vitoria gasteiz tour

THE 10 BEST Vitoria-Gasteiz Tours & Excursions

Vitoria-gasteiz tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Segway Tours
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1. Rioja wine region with visit to winery & Vitoria-Gasreiz

2. Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria

3. Basque Country Full Day Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

4. Luxury Tour By Alava (Vitoria-Gasteiz and Salinas De Añana)

5. Luxury La Rioja Wineries Private Tour

6. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria

7. San Sebastian And Basque Coast Tour From Vitoria

8. Private Electric Bike Experience in Vitoria Gasteiz

9. 6-day Basque Country Tour with Guggenheim Museum Ticket

10. Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum From Vitoria

11. Luxury Basque Coast Private Tour

12. 10-Day Tour Madrid and Basque Country.

13. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Madrid city

14. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Biarritz city

15. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona

16. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño

17. Private Transfer from Madrid city to Vitoria

18. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town

19. Private Transfer from Elciego city to Vitoria

20. Private Transfer from Logroño city to Vitoria Airport

21. Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport

22. Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Vitoria city

23. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town

24. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Santander

25. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city

26. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Bilbao city

27. Private Transfer from Pamplona city to Vitoria Airport

28. Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian

29. Private Transfer from Elciego city to Vitoria Airport

30. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Santander city

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Vitoria-Gasteiz Free Original Walking Tour

Once you arrive at Vitoria-Gasteiz, you’ll notice the warm ambience and comfortable living the locals are used to. The beautiful city received an international certification as a sustainable tourist destination, Biosphere Responsible Tourism. The city’s magnificent green ring is everyones favorite spot, its a perimeter formed by six very big parks.

The green ring can be explored on bicycle or on foot and Salburua is one of it. Several lakes and rare species of birds are credited to this beautiful location due to its location on a migration route. Another perk of visiting Vitoria-Gasteiz is that you get to see the medieval almond! the medieval almond gained popularity because of its weirdly beautiful shape.

The brilliant history of this little city, its past and present significance and the picturesque sites are the things you’ll enjoy on this tour. Our enthusiastic local guides are giddy and ready to lead guide you through this experience of a life time.

• Learn about the city’s religious and political significance (from the oldest to the most modern) as well as the people who have led it over the years.
• Gain knowledge and interesting facts about the city, such as the Fournier deck, gastronomy, city festivals, and so many bulls, to give you a more comprehensive picture of the city (in addition to purely historical data)

Why Travellers Love This Tour

This Vitoria-Gasteiz Free Original Walking Tour takes you through one of Spain’s most wonderful and unfamiliar cities, where you can witness the city’s neoclassical advancement and old town, as well as its heritage, lifestyles, and celebrations. We’ll see the city’s most famous streets, squares, and landmarks, including the New and Old Cathedrals, Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, Plaza del Machete, the medieval almond, and more.

All of this with a local guide who is an art historian, archivist, and passionate city expert.

What’s Included

✓ Local Guide

✘ Gratuities

✘ Food and drinks, unless specified

Departure & Return

Departure Point: Santa Maria Plaza, 3, 01001 Gasteiz, Araba, Spain

Return Details: Santa Maria Plaza, 3, 01001 Gasteiz, Araba, Spain

Tour Briefing 

The city will be shown from its inception to the present day. Along the way, you’ll notice the changes that have occurred as a result of the remnants that are present.

We will witness the various extensions created from its underpinning to the Middle Ages (union streets, Jewish street, towers, manor houses), Renaissance structures and pavements, the twentieth century with industrial growth, and the twenty-first century with the extensive industrialization of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

In addition, the political, historical, gastronomic, and leisure environments, as well as a perspective of the physical and demographic geography surrounding the city and its province, Araba-lava, will be declared.

In summary, an enjoyable, simplified, vibrant, and pleasurable trip to comprehend the evolution and feeling of Vitoria-Gasteiz and its citizens, as well as the setting to which it belongs, Alava and Basque.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Cancellation Policy

This experience requires good weather. If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll have the option of choosing a different date. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If the tour is canceled because the minimum numbers of participants aren’t met, you’ll be contacted so you can choose a different date.

