The 10 Best Things to Do in Logroño Spain & What to See Nearby

Logroño is the bustling capital city of Spain’s La Rioja wine region. Just like the wine, Logroño is layered in big textures of culture and rich flavors of its culinary scene. There are many things to do in Logroño, which also acts as a gateway to one of Spain’s most famous wine regions.

Logroño offers a variety of attractions, including numerous churches, lively markets, a famous street filled with pintxos bars, interesting museums, and more. As the capital of the La Rioja region, there are a handful of wineries (bodegas) within the city limits.

The mighty Ebro River provides scenic pathways, and Logroño has been an important stop for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago for centuries.

I’ve been to Logroño a few times. The first time as a pilgrim walking the Camino de Santiago. I felt like I didn’t get enough time in the city, so I returned to spend a long weekend here with my mom. Logroño was one of our favorite cities on this 5-week road trip through Spain.

This guide includes how to get to Logroño, the best things to do in Logroño, noteworthy places to see nearby, and other travel tips for visiting Logroño.

Table of Contents

• How to Get to Logroño Spain
• How Many Days in Logroño?
• The 10 Best Things to Do in Logroño Spain
• Where to Stay in Logroño
• Awesome Places to See Near Logroño
• Is Logroño Worth Visiting?
• Conclusion | The Best Things to Do in Logroño & What to See Nearby

How to Get to Logroño Spain

Logroño is the capital of the autonomous region of La Rioja in Spain. As the capital of the autonomous region, it is well-connected to Spain by public transportation and has a small airport.

Logroño is a fabulous place to start any road trip in the La Rioja region. There are ample places to park a car outside the historic old town and spend a day or two exploring Logroño.

Here are the many ways to travel to Logroño.

Logroño Agoncillo Airport (RJL)

There is a small airport, Logroño Agoncillo Airport, about 15 minutes west of Logroño. This airport only offers sporadic flights between Madrid.

Logroño Train Station

The Estación de Tren de Logroño is located a little outside of the city center. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the station to the heart of Old Town.

Train tickets are sold by Renfe with direct trains from Madrid and Zaragoza. There are also connections between Logroño and Bilbao.

Logroño Bus Station

The Logroño Bus Station is located right across the street from the Logroño Train Station. The Bus Station offers numerous bus companies and bus routes. Alsa Bus Company connects Logroño to major destinations in Spain. There are frequent local buses that connect Logroño to smaller villages.

Visit Logroño By Car

Logroño is a great place to start a road trip or include in a Basque Country Itinerary. We combined both the Basque Country and the La Rioja region. We actually picked up our car in Vitoria-Gasteiz and drove into the La Rioja region.

Tons of cute little villages near Logroño are worth exploring. The La Rioja region is scenic and lovely and a car offers the freedom to explore.

➤ Renting a Car in Spain? Don’t forget to get your International Driving Permit

By Foot Via the Camino de Santiago French Way

Logroño is located on the Camino de Santiago (French Way). It is one of the most significant cities on the Camino Frances. It has deep roots with “the way,” and the nobility of Spain has promoted the route since the 11th century. One of the main reasons was to help export the wine and import artists and stone masons.

Pilgrims typically start the Camino Frances from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the French Pyrenees Mountains. Logroño is typically around a 7-day walk from Saint-Jean-Pied de Port. Pilgrims will have around 615.5 KM (382.5 miles) to arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

If feeling inspired to walk the Camino de Santiago, make sure to pack light and follow the shell trail markers. There are numerous Camino routes, and here are some of my best tips after walking over 12 different routes.

How Many Days to Spend in Logroño?

Logroño is the capital of the La Rioja region and the most populous city in the autonomous community of the same name.

Technically, you could enjoy a majority of the sites in a busy one-day itinerary. For us, we spaced our time in Logroño over a weekend. This allowed us to wander the old town, dig deep into the culinary scene, visit some of the historical sites, and indulge in the treats of the local wine.

Two days in Logroño is an ample amount of time to get a taste of the city. If short on time, the main highlights of Logroño could be explored aggressively in a full day. Make sure to budget a few days to explore the nearby villages like Haro and Laguardia.

One week in the La Rioja region would be ideal, as you could slow down and enjoy Logroño, visit nearby villages, and do some hikes.

These are some of the unmissable things to do in the La Rioja region of Spain.

The Best Things to Do in Logroño Spain

These are some of the best things to do in Logroño. This itinerary includes a mixture of culinary treasures, wine tasting, cultural sites, and casual riverside strolls.

Almost all of these sites could be explored casually over 2 days in Logroño.

1 | Expereince Calle Laurell

One of the best things to do in Logroño is to indulge in the culinary treasures found on Calle Laurel. This street is home to around 60 pinchos bars that all offer local wines of the La Rioja wine region.

With so many bars, the locals have nicknamed this street the “Trail of the Elephant,” since many people can be seen staggering on all fours from eating and drinking too much. Remember, indulge in moderation!

While Calle Laurel is the main street, there are a few nearby streets included in “Calle Laurell.” Calle San Agustin runs parallel to Calle Laurell and offers tons of pintxos bars. The streets between the two: Calle Albornoz and Travesía del Laurel are also blessed with lively bars.

