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This cozy and friendly city is worth a visit for every traveler traveling to northern Spain. Logrono is the capital of the autonomous community of La Rioja (Autonomía de La Rioja), a famous wine-producing region. Our guide will reveal the most interesting locations. We’ll tell you what to do here and what’s worth seeing.
Also in our article, you will find out what Logrono is famous for, its best restaurants and tapas bars. We’ll tell you where to stay for the night and where to go shopping. Let your trip bring you only pleasant impressions.
Logrono has a special atmosphere. There is plenty of entertainment and wonderful places to spend an interesting time and keep warm memories.
Without a doubt, Calle del Laurel is Logrono’s one of Rioja’s most famous attractions and gastronomic center. This narrow street in the Old Town, completely inconspicuous during the day, becomes noisy, cheerful, and festive when evening comes. On both sides of it, literally behind every door, there is a tapas bar, of which there are more than 60. In most cases, tapas bars are dedicated to one key ingredient — cheese, mushrooms, ham, scrambled eggs, or others.
Tapas are a type of pintxos. It is a small piece of bread with a snack attached to it with a skewer.
In Logrono, on Calle del Laurel, there is a tradition of going from bar to bar and trying miniature tapas everywhere, washed down with the famous Riojan wine.
The name of this street has a story. In former times, prostitutes lived here. To show clients that they were free, the girls hung a laurel branch on the balcony, for which the street got its name. And now it has the nickname Elephant Path, because after walking all of it, visiting all the tapas bars, and drinking snacks with even a little wine, you can only move on all fours at the end of the street like an animal.
The Stone Bridge is a must-see location in Logrono. This is one of the city’s four bridges over the Ebro River. It is also known as Puente de San Juan de Ortega, after the chapel that once stood on the left bank.
The current stone structure was erected in 1884 on the site of a previous bridge connecting the banks of the river since the 13th century.
The Stone Bridge is one of the symbols of Logrono, which is depicted on the city coat of arms. It is also the beginning of the Way of St. James that passes through the city. The bridge has two fielatos, which in former times served as information points for pilgrims.
One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Logrono is Santa Maria de la Redonda. It was erected at the beginning of the 16th century on the site of an old Romanesque temple, which had a round shape. Therefore, the current church received the name La Redonda.
Fun fact: the cathedral towers are called twins, but one of them is two meters higher than the other.
The temple is impressive with its architecture and interior decoration. Objects of historical, artistic, and spiritual value are stored here.
Tourists can visit the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda every day, except Sundays and mornings on holidays.
The Church of San Bartolome is the oldest in Logrono. It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The peculiarity of this building is the unique main entrance, decorated with iconography that describes episodes from the life of San Bartolome.
It is believed that the church tower was part of the city’s defensive structures in ancient times. It served to protect the Logroño gate. This was a fairly common practice in the Middle Ages when churches and other religious buildings also served as defensive fortifications.
You can visit the Church of San Bartolome every day from 10:00 a.m. to midday.
The Museum of La Rioja is worth visiting for anyone interested in the history, culture, and heritage of this region. It is located in the Espartero Palace, which was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style and is a historical and artistic monument.
The museum’s exhibition occupies three floors of the building. Each of them is dedicated to different periods — from prehistoric times to modern times. Here you can see archaeological artifacts, collections of Renaissance art, as well as paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some exhibits are provided by the Prado Museum.
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences, lectures, and other educational activities.
The pedestrian street Portales is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric in the city. It is popular for relaxation, walking, meetings, and shopping. Its main decoration and distinctive feature are the arcades on the southern part of the sidewalk, built in the last quarter of the 19th century.
Calle Portales has restaurants and cafes with terraces where you can have a good time. Also here are famous landmarks of Logrono — the House of Spires, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, the Parliament of La Rioja, the Amos Salvador Exhibition Hall, as well as the Convent of Mercy, which now houses the Municipal Library.