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¿Qué ver en Vitoria?

Vitoria es la capital de la comunidad autónoma País Vasco y se encuentra ubicada en el norte de España. Históricamente ha sido un enclave estratégico a nivel cultural, comercial y militar, siendo lugar de paso en la calzada romana que unía Astorga y Burdeos. La ciudad cuenta con un gran patrimonio monumental que merece la pena conocer si vas a visitar la provincia de Álava. Hay lugares que son imprescindibles en esta ciudad, y te aconsejamos que los conozcas junto a un guía local que pueda explicarte la cultura e historia durante el recorrido de un free tour en Vitoria por la mañana o por la tarde . Los puntos de interés más representativos son la Catedral de Santa María, Artium, Centro-Museo Vasco de Arte Contemporáneo,  el Parque de Salburua, Bibat, el Museo de Arqueología y Museo Fournier de Naipes de Álava, el Parque de la Florida, el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Estíbaliz, Olárizu, la Casa del Cordón, la Plaza de España o Parque de "San Juan de Arriaga". Todos los free walking tour en Vitoria tiene opiniones de los walkers que han hecho el recorrido con el guía local, valorando su experiencia así como la visita guiada. Otras ciudades en las que también hay guías locales dispuestos a compartir sus conocimientos son Burgos, Santander y Zaragoza.

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Visita guiada por el Centro Memorial de las Víctimas del Terrorismo

En esta visita por el Centro Memorial de las Víctimas del Terrorismo conoceremos algunos de los episodios más oscuros de la historia del País Vasco.

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Vitoria-Gasteiz

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Cathedral of Santa María

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Museum of Fine Arts (Vitoria-Gasteiz)

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Overview of Vitoria, Spain

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the most modest of all the Basque cities. It doesn’t have a fancy beach like San Sebastian nor a Guggenheim Museum like Bilbao and because of this it is often overlooked. But don’t be so quick to skip it. Vitoria offers visitors many of the same things other Basque cities do but it also offers things they don’t.

Take for example Vitoria’s medieval city center . Many buildings there date back to the 1500’s and earlier and are very nicely preserved. The almond-shaped center is also partly surrounded by a wall from the 11th century along with several impressive watchtowers.

The old town is home to several palaces as well. Bendaña and Escoriaza-Esquivel Palaces are two excellent examples of renaissance architecture that should not be missed. Bendaña Palace holds a museum dedicated to playing cards. It is a rather peculiar subject for a museum, but is none the less interesting.

Outside of the old town there are a few “newer” palaces that are also worth a mention, such as the Palacio de Augustin-Zulueta , which now houses the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Art). Located directly across the way, is the Ajuria Enea Palace where the Lehendakari (President of the Spanish Basque Country) resides. This building is off limits to visitors, but you can still catch a glimpse of it from the outside.

If you arrive to the city by car or bus, you will notice the endless construction of new modern apartment blocks. The city has really expanded in recent years and since Vitoria isn’t limited by any geographical boundaries, it has been easy for it to grow outward.

Vitoria has developed into a suburb of sorts but instead of houses there are apartment buildings. As a result there are lots of open green areas. The most notable is the “green ring” that encompasses the city.

For its number of green spaces, Vitoria was named the Green Capital of Europe in 2012 by the European Commission. This new side of Vitoria offers an interesting contrast to the old center.

Vitoria's Top Things to Do & See

Museum of fine arts.

The Fine Art Museum of Vitoria contains a nice collection of 18 th and 19 th century Spanish art, as well as Basque art from 1850 to 1950. The works here represent both romanticism and realism and focus on portraying rural Basque life as well as the bourgeoisie life in an industrializing Bilbao.

The building itself, surrounded by a beautiful garden, is one of the most splendid mansions in Vitoria. It was built between 1912 and 1916 in an eclectic style, mixing baroque and romanic architecture with a little bit of neo-basque. The owners were Ricardo Augustin and Elvira Zulueta, therefore it is also known as the Augustin-Zulueta Palace.

