Burgos , Spain

Burgos Old Town Private Walking Tour

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About this experience

Explore the Old Town of Burgos, the capital city of the unified ancient kingdom of Castile and Leon as well as a main stop of the international pilgrimage way of Camino de Santiago, in all its glory by savoring the architectural feast of significant monuments in the charming historic quarter; most notably the official UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cathedral of Saint Mary, as well as delving into the glorious history of the city which gave birth to El Cid, the Spain's most celebrated national hero, at his majestic equestrian monument, and last but not least experiencing the rich culture of the city celebrated through its hearty cuisine and vibrant atmosphere at the Main Square.

Available options

Burgos Old Town Private Walking Tour

What's included

Official Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

The expedition starts at The House of Cordon. The Gothic building of great beauty was an emblematic royal building where Catholic sovereigns always stayed during their visit to Burgos and the scene of the meeting between the Catholic Monarchs and Christopher Columbus upon his second return from America.

Continue to learn about the rich history of the city at the Statue of El Cid, dedicated to Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, a son of Burgo who was the protagonist of the most significant medieval Spanish epic poem!

The majestic sculpture prominently stands at the start of the riverside Espolon Walk, lined by quaint boutiques and curious statues. Interestingly, the two tree lines on the thoroughfare join their branches together creating a unique “capony” for strollers, adding to such a romantic ambiance.

Halfway along the street, stop by the Main Square. The favorite meeting point beating with the rhythm of Burgos’s life is a great spot to watch locals in their daily lives and get immersed in their rich culture.

Then, enter through the Arch of St. Mary, which gets its name from the namesake cathedral, the first thing captivating your eyes once setting foot inside. But don’t miss out on the portal which is an architectural feat itself with beautiful sculptures from the 16th century.

Next, come closer to marvel at the breathtaking façade of the Cathedral of Saint Mary. As one of the first Gothic churches in Spain, the monument has the whole history of Gothic art being exhibited in its exterior. The temple of immense splendor is not only closely tied with the city's history as the setting for many historic events and home to royal tombs but also famous far beyond Spain's borders as a stopping place on St James’ Way.

Continue to visit Saint Nicholas of Bari, which has the best altarpiece in the city despite being the second fiddle to the imposing cathedral. The life of Saint Nicolas is gorgeously depicted in incredibly intricate detail on the magnificent altarpiece dominating the simplistic nave of the church.

The final destination is a bit of a climb: the St. Stephen's Stairs, running along the historic walls and leading to the ruins of Burgos castle perched atop San Miguel Hill. But once arriving, you can take a break enjoying picturesque views of the Old Town from above or explore the weathered fortress in your own way.

What's not included

Entrance fee : Burgos Cathedral - 7 € per person

Private and Public Transporation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

At the centerpiece fountain of Freedom Square (Plaza de la Libertad), your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.

About Burgos

Burgos is a historic city in northern Spain, renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. It's home to the famous Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a deep dive into Spain's medieval past with its well-preserved old town and numerous museums.

Top Attractions

Burgos Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Burgos Cathedral is one of Spain's most important cathedrals.

Historical/Religious/Architecture 2-3 hours €10 (includes museum and cloister)

Cartuja de Miraflores

A beautiful example of late Gothic architecture, this former monastery houses the tombs of King John II and his wife Isabella of Portugal.

Historical/Religious/Architecture 1 hour €5

Museo de Burgos

This museum offers a comprehensive overview of the history and art of Burgos, from prehistoric times to the present.

Museum 1-2 hours €3

Paseo del Espolón

A beautiful promenade in the heart of Burgos, lined with trees, benches, and historic buildings. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Parks/Gardens 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Casa de los Condestables de Castilla

A stunning example of Gothic civil architecture, this 15th-century palace is now a museum and cultural center.

Historical/Architecture 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Morcilla de Burgos

A type of blood sausage made with rice, onions, and spices. It's a local specialty and a must-try.

Main Dish Contains pork and blood, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Sopa de Ajo

A traditional garlic soup made with bread, garlic, and sometimes ham or egg. It's a comforting dish, especially in colder months.

Soup Can be made vegetarian upon request.

Lechazo Asado

Roast suckling lamb, a Castilian specialty. The lamb is cooked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Main Dish Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Tortilla de Burgos

A type of omelette made with potatoes, onions, and sometimes chorizo or other meats.

Main Dish Can be made vegetarian upon request.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding countryside Cycling tours Strolling through the historic center Picnicking in the parks Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals and events Visiting Christmas markets Enjoying winter festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to September

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city is vibrant, and all attractions are open, but it can be crowded.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (to some extent)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Burgos is generally safe with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps for safer transportation.

Getting there

By air

Villafría Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Burgos Railway Station

By bus

Burgos Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are the primary mode of public transport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Casco Histórico (Historic Quarter) Gamonal San Pedro de la Fuente

Day trips

Atapuerca

15 km from Burgos • Half day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant hominid fossils, including the oldest human remains in Europe.

Lerma

40 km from Burgos • Full day

A charming medieval town with a stunning Ducal Palace and beautiful churches. It's a great place to explore Spanish history and architecture.

Poza de la Sal

30 km from Burgos • Half day to full day

A medieval town known for its salt flats and beautiful surroundings. It's a great place for hiking and exploring historic sites.

Festivals

Semana Santa (Holy Week) • March or April (dates vary) International Music and Dance Festival • July Fiestas de San Pedro y San Pablo • June 28-30

Pro tips

Visit the rooftop of Burgos Cathedral for panoramic views of the city.
Explore the historic center on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
Try the local specialty, morcilla de Burgos, at a traditional tavern.
Take a day trip to Atapuerca to learn about the prehistoric history of the region.
Visit the local markets for fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.