Logroño: The Complete Guide

Logrono lies mainly undiscovered among the vineyards of La Rioja. Not only the capital of Rioja, Spain’s wine growing region it is also possibly its gastronomical capital with a great selection of pintxos (Basque tapas) bars. The town is full of of tree-studded squares, narrow streets and hidden corners. Logroño is a city rich in history, originally the Roman town of Vareia, it grew during the Middle Ages being an important crossroad on the Way of St. James and strategic point between the kingdoms of Aragon, Castile and Navarra.
The history of Logroño cannot be separated from the Camino de Santiago . So much so, that the city did not gain importance until the height of the Jacobean route, from the eleventh century.
The Codex Calixtinus (12th century), the first guide to the Camino de Santiago, already mentions Logroño in its pages. And it is that the passage of merchants, artists and pilgrims through the cobbled streets of the Riojan capital for centuries have made the city a crossroads of great cultural relevance.
The Ebro river crosses the city and on it there are two bridges that serve to communicate Logroño with Navarra and Álava. The oldest of them is the Puente de Piedra , which allows the Jacobean route to reach the city. Originally (11th century), it was fortified by four arches and three towers. Another bridge, this time made of iron and built in the 19th century, also crosses this river channel.From the old wall that surrounded the city, the Revellín wall and the Carlos I gate remain standing. During the patron saint festivities, events that recall the French siege of the city are held in this place.The most important representations of Jacobean architecture appear around Rúa Vieja , a traditional passage street for pilgrims heading to Compostela, such as the Pilgrims ‘Hostel or the famous Pilgrims’ Fountain .
Nor does the church of Santiago leave any doubt about the importance of this jubilee route. This monumental building, erected in the 16th century, has a single nave and its façade shows a formidable image of Santiago Matamoros. Inside, the image of the Virgen de la Esperanza, patron saint of Logroño, is venerated.The historic center is home to important cultural events, such as the Cathedral of Santa María la Redonda (15th-18th centuries), which raises its imposing Baroque towers in the Market Square. The current cathedral enclosure sits on an old round Romanesque church. Of the important sculptural work present in the building, the carvings of Gregorio Fernández and a representation of Calvary by the Renaissance master Miguel Ángel stand out.There are many temples in Logroño, highlighting among them Santa María de Palacio , the oldest in the Riojan capital, which presides over the Logroño skyline with its Gothic spire. Inside you can admire a magnificent cloister, a Flemish altarpiece and various Romanesque pieces. Nearby is the Mudejar tower of the church of San Bartolomé , dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Built in the 12th century, it preserves an exquisite sculpted façade and constitutes the only example of Romanesque art in the city.
Logroño also has good examples of civil architecture, such as the Palace of the Marqués de Legarda , the Palace of the Chapiteles or the Museum of La Rioja , installed in the Espartero Palace, a baroque construction from the 18th century. The avenues and squares of Logroño are also a good option to enjoy the atmosphere of its streets. The Paseo del Espolón is one of the emblematic centers of the city and the Plaza del Mercado is a meeting place for its inhabitants.
Table of Contents
- History of Logroño
- 13 Best places to See in Logroño
- New Logroño City Hall
- Puente de Piedra
- Iglesia de San Bartolomé
- Casa de las Ciencias Logroño
- Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda
- Puente de Hierro, Logroño
- Old Logroño City Hall (Plaza del Mercado)
- Parque del Espolón
- Pintxos at Calle Laurel
- Museo de la Rioja
- Fabrica de Tabacos, Logroño
- Muralla del Revellín
- Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta
- 10 Best Day Trips from Logroño
- Where to Stay in Logroño
- Best Time to Visit Logroño
- How to get to Logroño
History of Logroño
Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, has a storied past that dates back to Roman times, but it gained prominence in the Middle Ages as a stop on the Camino de Santiago, a major pilgrimage route. This historical significance is reflected in its old town, where medieval structures mix with Renaissance buildings. Logroño was officially founded in 1095 by King Alfonso VI and has since been a vital center of trade, especially known for its wine production. The city’s growth was significantly influenced by its strategic location on the pilgrimage route, which brought economic and cultural exchange.
In the 16th century, Logroño was the site of the “Witches of Zugarramurdi” trial, one of the most notorious witch trials in history, conducted by the Spanish Inquisition. Today, Logroño embraces its rich heritage while being known globally for its Rioja wine, which is celebrated through numerous festivals and events that attract visitors from around the world.
Visiting Logroño for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Logroño on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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13 Best places to See in Logroño
This complete guide to Logroño not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Logroño and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
New Logroño City Hall

Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento Av. de la Paz, 11 26001 Logroño La Rioja Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting New Logroño City Hall
Puente de Piedra

Location: Puente de Piedra, Logroño, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Puente de Piedra
Iglesia de San Bartolomé

Location: Church of San Bartolomé, Plaza de San Bartolomé, 2, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Iglesia de San Bartolomé
Casa de las Ciencias Logroño

Location: Calle del Ebro, 1, 26009 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain | Hours: Winter hours: Tuesday to Friday: from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Every Monday and January 1 and 6 and December 25: closed.Summer Hours: (July and August) From Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Every Monday: closed. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Casa de las Ciencias Logroño
Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda

Location: Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda, Calle Portales, 14, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda
Puente de Hierro, Logroño

Location: Puente de Hierro 26001 Logroño La Rioja Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Puente de Hierro, Logroño
Old Logroño City Hall (Plaza del Mercado)

Visiting Old Logroño City Hall (Plaza del Mercado)
Parque del Espolón

Location: Parque del Espolón, Calle Miguel Villanueva, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Parque del Espolón
Pintxos at Calle Laurel

Location: Calle del Laurel, Logroño, Spain | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Pintxos at Calle Laurel
Museo de la Rioja

Location: Museo de La Rioja Calle San Agustín, 23 26001 Logroño La Rioja Spain | Hours: Sun: 10am - 2pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm (closed on Mon) | Website | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Museo de la Rioja
Fabrica de Tabacos, Logroño

| Hours: Parliament of La Rioja C. Marqués de San Nicolás, 111 26001 Logroño La Rioja Spain | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Fabrica de Tabacos, Logroño
Muralla del Revellín

Visiting Muralla del Revellín
Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta

Location: Bodega Marqués de Murrieta, Logroño, Spain | Website | Distance: 4.2km
Visiting Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta
Best Day Trips from Logroño
A day trip from Logroño offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Logroño provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
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Visiting Saint-Jean-de-Luz
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Visiting Biarritz
Bayonne

Visiting Bayonne
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Visiting Santander
Zaragoza

Visiting Zaragoza
Where to Stay in Logroño
The best area to stay is in the city center, where visitors can explore the famous Calle Laurel, known for its excellent tapas and wine bars. For a more relaxed experience, vineyard hotels in the Rioja countryside offer a peaceful and immersive wine tourism experience.
A 2-day stay is perfect for enjoying Logroño’s food and wine culture. A 3 to 4-day stay allows for wine tours in La Rioja, visiting nearby medieval villages, and exploring more of the region’s natural beauty.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Logroño. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Logroño Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Logroño
Spring (April to June): Spring is an excellent time to visit Logroño, as the vineyards are vibrant, and the weather is mild, perfect for wine tours and outdoor dining. The city hosts the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival in June, a celebration of its viticultural heritage.
Fall (September to November): Autumn is the harvest season, making it a magical time to visit. The vineyards are bustling with activity, and the city celebrates its annual San Mateo festival in September, which features wine tasting, parades, and traditional music.
Summer (July and August): Summers can be warm, but the lively atmosphere, with numerous tapas bars and outdoor events, makes it a fun time to experience the city’s nightlife and cultural offerings.
Winter (December to February): Winter is quieter and cooler, ideal for those looking to explore the city’s historical sites and museums in a more relaxed setting.
Logroño’s rich history, combined with its status as a culinary and wine-making powerhouse, makes it an attractive destination year-round, offering unique experiences in every season.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 10°C 53°F
- February 12°C 58°F
- March 15°C 63°F
- April 19°C 69°F
- May 23°C 77°F
- June 28°C 86°F
- July 31°C 92°F
- August 31°C 91°F
- September 25°C 81°F
- October 23°C 78°F
- November 14°C 62°F
- December 11°C 56°F
How to get to Logroño
By Air: The nearest airports to Logroño are Bilbao Airport and Zaragoza Airport, each about 1.5 hours away by car. These airports serve international and domestic flights and offer rental car services for a scenic drive to Logroño.
By Train: Logroño is accessible by train from major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. The journey from Madrid takes approximately 3.5 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic route into the heart of La Rioja.
By Bus: Frequent bus services connect Logroño with major Spanish cities. Buses are a cost-effective and convenient travel option, with direct routes from cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and Zaragoza.
By Car: Driving to Logroño allows for a flexible itinerary, ideal for those interested in exploring the beautiful La Rioja region at their own pace. The city is well-connected by major highways, making it easily accessible from any direction.