Calle Laurel has its own foodie guide. Most of the bars have the little booklet where you can see each bar’s specialty pincho. If not, check out the online guide here.

2 | Indulge in the Pinchos Scene – Like for Real

Logroño is a must-visit stop in La Rioja for those seeking the specialties of La Rioja and while most visitors spend a majority time in the Calle Laurell region there are plenty of places aways from the crowds to enjoy tapas.

On the back side of the Santa María Cathedral of Redonda of Logroño are lots of nice pinchos bars with outdoor terraces (Calle Portales). The whole area connecting with Calle de San Juan is also lovely.

We specifically loved the energy at Umm No sólo Tapas and PerretxiCo (a local chain of Basque-style pinchos).

There are lots of places to delve into the cusine of the La Rioja region within the city limits.

3 | Explore the Streets of Old Town

Old Town in Logroño is charming, pedestrian-friendly, and offers plenty of green space. One of the best things to do in Logroño is to simply wander through the old town cobbelstone streets.

Logroño has always been an important stop for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago French Way, so many a majority of the historical sites include churches, religious sites, and a Cathedral.

The Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda was built between the 15th and 18th centuries. However, there are numerous churches scattered throughout the city.

While there area many religious sites, one of the main highlights of Logroño is the numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes. Calle Laurel is located within the Old Town and numerous squares and plazas offers inviting terraces and outdoor spaces to eat the regional dishes.

Logroño’s Old Town also offers museums, nearby bodegas, wine tastings, and more.

4 | Visit a Bodega Within the City Limits

The Ebro River flows through Logroño, providing fertile grounds for nearby vineyards. There are numerous bodegas found within the city limits.

Additionally, there are a handful of bodegas found on the outskirts of town.

My mom and I crossed over the Ebro River to Bodegas Franco Españolas. This winery offers a wine bar with tastings or the chance to choose a wine and sit outside on the terrace.

Bodegas Franco Españolas | Find it here: Calle Cabo Noval, 2 | Hours: Tours vary by price and date | Wine Bar: is open to enjoy a drink: Mon – Thur: 11.00 – 19.30 / Friday: 11:00 – 21:00 / Sat: 11:00- 22:00 / Sun: 11:00-15:00

There are numerous options for urban cellar tours from vineyards like Arizcuren Bodega & Viñedos and Bodega Viña Ijalba.

5 | Do a Wine Tasting

While La Rioja is an autonomous community in Spain, there are three sub-zones of the La Rioja Wine region: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Logroño sits in the heart of the Rioja Alta region

The Rioja Alavesa is part of the Basque Country. Rioja Oriental is the western wine region and one of the least visited.

If you don’t have time to make it to the other regions of La Rioja, do take a wine tasting within the city. We had a fun experience at Vinoteca San Agustín in Logroño. This little wine shop is located right across the museum and offers different styles of tastings with regional snacks (we chose cheese).

6 | Stroll Through the Mercado San Blas

One of my favorite things to do in any new city is to take a stroll through the local market, and in Logroño that’s the Mercado San Blas.

The main market in Logroño is located right near Calle Laurel and offers numerous produce, meat, and fresh product stalls.

The building itself is large and beautiful, although, it is having restoration work done.

7 | Visit the Museo de La Rioja

The La Rioja Museum is a fabulous local museum that has a mixture of temporary and permanent exhibits. The museum itself is an old palace that was built during the 18th century.

The museum showcases artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. It also moves through the centuries highlighting art from each region. While we visited there was a temporary exhibition from a photographer who had spent time in Nepal.

The museum is free to visit and is well worth spending a few hours exploring.

La Rioja Museum | Find it here: Calle San Agustín, 23 | Hours: Tues-Sat: 10:00 – 20:30 / 16:30 – 20:30, Sun: 10:00 – 14:00, Closed Mondays | Free Admission | Museum Information

8 | Stroll Along the Ebro River

The Ebro River flows through the heart of Logroño city. In fact, the Puente de Piedra welcomes pilgrims into the city over the Ebro River. The Ebro River is lined with walking paths and parks.

On the opposite side of Logroño’s Old Town, find the Franco Españolas Winery and the Casa de las Ciencias, a Sceince Museum with interative exhibits.

The Ebro River offers an ideal place to people-watch and take a casual stroll. There are also a few restaurants and cafes to stop and catch a drink or a meal.

9 | Soak Your Feet in the Fountains Near Puente de Piedra

Near the Puente de Piedra bridge are rather large fountains. These fountains are located along the Camino de Santiago route and offer a refuge for pilgrims and visitors alike to soak their tired feet.

The fountains are lined with mosaic shells at the bottom and are the perfect place to relax.

10 | Appreciate Logroño at Night

Logroño’s popular bar street of Calle Laurel is one of the best places to experience the nightlife of Logroño. During the night, the streets come alive with musicians and hungry visitors and locals alike soaking in the jovial ambiance.

Be mindful that Calle Laurel can be quite busy and crowded during the evening hours. Those looking for a more tranquil experience can escape the crowds of Calle Laurel and wander along the quieter streets of Old Town.

