Burgos, a historic gem in northern Spain, is the perfect destination for a two-day getaway filled with culture, history, and incredible food. Famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Burgos is a city where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy. Whether you’re wandering its cobblestone streets, sampling the region’s renowned cuisine, or exploring centuries-old landmarks, Burgos promises an unforgettable experience in just 2 days. This 2 days in Burgos itinerary will guide you through the must-see sights, hidden gems, and local flavours that make Burgos a must-visit stop in Castilla y León.
If you have a weekend in Burgos this itinerary will cover all you need to see but I would check opening times for various locations.
We love bus travel in Spain, it is easy and efficient and cheaper than train travel. We travelled to Burgos via Alsa Bus from Valladolid where we had spent 3 days. The journey from Valladolid to Burgos on Alsa Bus takes approximately 1.5 hours.
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Related Reading: 3-day itinerary Valladolid
Our recommended hotel in Bilbao – Sercotel
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Check out our YouTube video on our What to see in Burgos – 2 days in Burgos
Things To Do in Burgos
Day One Burgos Spain
Visit the Arch of Santa Maria
The impressive Arch of Santa Maria was one of the 12 medieval gates in Burgos. You cannot miss the archway as you wander down Espolon Walkway that runs along the Arlanzon River.
The arch was constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries and later remodelled in the 16th century by Juan de Vallejo and Francisco de Colonia.
You can visit the Pharmacy Museum which contains jars from the Old San Juan Hospital as well as the Room of Secrets where until 1780 the Council held their meetings.
Address: Plaza Rey San Francisco 9 Burgos. Opening hours Monday to Saturday 11oo to 1400, 1700 to 2100 and Sundays 1100 to 1400.
Cathedral of Burgos
After wandering through the Arch head to the magnificent Cathedral of Burgos whose construction began in 1221. It was declared a Burgos UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
During your visit you can see the Chapel of the Constables which is considered to be constructed as a cathedral inside the cathedral, the Golden Staircase, the Chapel of Santa Ana and the tomb of El Cid and his wife Jimena which is in the central nave.
If you have young children they will be fascinated by the Papamoscas (flycatcher) that rings the bells every hour while opening its mouth.
Address: Pl. Sta. María, s/n, 09003 Burgos
Opening hours:
From 1 November to 18 March: from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (visitors are allowed in the cathedral until 7:00 p.m.).
From 19 March to 31 October: from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (visitors are allowed in the cathedral until 7:30 p.m.).
Good to know: Entrance is free on Tuesday afternoons from 1630 to 1830
Entrance fees:
Adults: 10 Euros
Seniors: 9 Euros
Students with ID’s between 15 and 28 years 5 Euros
Children between 7 and 14 years 2 Euros, children under 7 free
Pilgrims: 5 Euros
You can take an organised private tour of the Old Town of Burgos which includes the Arch and the Cathedral and other sites for 2 hours. For more details and to book click here.
Church of San Esteban Burgos
Address: C. de San Esteban
You can visit the church on the way to the Castle. In 2024 the Burgos castle has been closed for renovations. There is a lookout, a visitor centre and the Cave of the Moor which is an underground gallery.
It was built during the 13th and 14th centuries in the Gothic Renaissance style. It was one of the city’s first churches and houses one of a kind Altarpiece Museum which contains 20 altarpieces from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Caia de Burgos Art Centre (CAB)
Next to the Church of San Esteban is the CAB. Unfortunately, it was closed when we were in Burgos. There is a spectacular view from the building overlooking the old town of Burgos. The centre exhibits works by Spanish artists as well as temporary art exhibitions.
Mythical Stencil Mural by Monkeybird
Address: Calle Fernán González nº52, Burgos, Spain
To learn more about the artists behind Monkeybird check them out here.
The mural pays homage to Burgos’s Cathedral 8th for its 8th centenary.
Street Art in Burgos
The street art scene in Burgos, Spain, offers a surprising and vibrant contrast to its historic architecture. While the city is renowned for its medieval landmarks, like the Burgos Cathedral, it’s also home to a growing collection of contemporary murals and graffiti that breathe life into its urban landscape. From bold, colourful murals depicting local culture and history to abstract designs and modern artistic expressions, Burgos’ street art adds a dynamic layer to its cultural identity. These works can be found tucked away in alleys, public squares, and even on major streets, transforming the city into an open-air gallery that seamlessly blends the old with the new.
Calle Hortelanos has a few impressive street art as you wander towards Plaza Mayor, for more street art head to El Callejon de las Brujas (Witches Alley).
Day 2 – Best Attractions in Burgos
We recommend visiting one of the ‘must-visit places in Burgos’ the Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de Las Huelgas.
Take the scenic route down Paseo Espolon with its interlocking plane trees that run from the Arch of Santa Maria to the Main Theatre. Along the way wander through Paseo de la Isla and take Calle Leon over the bridge to the other side of the river Arlanzon.
King Alfonso VIII and his wife Eleanor Plantagenet founded the Monastery in 1187.
Both are buried in the Chapter Room amongst others.
The Museum of Rich Fabrics is worth visiting.
You can visit the Monastery on a tour which is highly recommended. For more details on times and entrance fees click here.
