⛪ Burgos Travel Guide

Overview

Burgos, located in northern Spain's Castile and León region, is famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its connection to El Cid, Spain's legendary medieval warrior. A key stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, Burgos combines impressive architecture, medieval history, and hearty Castilian cuisine.

The city sits on the Arlanzón River at 860 meters altitude, giving it cold winters and mild summers. Burgos is smaller and quieter than major tourist cities, offering an authentic glimpse into historic Castilian culture without the crowds.

💰 Budget Estimate

Burgos is affordable. A 2-day trip costs around €85-130 per person:

• Accommodation: €30-42 per night
• Food: €20-30 per day
• Transportation: €5-8 (walkable)
• Attractions: €10-15 (Cathedral €8, others free/cheap)

🎨 Top Attractions

Burgos Cathedral

• Importance: Third-largest cathedral in Spain, UNESCO site, masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture (13th century).
• Highlights: Elaborate spires, Golden Staircase, Chapel of the Constable, tomb of El Cid and wife Jimena.
• Entry: €8 (audio guide included). Free during worship hours (check schedule).
• Visit time: 1.5-2 hours to see properly.

Historic Sites

• Monastery of Las Huelgas: Royal monastery with medieval tombs and museum. €6 entry (free Wed afternoons EU). 45min visit.
• Cartuja de Miraflores: Carthusian monastery 3km from center. FREE entry. Beautiful altarpiece and royal tombs. Bus or 40min walk.
• Castle ruins: On hilltop overlooking city. Free to explore. Good views but little remains of structure.
• Arco de Santa María: Medieval city gate. Free to see exterior, €3.70 for interior museum.

Old Town

• Walk along Arlanzón River — tree-lined paths
• Plaza Mayor — main square with cafés
• Paseo del Espolón — elegant promenade
• Medieval streets around cathedral

🍽️ Food & Morcilla

• Morcilla de Burgos: Blood sausage with rice and onion. The city's signature dish. €5-8 as tapa, €10-14 as main.
• Lechazo asado: Roast milk-fed lamb. Castilian specialty. €16-22.
• Queso fresco: Fresh cheese from Burgos. Soft, mild. €4-7.
• Olla podrida: Hearty stew with beans, meat, vegetables. Winter dish. €12-16.
• Menú del día: €11-14 for 3-course lunch with wine.
• Tapas: €2-4 each. Not free, but generous portions.
• Wine: Ribera del Duero region nearby — excellent reds. €2.50-4/glass.

Best area: Around Plaza Mayor and Calle Sombrería for tapas bars.

🚇 Getting There

• From Madrid: Bus 2.5h (€12-18), train 2.5-4h (€20-35)
• From Bilbao: Bus 2h (€10-15)
• From León: Bus 2h (€10-15)
• Getting around: Compact old town, fully walkable

📝 Travel Tips

• ✔ Burgos cathedral is worth the €8 — one of Spain's finest.
• ✔ Visit in spring/fall. Winter is COLD (often below 0°C), summer is mild and pleasant.
• ✔ Try morcilla — even if you don't usually like blood sausage, Burgos version is unique.
• ✔ Free entry to Cartuja monastery — worth the 3km trip.
• ✔ Perfect stopover if traveling Madrid-Bilbao or on Camino de Santiago.
• ✔ Less crowded than major cities — enjoy peaceful sightseeing.

🚶 Camino de Santiago

• Burgos is a major stop on the Camino Francés (French Way)
• Cathedral offers pilgrims' mass and blessings
• Many albergues (pilgrim hostels) available (€8-15/night)
• About 500km from Santiago — roughly halfway from French border
• Pilgrims welcome but tourists don't need pilgrim credentials to visit