The building is even more impressive in the interior than on the outside. The wood work is simply amazing and the floors are a little bit different in each room. The chapel and stained windows are also original. Although we like the art collection a lot, we personally find the building most impressive. The Museum of Fine Arts is definitely worth a visit!

Between 1999 and 2001 a new modern building was added to the original palace, providing for more space that was needed for the expanding art collection.

Fortified Wall

The almond-shaped medieval town is set upon a hill that is the only elevation in the plain of Álava. The fortified wall that surrounds the town was built during the second half of the 11 th century (new findings suggest that parts of it may be even older).

The strategic position on the hill helped old Vitoria to become a defensive stronghold coveted by the Kingdoms of Navarra and Castile during the 11 th and 12 th centuries.

Santa Maria Cathedral

Known by the locals as ”the old cathedral,” the Santa María Cathedral is a marvelous example of gothic architecture.

The building was conceived at the beginning of the 13 th century by the King of Castile Alfonso VIII as a church-fortress, rising at the highest point of the hill where the settlement of Gasteiz first began.

In 1994, the cathedral was closed to the public and attempts to save the crumbling structure began. The restoration is ongoing and the Santa Maria Cathedral Foundation is in charge of the work and manages guided tours.

If you are interested in seeing the live restoration in progress and archeological ruins of a 13 th -century sanctuary, then a visit to the old cathedral might be a good idea.

Virgin Blanca Square

Also known as “the old square,” the Virgin Blanca Square is without a doubt the main square of the city. It is not only the geographical center but also central gathering point for the locals, surrounded by a tons of bars and terraces.

Every year on the 4 th of August at 6 pm, locals gather to watch Celedón come down from the tower of the Church of San Miguel, marking the start of the Virgen Blanca Festival .

In the middle of the Virgen Blanca Square stands the monument portraying the “Battle of Vitoria” (21 st of June of 1813) against Napoleon’s troops. The French troops escorting Joseph Bonaparte fought against a conglomerate of British, Spanish and Portuguese troops under the Duke of Wellington.

The victory of the allied troops forced the French troops to retreat from Spain (with the exception of Cataluña) and consequently, Napoleon gave the crown of the country back to Fernando VII, thus ending the Peninsular War.

Plaza Nueva (New Square)

Formerly called the España Square, this plaza was historically used for bullfights and markets. Today, there are a number of nice cafés tucked around the surrounding building.

Moreover, every Sunday a collectors market is held in the New Square. If you are around, it might be nice to check it out. For many Vitorianos, the market is part of their typical Sunday morning. At the market you will find a bunch of children’s trading cards, stamp collections, coins, antiques and much more.

Bibat Museum Complex

Situated in the heart of the Old Town you will find the Bibat Museum Complex. It is formed by the following two buildings:

The Bendaña Palace is a beautiful renaissance mansion dating back to the 16 th century. From the outside it looks like a medieval fortified house while the inside contains renaissance architecture.

Today, it is home to the playing cards museum (called “naipes” in Spanish). The museum has one of the best collections in the world. This is due to the fact that the Naipes Heraclio Fournier card company was based in Vitoria and the founder donated his private collection to the museum. The collection features historic cards from the entire world as well as some of the old machinery that was used in their production.

This is a really unique museum and one of our personal favorites. And for 3 € admission, it is definitely worth a visit.

The Archeologic Museum is held in a modern copper building that was designed by the architect Patxi Mangado in 2008. The structure has 4,200 square meters divided into four floors and two basement levels. It contains around 1,500 original pieces from Álava dating from the prehistoric to the Middle Ages.

Casa del Cordón (Cord House)

The Casa del Cordón was erected in the 15 th century by a converted jew named, Pedro Sánchez de Bilbao. This beautiful gothic building was constructed around the ruins of the Gaona Tower (13 th century), which can still be found in its interior today.

The Cord House got its name from the cord of the Franciscan Order located over the arch of what used to be the main entrance. Its original owner placed it there to prove to everyone what a good converted jew he was.

