuttlebus at Gare Routière de Toulouse

A common way to get around Andorra is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly way to travel around the country. Intercity bus companies in Andorra include Andbus, FlixBus, Andorrana SA and Nadal. Popular bus destinations from Andorra la Vella include:

Barcelona Spain – travel time 3.5-4.5 hours. Tickets start from 29 euro one way.
Zaragoza Spain – travel time 4.5 hours. Tickets start from 31 euro one way.
Toulouse France – travel time 3.5-4 hours. Tickets start from 38 euro one way.
Madrid Spain – travel time 12-14 hours. Tickets start from 64 euro one way.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest airport to Andorra la Vella is La Seu d’Urgell Airport, Spain (Airport code LEU). This international airport is 21km (13miles) from the city.

Other nearby airports include:

Carcassonne Airport (Airport code CCF). This airport is 102km (63miles) away.
Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (Airport code PGF). This airport is 114km (71miles) away.
Lleida–Alguaire Airport (Airport code RJL). This airport is 119km (74miles) away.

The flag carrier of Andorra is Andorra Airlines.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Arriving by boat

You cannot get to Andorra by boat. This is because Andorra is a landlocked country and does not have any sea ports.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: How to get around Andorra la Vella

Walking in Andorra la Vella

Hiking Rec del Solà Trail Andorra la Vella

By far the easiest and cheapest way to get around Andorra la Vella is to walk. Most of the main attractions in the city area are within easy walking distance.

Local buses in Andorra la Vella

Local buses service Andorra la Vella. They buses are a cheap and reliable way to travel around Andorra. The buses are operated by Andorran Bus Lines. There are 6 bus routes which connect all the towns within the Principality. Buses run seven days a week from approximately 6:30am to 10pm, with reduced services on weekends. For further information see this website.

Local trains in Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella does not have a local train line.

Andorra la Vella Tourist Bus

The Andorra Bus Tour operates seven days a week from 1 June to 31 October each year. Each day of the week has a different itinerary and cover all parishes in the Principality but with different themes. The tours include a tour guide as well as an audio guide. On most days the tours are mornings only, but the Saturday tour includes lunch and finishes at 4pm. The cost of the tour is 20 euro for Sunday-Friday and 35 euro for Saturday (including lunch). Prices include entry to museums and churches. Tours are subject to availability. For more information see this website:

https://visitandorra.com/en/culture/andorra-tourist-bus/

Trams in Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella does not have a tram system.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella does not have a metro system.

Vehicle hire in Andorra la Vella

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Andorra la Vella. This includes:

Bicycles – There are bike hire shops in Andorra la Vella such as Riders Boutique Andorra.
Electric scooters
Motorcycles
Cars
SUVs
Campervans
Boats

In Andorra they drive on the right side of the road.

Shuttles in Andorra la Vella

Shuttles make short repetitive journeys between two destinations. Common journeys include going between the airport and the city centre.

Taxis in Andorra

Taxis are common in Andorra. Taxi ranks are commonly around major attractions, transport hubs and major commercial streets. Fares are regulated and are usually metered. In general your fare will include the following costs:

The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle: 2.65 euros (as at 2023)
Price per kilometre – this price can vary depending on the time of day: 1.16 euros for 7am-9pm working days and 1.37 otherwise (as at 2023)
Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic or is otherwise waiting: 19.40 euros (as at 2023)
There may also be an additional fee for large luggage: 0.60 euros (as at 2023)
A fee for exit outside the Principality of Andorra: 0.50 euros (as at 2022)

It is not necessary or expected to tip taxi drivers in Andorra.

Ride-share services in Andorra

Rideshare services operate in Andorra. These include Uber and CarpoolWorld.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Is Andorra la Vella worth visiting?

Andorra la Vella is certainly worth visiting. Nestled between Spain and France, the capital of Andorra is a charming city which offers excellent shopping, spectacular scenery and a relaxed vibe. Additionally, if you like country counting, visiting Andorra la Vella is an easy way to increase your country count.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: How long to spend in Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is a great place to come for a weekend. It is a gorgeous city surrounded by stunning mountains. We spent 2 nights in Andorra la Vella and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the various activities available in this beautiful city.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: What to do in Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is an incredibly scenic Andorran city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Free things to do in Andorra la Vella

The Nobility of Time Statue by Salvador Dali Andorra

There are enough free activities in Andorra la Vella to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