On the same side of the River Arlanzon is the Museum of Human Evolution with its fossils of the hominids found in the Sierra de Atapuerca.
Highlights are the Elvis Pelvis, skull of the pre-Neanderthal Miguelin and the brig that Darwin made his expedition to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
Statues of Burgos
Estatua de la Castenera – The statue is just across the Puente de Santa María and before Arco de Santa María. Worth a stop if you’re in Burgos. “The statue is made of bronze and created in 2007 by local sculptor Bruno Cuevas. It shows an elderly lady with a dish full of chestnuts that she is roasting over a fire, next to her is a sack of raw chestnuts. It is a nice tribute to this winter profession, for a long time chestnuts were the basis of the diet of the people of Burgos”.
El Lector – The sculpture depicts a man reading a newspaper while learning with his back to an arcade column.
Escultura Pareja De Ancianos Sentados – Ángel Gil created this sculpture in honour of our elders with the love and respect they deserve. The bronze sculpture depicts two grandparents sitting on traditional wooden benches in the plaza. The grandfather sits looking into space with a contented smile, while leaning on his cane with both his hands. The grandmother is busy looking down at her crocheting.
Estatua de Mujer Mirando al Río Arlanzón – a lady looking over Rio Arlanzon near the Riviera Restaurant.
The Gigantillos of Burgos are two life-sized bronze statues found in the centre of Burgos. The two figures male and female represent traditional dances performed in the area to the music of the tambourine and whistle. They represent mythical figures from the folklore of the city that traditionally dance local dances to the sound of the whistle and tambourine.
Camino de Santiago Burgos
Burgos is one of the major towns on the pilgrim Camino de Santiago route from St Jean de Pied Port a distance of 288 km. You will notice the brass shells along the pilgrim route throughout Burgos as you wander the streets.
Where To Stay in Burgos
For a luxury stay in Burgos stay at the 5-star Landa Hotel with its superb facilities, classical interiors, luxe toiletries and its indoor and outdoor pools. Book here.
Address: Carretera Madrid. Irun Km 235 Burgos.
For mid-range price accommodation stay at the NH Collection Palacio de Burgos opposite Burgos Cathedral. The hotel occupies a 16th-Century building with a cloister. It combines natural materials with modern design. Modern art is on display in rooms and public lounges. Book here
Address: Calle de la Merced 13 Burgos
For budget accommodation in Burgos stay at Hostal Lar located at Cardenal Benlloch 1 Burgos. Simply decorated and in a great location Hostal Lar is perfect if you are on a budget. You can book double rooms with ensuite, they also have triple rooms with ensuite.
Where To Eat in Burgos – Food and Restaurants in Burgos
Fact: In 2013 Burgos was the “Spanish Capital of Gastronomy” and in 2015 UNESCO included it in its Network of Creative Cities of Gastronomy thanks to a unique project that fuses cooking and evolutionary science.
Burgos is well known for its roasted suckling lamb, black sausage and fresh cheeses.
For your tapas experience head to Plaza Mayor and in particular, the Sombrereria Streets known as La Senda de los Elefantes and San Lorenzo.
A ‘must try’ tapas that is a local speciality is one with a thin slice of baguette, topped with a fried quails egg, spicy pepper and a slice of chorizo or morcilla.
For breakfast, we can recommend:
Riviera Restaurant – Paseo del Espolon
Bertiz Calle Vitoria – Calle San Lesmes Burgos
For lunch – 100 Montaditos at Calle Paloma – great if you are on a budget small tapas large menu
For Tapas lunch or dinner –
El Jaleito – Pl. Rey San Fernando, 3, 09003 Burgos
Rimtombin – Calle Sombrereria 6 Burgos
Pizza Station (great pizzas and al fresco dining) P.º Espolón, 6, 09003 Burgos
Burgos Festivals
On Sunday closest to 30th of January – The celebration of the patron saint of the city – San Lesmes
Burgos Holy Week
Friday closest to Corpus Christi – the Festival of Curpillos
Marking the end of festivities in honour of San Pedro and San Pablo is celebrated on the 29th June. This is when the people of Burgos assemble in the park of Fuentes Blancas to remember all the people of Burgos who are away from their home town.
How To Get To Burgos Spain
Burgos has an airport, but it does not have any scheduled services.
Bus and Train is the best way to travel to Burgos.
If you take a taxi from the Bus Station or Train Station there will be a charge for each of your pieces of luggage.
For bus and train bookings click here.
To rent a car check out the latest deals here.
To enjoy the best of Burgos sightseeing we can recommend putting on your walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and water bottle and just enjoy wandering the streets. It is a walkable city. If you want to visit the Castle there are some steps but take it easy on the way up and enjoy the views from the top.
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Conclusion
In just two days, Burgos reveals itself as a city where history, culture, and gastronomy come together in perfect harmony. From the awe-inspiring beauty of its Gothic cathedral to the serene walk along the Arlanzón River, Burgos offers an enriching experience that captivates every traveller. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a foodie, our Burgos travel guide will give you a taste of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant local life. As you leave, you’ll carry with you memories of this timeless Spanish city, eager to return for more.
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