One Day in Burgos - Travelguide

About Burgos

I’ve never really had Burgos on my Bucket List but could not resist to spent a day in the northern spanish city during my Trip in Summer 2023. Burgos is located in the northern part of spain, specifically in the autonomous community of Castilla y León.

Burgos is maybe not a tourist hot-spot but it’s known for its rich history, particularly as a former capital of the medieval Kingdom of Castile. The city boasts an impressive architectural heritage, including landmarks such as the majestic Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a significant example of Spanish Gothic architecture and is also the final resting place of the spanish folk heroe Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (EL CID).

Aside from its historical significance, Burgos is also a modern city with a vibrant cultural scene. It offers visitors various museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. The city is home to a diverse culinary scene, where visitors can enjoy traditional Castilian dishes alongside modern gastronomic experiences. Burgos serves as a gateway to the picturesque countryside of Castile and León, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring charming villages in the surrounding area – In case you want to spent more than a day.

Overall, Burgos is a city that seamlessly blends its rich heritage with contemporary living, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and gastronomy. If you find yourself hiking the camino de santiago on the “official” route, you will walk through burgos as well.

A day in Burgos

Since I was traveling solo and only had one day before venturing forth towards the south of spain I planned my time very carefully.
I went to Burgos by car as a “1 Day & Overnight Drive-Through Spot” but you can easily book a train ticket from Madrid (for example) for about 25-45€ per Person you will get a quick train ride of approx. 1 hour and 50 Minutes. However the Old-Town in Burgos is the Spot where you want to go. If you arrive by train you will need to join a bus or go for a cab/uber drive which will take about 12-15 Minutes.

As any other spanish city, Burgos is generally easy to access by car since there are parking-lots and underground parking garages everywhere around. Spanish Old Town districts however, are usually only accessible walking. – In some parts even biking is not allowed, so make sure to check. The ideal Parking-Spot to explore the inner City is “Parking APK2 Plaza Mayor Burgos” . Parking Garages in spain usually go by the minute, but the prices are fairly low if compared to germany, france or the uk.

I started my day in the city itself and I can highly suggest you do so as well. The old town of Burgos, the Cathedral and inner city is all around in a 5-10 Minutes walking radius around the Parking Garage. The Cathedral itself is approx. 5 minutes of walking away. Before I explored the City I enjoyed a couple of minutes on the Statue of El Cid (Monumento al Cid Campeador) which is directly at the entrance of the parking-garage.

You can decide if you want to walk alongside the river “Rio Arlanzón” or do some “plaza” hopping by passing plaza santa domingo de guzman and plaza mayor before you finally reach plaza rey san fernando from which you can access the cathedral. I can highly suggest to do both. The river is fairly small during summer times and its beautifully green on the riverside.

The only must visit I’ll give you is visiting the Cathedral of Burgos which is well worth its entrance fee of only 10,00€ The Cathedral is huge, the final resting place of spain’s medieval national hero el cid and has a lot of great views. I’ve spent almost 1,5 hours in there and surely haven’t seen it all. You should visit the cathedral in the hottest time of the day in case you are there during summer. Other than that check the opening hours frequently as they might change due to seasons. Also make sure to check juan’s review of the burgos cathedral for more details.

Before I come to my second highlight with which I’d suggest you to finish the day I will give you a Highlight List with google Links here;

Burgos Cathedral: One of the most iconic landmarks in Spain, this Gothic masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its stunning architecture, intricate sculptures, and impressive spires make it a must-visit attraction. /// Detailed Review.
Museum of Human Evolution: Located in the city center, this museum showcases the fascinating story of human evolution, with exhibits featuring archaeological finds from the nearby Atapuerca archaeological site.
Monasterio de las Huelgas: This royal monastery, founded in the 12th century, boasts beautiful Gothic architecture and houses the tombs of various Spanish monarchs.
Cartuja de Miraflores: A stunning example of late Gothic architecture, this monastery is known for its intricate altarpiece and serene cloister.
Plaza Mayor: The main square of Burgos, Plaza Mayor, is surrounded by elegant buildings and is a great spot for people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere of the city.
Arco de Santa María: This grand medieval gateway is a symbol of Burgos and marks the entrance to the historic center.
Paseo del Espolón: A picturesque promenade along the banks of the Arlanzón River, perfect for a leisurely stroll or relaxing afternoon.
Museum of Burgos (Museo de Burgos): This museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts and artworks related to the history of Burgos and its surrounding region.
Calle San Lorenzo: A charming street lined with medieval buildings, cafes, and shops, offering a taste of local life in Burgos.

Finish your day with a view

The Castle of Burgos (Castillo de Burgos) is the last spot for the day. And what of a kind! Though now mostly in ruins, the Castle of Burgos offers panoramic views of the city and provides insight into its medieval past. It is currently closed due to reworks but it is still worth a visit. If you go by car it is a oneway around the Hill on which the Castillo is built on – you will find parking lots available. Otherwise you can go there by bus or uber within minutes from the centre.

From the top of the hill on the mirador del castillo you can walk alongside the ruins of the castillo and have a great view over the city, cathedral and landscape.

Enjoy the sunset there, before having dinner in the old town.