For more details, see our Tirana travel guide on the 20 Best Free Things To Do in Andorra la Vella.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Paid activities in Andorra la Vella

Lookout Casa de la Vall Andorra la Vella

A number of attractions in Andorra la Vella charge an entry fee:

Casa de la Vall – entry fee is 5 euro for adults (as at 2023).
Andorra Caldea Thermal Spa – entry fee from 32 euro for adults (as at 2023).
Bici Lab Andorra. Bicycle Museum – entry fee is 5 euro for adults (as at 2022).
Espai Columba – entry fee is 7 euro for adults (as at 2023).
Museo Carmen Thyssen Andorra – entry fee is 9 euro for adults (as at 2023).
Robleda de la Margineda – entry fee is 5 euro for adults (as at 2022).

However some of these attractions have discounted entry with the PassMuseu. See the Andorra Museum Pass section below for more information.

Andorra Museum Pass

PassMuseu is a museum pass that gives discounted entry to Andorra’s museums. The card costs 2.50 euro (price as at 2023) and is valid for one year. It provides a 50% discount to any 3 of the following 17 museums in Andorra:

National Automobile Museum
Casa Cristo Ethnographic Museum
Holy Art Museum
Electricity Museum
Cal Pal Mill and Saw Works
La Cortinada Nature Centre
Casa d’Areny-Plandolit Museum
Postal Museum
Miniature Museum
Casa Rull Museum
La Farga Rossell forge – Interpretation Centre
Comic Museum – Joan Pieras
Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre
Casa de la Vall
Thyssen Museum in Andorra
Espai Columba
Cal Pal social and cultural space

Weather in Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is located in the Pyrennes mountain region between France and Spain and the climate varies between altitudes. There is a temperate climate in the valleys, where the capital of Andorra la Vella is located, and a colder Alpine climate in the mountain regions. Andorra le Vella has an average temperature range of 16°C to 29°C (54°F to 79°F) in the warmest month of July and -1°C and 6°C (30°F to 43°F) in the coldest month of January. Snowfall is not uncommon during winter.

Best time to visit Andorra la Vella

The best time to visit Andorra la Vella depends on what you enjoy. The weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities from May through September, with May being the peak tourist season with higher associated prices. December is typically the quietest month, with January and February the best months to visit for a skiing trip. However we’d recommend avoiding Andorra la Vella during the Christmas and New Year period as this is a busy time of year and accommodation prices soar.

Internet and mobile phones in Andorra

As Andorra is not part of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules do not apply in Andorra. However some European operators do include Andorra in their Roam Like at Home category. Check with your provider to see how they charge for roaming in Andorra.

The only internet and phone company in Andorra is Andorra Telecom.

5G has been in Andorra since December 2021.

Andorra is ranked 22^nd fastest in the world for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 135mbps and upload is 146mbps (as at June 2023).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought from Andorra Telecom stores throughout the principality.

How much to budget for Andorra la Vella?

Is Andorra la Vella expensive?

Whilst the cost of living in Andorra la Vella is reasonably expensive by world standards, it is possible to visit the city on a tight budget. This is particularly true if you come for a day trip and do some of the many free activities available throughout the city such as hiking and sightseeing. Andorra la Vella is also a great value shopping destination due to its duty free shopping. If you are planning to stay in Andorra la Vella, we recommend avoiding the Christmas to New Year period as its popularity during this period results in much higher accommodation costs.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Andorra la Vella

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city and free or cheap activities.
Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities.
Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Accommodation in Andorra la Vella

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Andorra la Vella.

Where to stay in Andorra la Vella

We recommend the following accommodation in Andorra la Vella:

Best mid-range hotel in Andorra la Vella – Hotel Starc by Pierre & Vacances Premium is an amazing hotel located in the centre of the city, where you can access everything easily. The rooms are extremely spacious, sleek and modern with spectactular views, and they offer a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. Additionally, the staff are excellent, and they will provide you with a high-quality service.
Best luxury hotel in Andorra la Vella – Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness is a luxurious and comfortable hotel in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy the convenience and the vibrancy of the location. There is a spa on-site, where you can pamper yourself and relax. There is also valet parking, which is convenient if you have a car. The staff are very helpful and the breakfasts are delicious, and they will make your stay enjoyable and satisfying.