In addition, this street is the center of the celebrations of the patron saint of the city of San Bernabe and the day of La Rioja, which take place on June 8th and 9th respectively, and turn into a long and colorful fiesta.
Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara, better known as Paseo del Espolón, is the main square of Logrono. This is the financial center of the city and a picturesque green area, decorated with a fountain, where there is a monument to General Espartero. His wife was a resident of Logrono, Maria Jacinte Martinez. This couple was very loved in the city. After the general retired from politics, they settled in the palace, which now houses the La Rioja Museum.
Paseo del Espolón hosts many cultural events. During the main harvest festival — San Mateo — the offering of the first must to the Virgen de Valvanera is made here. The square also hosts concerts, art exhibitions, book and flower markets, and more.
Be sure to add a stroll along Ruavieja Street to your list of things to do in Logrono. You will get a unique experience and walk the same path as the pilgrims of the Way of Santiago. On this street are the Church of Santa Maria de Palacio and the Chapel of St. Gregory. They are visited by travelers heading from Logrono to Santiago de Compostela, where the relics of Saint Santiago are kept.
Calle Ruavieja has retained its medieval appearance and atmosphere. Some of its buildings have beautiful ancient facades decorated with ancient coats of arms. And besides, the Wine Route passes through Ruavieja. In the 16th and 17th centuries, there were about 50 wineries with underground cellars (calados), some of which still exist today. In the past, the best conditions were created for storing wine. To ensure a constant temperature of 15-17 °C, cellars were dug in the ground or located in the lower part of buildings, which were usually built of cut stone. The cellars had the shape of a barrel or a semicircular vault.
One of the attractions in Logroño that is worth seeing is the Parliament of La Rioja. It is located on Calle Marquesa de San Nicolás and is housed in an ancient building from the 14th century, which is particularly notable for its beautiful Baroque façade from 1685. This building had various purposes. It was used as barracks, a military hospital, warehouses, and a prison. In 1889, a tobacco factory was founded here, as a result of which important reconstructions were carried out.
Read also: The best wineries and vineyards of Rioja — excursions and tastings
There are plenty of free things to do in Logrono. A walk through the Old Town of Logrono will give you a pleasant experience. There are many attractions here: Ruavieja and Portales streets, four ancient churches, and the La Rioja Museum, admission to which is free. You can also view the frescoes for free in Logrono. They decorate the facades of houses and make the city unique.
What else is interesting in Logrono for city visitors? Monumento a la Valvanerada attracts attention. It is located next to the tourist office on Portales Street and is dedicated to pilgrims who make an annual march on foot to the monastery of Valvanera, 63 km from Logrono. It takes place on the last Saturday of April since 1976, at the initiative of the La Rioja Blood Donor Association to promote blood donation.
Logrono is child-friendly, and many of its attractions will be as interesting to them as to adults. Every child will love a hot air balloon ride or solving the mysteries of the medieval Goose game at the Plaza de Santiago.
One of the most exciting places to visit with children in Logrono is the House of Sciences. It is located in an old building located along the river. Temporary exhibitions and master classes on various scientific topics are held here. The museum has four exhibition halls, which host about 10 exhibitions annually.
Outside the building there is a Garden of Science — this is a place where the child will gain new knowledge and have fun. Here you can independently conduct experiments and play while getting acquainted with the basics of physics, paleontology, geology, and meteorology.
Ebro Park is a wonderful place to go for a walk with children in Logrono. This is a picturesque and well-kept green area along the Ebro River, the main waterway of the city. The park covers an area of 153,000 m² and is crossed by many trails and walking paths. There are cafes with terraces and you can see a lot of plants and animals. Throughout the park, there are nests of storks, which have become its attraction. Also, among the dense greenery, it is easy to spot otters, minks, woodpeckers, and other animals and birds.
After a walk in the park, cross the Iron Bridge to the other side and find yourself next to the House of Science.
