The historic capital of Castile, Burgos sprawls along the Arlanzón River north of Spain. It’s renowned for its medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed cathedral while also being home to a Cistercian abbey and the fascinating Museum of Human Evolution.
Things to do in Burgos
Visit the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark housing beautifully preserved works by renowned Spanish painters, sculptors and architects. Admire the French Gothic-style facade and ornamental bell towers, then step inside to marvel at the tomb of El Cid and the Chapel of Condestable.
Learn about our origins at the Museum of Human Evolution, houses in a striking building designed by award-winning Spanish architect Juan Navarro Baldeweg. It houses an extensive collection of fossils discovered in the nearby Sierra de Atapuerca, together with a replica stern from the HMS Beagle, which played an influential role in Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.
Explore the Abbey of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas, a convent for Cistercian nuns where numerous royal weddings have taken place. Wander through the ornate church and marvel at the Moorish designs on the sacristy door, then browse the medieval textiles at the Museo de Ricas Telas.
Visit the atmospheric ruins of the Castillo de Burgos, a Visigoth-built fortress with magnificent city views. Learn about its destruction during the Napoleonic Wars and wander along the poet-named streets, then venture into the underground tunnels.
Getting around Burgos
Burgos-Villafria Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and has daily flights from Barcelona. Burgos is also around 1.5 hours by train from Madrid. Buses travel throughout Burgos, but most attractions can be reached on foot or by bicycle.