How much is accommodation in Andorra la Vella?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

Budget accommodation – 25-35 euro for a bed in a dorm
Mid-range accommodation – 50-150 euro for a private room
Luxury accommodation – 150-500 euro a night for a luxury hotel/resort
Rental property – 300-2000 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-5 bedroom home

Prices may vary significantly depending on the time of year, with the Christmas period in particular being very popular.

Tourist tax for accommodation in Andorra

From 1 July 2022 a tourist tax applies for stays in tourist accommodation in Andorra. This ranges from 1 to 3 euro per person per night (as at 2022).

Andorra la Vella destination guide: Food in Andorra la Vella

Trucha a la Andorrana-Restaurant El Greco Andorra la Vella — Trucha a la Andorrana from Restaurant El Greco Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella has a great food scene with a number of local specialities. Andorran cuisine shares many similarities with that of its Catalan, Spanish and French neighbours. Its cool alpine climate is perfect for hearty stews and plenty of meat.

How much does food cost in Andorra la Vella?

Our price guide for your food budget in Andorra la Vella is as follows (prices as at 2022):

Restaurant meal – 8-20 euros for a main dish
Beer – 2-3 euros
Coffee – 1-2 euros

Regional dishes in Andorra la Vella

Trinxat-Bar de la Plaça Andorra la Vella — Trinxat from Bar de la Plaça Andorra la Vella

Escudella
Trucha a la Andorrana
Embotits
Trinxat
Cannelloni Andorrana
Cargols
Formatge
Cunillo
Chicory Salad
Pa Amb Tomaquet
Crema Andorrana
Coca Massegada

Cheap Eats in Andorra la Vella

Bakeries are a great place to get cheap and delicious food.
Local markets are often a great place to get a cheap meal in Andorra. We also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere or local markets.

Fine dining in Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

Michelin Plate restaurants in Andorra la Vella (2023):

Kökosnøt
Celler d’en Toni

Andorra la Vella culture

Andorra la Vella public holidays

New Year’s Day – 1 January
Epiphany – 6 January
Carnival – date varies
Constitution Day – 14 March
Good Friday – the Friday before Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
Labor Day – 1 May
Whit Monday – It is celebrated 50 days after Easter, typically in May or June
Assumption Day – 15 August
National Day – 8 September
All Saints Day – 1 November
The Immaculate Conception – 8^th of December
Christmas Day – 25 December
St Stephen’s Day – 26 December

National symbols of Andorra

Andorra flag – a tricolour flag featuring three vertical bands coloured blue, yellow and red from left to right with the Andorra coat of arms in the centre. The yellow band is slightly wider than the other two bands.
Andorra coat of arms – this features a shield with 4 quadrants. The quadrants contain the arms of the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix (the historical co-princes of Andorra) as well as the emblems of Catalonia and the Viscount of Béarn. At the bottom of the shield are the words “Virtus Unita Fortior”, meaning “strength united is stronger”.
National flower – Narcissus
National bird – Lammergeier
Andorra’s national animal – Cattle

Andorra pastimes

National dish – Escudella
Popular drinks – Granizado, Catalan brandy, Anis Clear, Byrrh
National sport – Rugby
Religion – 80.9% Catholic, 11.7% non-religious (as at 2011)

Famous people from Andorra la Vella

Famous people born in Andorra la Vella – politician Juli Minoves Triquell, cellist Lluís Claret, singer Marta Roure, model Merche Romero, former Prime Minister Jaume Bartumeu, writer Albert Salvadó, former Prime Minister Marc Forné Molné.
Sports stars from Andorra la Vella – footballer Marc Bernaus, Olympic swimmer Hocine Haciane.

Is Andorra la Vella Safe?

Andorra travel guide: Safety in Andorra

We stayed in Andorra for two nights and found the country to be extremely safe. Street crime and scams are very rare. Additionally the roads are in excellent condition and Andorra is free of dog rabies.

General safety considerations in Andorra

Other general safety considerations for travel in Andorra:

Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
Mosquitoes – Malaria is not normally present in Andorra.
Altitude sickness – Andorra has areas of high altitude. This comes with the risk of altitude sickness. If you are planning to visit any high altitude areas in Andorra, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
Road safety – the main routes in Andorra are well maintained and in excellent condition. However the country is very mountainous and some roads and narrow, winding and steep. Take care on the roads, particularly during winter.
Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Andorra Blogs

You can find our Andorra travel blogs below.

20 Best FREE Things To Do in Andorra la Vella (with map)

Andorra la Vella is a charming European city set in the mountains. Conveniently positioned between France and Spain, it’s a ...