A great place to go with children in Logrono to have a good time is La Grajera Park. It is located on the outskirts of the city and is a large green space with an artificial lake on which swans and ducks swim. Nimble squirrels are scurrying around here, there are playgrounds, a mini-zoo, a zipline, and picnic areas.
You can have lunch at the restaurant and leave your car in the parking lot.
A fun activity for adults and children in Logrono — indoor karting for all ages. For children over 130 centimeters tall, specially adapted karts are available to ensure comfort and safety during racing. In addition, there are arcade machines, table football, billiards, hockey, and more.
The main commercial artery of Logrono is Calle Portales. There are many shops here offering everything from fashionable clothing and accessories to locally made gifts and souvenirs.
When shopping here, don’t miss the Dulín hat shop. Here, as in former times, personalized measurements of each client are stored so that their headdress always fits perfectly.
For sweets, head to La Mariposa de Oro or La Golosina Golmajería to buy delicious gifts to take home.
If you want to buy an authentic souvenir, then choose a leather wineskin from the Botas Rioja craft workshop. There are also other leather goods here.
It is impossible to imagine anyone leaving Logrono without a good bottle of the famous Riojan wine. At Vinos El Peso Logroño you will find everything you need for yourself and as a gift.
The cute little shop La Luci Delicatessen sells great cheeses, wine, olive oil, biscuits, delicious bread, beer, and other groceries.
Like many cities in Spain, Logrono has an Alcampo supermarket. It sells the most popular products from Spanish manufacturers that are used by locals.
If you love large shopping centers, then head to Parque Rioja. This is a wonderful shopping and entertainment destination for the whole family. Adults and children will find their favorite brands, attractions, cafes, and restaurants here. Come here to buy beautiful jewelry, fashionable clothes, high-quality cosmetics, appliances, household goods, and, of course, children’s toys.
Berceo Mall logroño is another shopping center for the whole family. Shopping and entertainment go hand in hand here. You’ll have fun watching movies, eating delicious food at your favorite restaurants, taking fun photos in a medieval photo booth, and shopping at the many fashion stores.
Logrono is a city of wine and gastronomic tourism. People come here to eat delicious food and drink the famous Riojan wine.
Typically, tapas bars in Logrono specialize in one ingredient, but others offer a wide selection.
We recommend that you visit as many of these establishments as possible to get the full dining experience.
Airport
One of the airports near this city in Spain is Logrono Agoncillo. It is located 14 kilometers from the city center and connects the capital of La Rioja with Madrid. Tourists should note that there is no public transport to the airport. Therefore, you can only come to the city from here by car or taxi.
Train
One of the most comfortable ways to get to Logrono is by rail. Trains arrive here from many major cities in Spain. Most popular routes:
The train station and bus station are built nearby and form the Logrono intermodal station.
Bus
The new Logrono bus station was opened on September 12, 2023, and is located under the same dome as the train station. There is parking, a taxi rank, and places for motorcycles and bicycles.
The Logrono bus station receives many buses from several operators every day to different destinations. For example, you can come here from Bilbao, Madrid, Burgos, Santander, Santiago de Compostela, Valladolid, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Zaragoza, Valencia and other cities in Spain.
Car rent
In Logroño, it is easy for travelers to get by without a car since the city is small. However, if you are planning to travel around La Rioja, then car rental in Logrono is the best thing to do. There are rental points at Logrono Airport, the train station, and the bus station.
It is worth noting that Logrono is a compact city. Its historical center, which is of greatest interest to tourists, can be easily explored on foot.
The most popular public transport in Logrono is the bus. 11 lines are running around the city that connect all its parts. They start their work at 07:00 a.m. and finish around 11:00 p.m. Movement interval is 10-15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver in cash or paid by credit card.
Free Wi-Fi is available on buses.
You can also get around Logrono by taxi. It is easy to recognize the cars of this service. They are white with a red stripe on the front door. If the car is free, then the green light on top is on. Please be aware that taxis in Logrono cannot stop on the street if their stand is within 200 meters.