Where to Stay in Logroño Spain

As Logroño is a pilgrimage city and the capital city, there is a wide range of accommodation options. There are albergues for pilgrims, hostels for budget travelers, hotels, private apartments, and even some luxury stays.

Albergues in Logroño

Remember, most albergues require a pilgrim credential to spend the night.

• Albergue de Peregrinos de Logroño / 68 Beds/ NO RESERVATIONS / 10 €
• Albergue Parroquial Santiago el Real / 30 Beds / NO RESERVATIONS / Donativo
• Albergue San Nicolás

Budget-Hostels in Logroño

• Winederful Hostel & Café
• Hostal La Numantina
• El Patio de San Nicolas

Top-Rated Private Rooms in Logroño

• Pensión La Castellana
• EightRooms La Rioja Pension
• Hotel Condes de Haro
• Hotel Sercotel Portales
• Apartamentos Laurel
• Eurostars Marqués de Vallejo

➜ Discover the best places to stay in Logroño Spain

Noteworthy Places to See Near Logroño

Spending a few nights in Logroño? These places make for both amazing day trips and places to stay in the La Rioja region.

✔ Haro (Rioja Alta)

Haro is the unofficial capital of the La Rioja Wine Region and is the perfect place to sip and sample wine from this iconic wine region. Near the train station, find the Train Station (El Barrio de la Estación). There are seven large bodegas that all offer guided tours and tastings. With charming streets, encompassed by beautiful nature, and a spectacular gastronomy, Haro is worth visiting.

🚗 Haro is around 45 minutes from Logroño by car.

✔ Laguardia (Rioja Alavesa)

Laguardia is one of the most famous La Rioja villages. It is known for its handful of family-run bodegas with underground cellars that have been making wine for centuries. In Laguardia, there are close to 20 locally run wine cellars. It is also considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

🚗 Laguardia is only a 20 minute drive from Logroño by car

✔ Eltziego (Rioja Alavesa)

Elciego (Eltziego) is a fantastic village in the Rioja Alavesa region. This small village is home to a few different kinds of bodegas, from smaller family-run wineries to the famous Hotel Marques de Riscal. Elciego boasts a beautiful plaza and a spectacular 16th-century church, the Church of San Andrés. The village is walkable and feels very lived-in.

🚗 Eltziego is less than 30 minutes from Logroño by car

✔ Clavijo

Logroño is a short distance from Clavijo. This small pueblo is famous for the mythical battle of Clavijo that happened in 844 between the Christians and the Moors. In Clavijo, there is a spectacular hilltop castle. There is a unique hike to the ruins of San Prudencio Monastery.

🚗 Clavijo is around 30 minutes from Logroño by car

Is Logroño Worth Visiting?

Yes, Logroño is worth visiting! Whether you are a pilgrim walking the Santiago de Compostela or you are visiting as a tourist, there are so many things to see and do in this historical city. In fact, many pilgrims choose to take a rest day to explore more of Logroño.

With an incredible Old Town, a delicious culinary scene, access to beautiful landscapes, and located within the heart of one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions, there is something for everyone in Logroño.

Logroño is worth at least a weekend escape, or try to spend at least 2 days in Logroño.

When is the Best Time to Visit Logroño?

Logroño is great to visit any time of the year. It can be quite hot and busy during the summer months. September starts the harvest season, which can bring in wine connoisseurs and those looking to experience the harvesting events during the fall.

As it’s a popular spot on the Camino de Santiago, there is always a flow of pilgrims passing through the city. The spring and fall are popular times for pilgrims to walk the Camino de Santiago.

I’ve also visited the La Rioja region during the winter, and while there are limited hours, we had lots of private tastings. There were very few visitors, but things were still open with limited hours. I thought the winter was a fabulous time to explore the wine region in the off-season.

Is Logroño Expensive?

Spain, in general, is a budget-friendly country. There are plenty of ways to keep costs low, from using public transportation to staying at hostels or pensions.

I find Logroño much more affordable than the nearby region of the Basque Country and larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Of course, it all depends on how you travel, but the city is well connected to the Camino de Santiago, which equates to numerous budget-friendly accommodation options and restaurants.

Many of the sites in Logroño are free to enter and explore. The parks and fountains are great public spaces that are free to enjoy.

Logroño is famous for its culinary and pinchos scene. Depending on how much you want to eat or drink will affect the budget-friendliness. Taking advantage of the daily menu del día, or cooking your meals, will help keep costs low, but you may miss out on the culinary treasures of the region.

Conclusion | The Best Things to See in Logroño

In short, this is a guide to the best things to do in Logroño. This guide includes how to get to Logroño, what to see and do there, and more tips for visiting.

Logroño is a gem in the heart of the La Rioja wine region. Not only is it a historical city on the Camino Frances, but it has one of the best culinary scenese in Spain.

I’ve included a mixture of places to stay in Logroño and some of my favorite nearby day trips and villages.

Logroño is a fantastic place to visit in Spain.

Have you been to Logroño? Is there anything missing from this Logroño city guide? Any updates I should know about? Let me know in the comments below!

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