The capital of La Rioja is a small but popular tourist city. There is enough accommodation available to stay for a night or two. However, during peak season, the best hotels in Logrono have high occupancy rates. Take care of your reservation to avoid unnecessary hassle.
If you are looking for the best hotels in Logrono, Spain, then do booking of room at Aurea Palacio de Correos. It occupies a historic building dating from 1932, which formerly housed a post office. Guests here are offered a high level of comfort and service, modern rooms, and delicious breakfasts. In addition, there is an outdoor terrace with beautiful views of the city, a gym, spa treatments, and paid parking.
In Logrono, the Eurostars Marqués De Vallejo (4 stars) is a wonderful hotel, in a great location for sightseeing. It is located on the next street from Calle del Laurel — the most popular tourist location in the city. The hotel has an avant-garde interior with traditional elements. Here you will find comfortable and cozy rooms with comfortable beds, ensuring a restful and healthy sleep.
An excellent option for short-term accommodation in Logrono is Sercotel Calle Mayor (4 stars). It occupies a restored 16th-century building and is also close to Calle del Laurel. Its advantages include comfortable and bright rooms, breakfast, a gym, the opportunity to book a tour of the winery with tasting, as well as a visit to Laguardia.
Sercotel Portales (3 stars) is located in the central part of Logrono, which provides advantages for exploring the Old Town. Guests of the six-story hotel invariably praise the spacious rooms, large bathrooms, and friendly service. It serves a wonderful buffet breakfast and has free parking nearby near Ebro Park.
The budget option Hostal La Numantina (2 stars) is located in the center of Logrono — close enough to the attractions and far enough away that you will not be disturbed by the noise of walking tourists. The hotel has small but comfortable rooms with comfortable beds. It is warm in winter and cool in summer.
This cozy boutique hotel in Logrono has an ideal location and its guest rooms have been lovingly prepared. At Aniana Alojamiento Boutique, every detail is provided for your comfortable stay — clean and comfortable rooms, delicious breakfast, and perfect service.
The cheerful capital of La Rioja is located in the northern part of Spain. The climate in Logrono is humid continental due to the city’s location in the Ebro Valley. Summer here is usually hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 30 ℃ and above. Winters are cool, but not too cold. There are periods of rain.
The best time to travel to Logrono is spring and autumn when the climate shows its mildness. Spring brings blooms and greenery, while the fall months bring you the opportunity to enjoy the grape harvest and participate in various wine-themed festivals and events.
In general, the weather in Logrono is friendly to travelers at any time of the year. From May to October is the peak tourist season here, so prices are somewhat higher, it is crowded, and there are queues in popular places. From November to April there are fewer sunny days and it rains more often. At the same time, prices are reduced, and access to all attractions becomes free.
San Mateo and the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival are the most famous and beloved events in Logrono. It takes place over a week at the end of September in honor of the city’s patron Saint Matthew and the celebration of the new grape harvest. The celebrations are accompanied by many events. It is not complete without bullfights, parades, costume processions, concerts, dances, theatrical performances, and fireworks. The main events of the celebration are the pressing of grapes according to the ancient tradition of Pisado de la Uva (with your feet in a large container) and the offering of the first must to the Holy Virgin Valvanera.
At the same time, you can see the “wine fountain” at the intersection of Vara de Rey and Gran Vía ha streets. It should be remembered that the water is colored wine-colored using a dye, and it is prohibited to approach the fountain.
Another major holiday is the Fiestas de San Bernabé, which takes place annually on June 11th. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Logrono and recalls the heroic defense of its inhabitants from French troops in 1521. This festival is preceded by La Rioja Day, which is celebrated on June 9th. Celebrations are united into a big event that turns into one another. The celebrations are accompanied by historical performances, Renaissance markets, concerts, and gastronomic tastings.
Read also: What to do in Rioja — routes, trails, attractions
The capital of La Rioja is an excellent starting point for exploring the region. This is discussed in detail in another article. Here we also suggest some great locations for a day trip from Logrono.
Read also: Guide to La Rioja — the wine region of Spain
The wine capital of La Rioja is considered to be small and cozy Haro, 50 kilometers from Logrono. It is famous for its numerous wineries — there is a whole area of them, next to the train station. Each winery usually has a bar that displays all the wines they produce. Therefore, you don’t have to go on excursions with tasting.
Read also: Guide to Haro — the city of wineries and wine festivals
Briones is a picturesque medieval town, which is located just 40 kilometers from Logrono. It is located on a hill overlooking the Ebro River, offering breathtaking views of the valley and orderly rows of vineyards. This is a pleasant atmospheric place for a walk. It is worth seeing ancient sights here: the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the 16th century and the Palace of the Marquis of San Nicolas from the 18th century, which now houses the town hall. And also go on excursions to local wineries. Some of them boast ancient cellars.
Briones is also home to the Vivanco winery. In addition to its magnificent wines and vineyards, it is famous for being the largest wine museum in Europe. It is called the Vivanco Wine Culture Museum and covers an area of more than 4000 m². Its exhibition is presented in several halls and covers periods from prehistoric times to the present.
San Millan de la Cogolla is a unique attraction in La Rioja, 50 kilometers from Logrono. It includes two ancient monasteries — San Millan de Suso and San Millan de Yuso. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known as “the birthplace of modern written and spoken Spanish.”
Both monasteries were built at different times on the left bank of the Cardenas River, and their names mean “upper” (Suso) and “lower” (Yuso).
The monasteries of Suso and Yuso are a popular destination for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James, which runs through La Rioja and begins in Logrono.
Arnedillo is located 63 kilometers from Logrono and is famous for its thermal springs on the banks of the Sidacos River. You can enjoy the warm healing waters for free in the outdoor pools. They are available daily from 06:00 p.m. to midnight at any time of the year. There is also a balneological resort offering health, beauty, and treatments.
In addition, in the vicinity of Arnedillo, the ruins of the castle of the same name, Castillo de Arnedillo, have been preserved. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but the first information about it dates back to the beginning of the 11th century. Now you can see the fort tower and the wall in the mountain. 14 kilometers away is Arnedo Castle (Castillo de Arnedo), built in the 9th century on Roman ruins. From the windows of its towers, there is a beautiful view of the city of Arnedo and the Sidacos River.
The ancient city of Najera was the capital of the Kingdom of Navarre from 923 to 1076 and is known for its amazing history. It is located 30 kilometers from Logrono and is where the French and Jacobin Way of Saint Santiago converge. Pilgrims in Najera visit two ancient monasteries, which we recommend you visit too.
Rest assured, Logrono is worth a visit. You will have a good time here. It has an interesting history, gastronomic traditions, and medieval architecture. It is one of the main cities on the Way of Saint Santiago, which undoubtedly had a positive impact on it. There are several beautiful ancient churches, many wineries, and places to go for a walk. The city is proud of its restaurants and tapas street, Calle del Laurel. Also, colorful authentic festivals and holidays are held here.
To enjoy Logrono, Spain to the fullest and gain new experiences, 2-3 days are enough. You will be able to see the sights of the city, get acquainted with its gastronomic traditions, attend wine tours, and go shopping.
A must-see in Logrono is Calle del Laurel, home to over 60 tapas bars. This street is one of the main reasons to visit the capital of Rioja.
Calle del Laurel is the most famous street in Logrono and a must-see for all tourists. It is also called the Elephant Trail. Get into the game and move from bar to bar to sample the most tapas and Riojan wine.
Logrono is a small city, and in one day you can walk through its historical center, which includes the most popular attractions. You should add to your list the streets of Calle del Laurel and Calle Portales, wine tasting, and a visit to the winery and the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda. It’s also interesting to walk along the Way of St. James and play Goose at the Plaza de Santiago.
Yes, Logrono is a safe city. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain common sense and follow basic safety rules: do not leave valuables and bags unattended, and do not show the contents of your wallet.
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