Some famous guests stayed in the palace during the 16 th century, such as Joan the Mad and her husband Philip I, King of Castile. Also, Pope Adrian VI was staying at the Cord House when he received the news that he had been appointed Pope in 1522.

Since 2010, the Cord House belongs to the Obra Social (Charity Works) of the Caja Vital. It contains a permanent exhibition of which the main highlight is the starry vault located in the inside of the Gaona Tower. There you will also discover some antique Basque furniture pieces, paintings, sculptures and ceramic works.

The Casa del Cordón is not very large and can be visited quite quickly. However, it does make for a great little stop.

New Cathedral

The construction of the María Inmaculada Cathedral started in 1907 by the bishop of Vitoria, monseñor José Cadena y Eleta.

Although the ceremony to lay the first stone was a big celebration, on which even the king took part, the construction stopped after only 7 years when the project’s budget had been exceeded and a new bishop had taken over.

The construction didn’t restart until 1946, several years after the Spanish Civil War had ended. The construction continued slowly and although the cathedral was never completely finished because of the high costs, it was consecrated in 1969 and eventually opened to the public.

The main facade was never finished. It is missing a portico and two twin towers, which were supposed to be similar to the ones of Notre-Dame in Paris. If you are interested on knowing how the building should have looked like, there is a model inside the church showing the full design.

Even though the building was never finished, it is worth a visit. Its massive proportions and stained glass windows are quite impressive.

Eduardo Dato Street

When strolling down the Dato street, approximately half way between the Plaza Nueva and the train station, you will arrive to the Arca Square , where you will find a statue called “el caminante” (“the walker”).

Although it is nothing impressive and probably no one outside Vitoria knows it, for the Vitorianos it is a symbol of the city. “El caminante” is a 3.5 m high bronze sculpture of a very skinny and tall man. Created by Juan José Eguiazábal in 1985, it represents a person that has arrived walking to the city and likes it so much that decides to stay.

Whenver there is an event or celebration in Vitoria, such as the Virgen Blanca Festival or carnival, or also when one of the local sport team wins a championship, el caminante gets properly dressed for the occasion.

Escoriaza-Esquivel Palace

The Escoriaza-Esquivel Palace is a renaissance building constructed between 1530 and 1541 for Fernando López de Escoriaza, the doctor of King Henry VIII of England, and his wife Victoria de Anda y Esquivel. It is one of the best examples of civil renaissance architecture in Vitoria.

The façade of the Escoriaza-Esquivel Palace features a plateresque (style of architecture found only within Spain) relief, where the busts of its owners are depicted. Behind its façade you will find a spectacular inner patio with a double archway.

Artium Museum

Inaugurated in 2002, the Artium is a modern art museum with a collection consisting of some of the most important Basque and Spanish artists. The collection is comprised of 3,000 pieces from the 20 th and 21 st centuries (Dalí, Picasso, Miró, Chillida are all included).

The Artium Museum stands next to the Old Town of Vitoria, in the same location where the bus station previously stood. In the square that surrounds the building, you will find a couple of sculptures from the 20 th century. The most notable one is called “La Mirada” (2001) from Miguel Navarro, which towers 45 m (147 ft) into the air.

The museum is also home to a documentation center and organizes educative activities to “teach art to the children.” There are also temporary exhibitions, many of which are done in collaboration with other european museums.

Parque de la Florida (Florida Park)

Originally created in 1820 as a botanical garden, this nicely manicured park is located in the very center of the city and is a popular meeting place for the Vitorianos. Inspired by the French gardens from the beginning of the 19 th century, this park, with its winding paths, definitely has a romantic aura to it.

The Florida Park is not only full of beautiful hidden corners but is also home of over 90 species of trees and 70 species of plants. The 40 most important species have nameplates.

During spring and summer, live music is offered at the bandstand, which is very popular among older local couples.

Within the park there are also two cafes/bars. Both of which have outdoor terraces.

Ajuria Enea Palace

Since 1980, the Ajuria Enea Palace has been the residence of the President (“Lehendakari” in Basque) of the Basque Country. It has become the Basque equivalent of the “White House.”

The palace was constructed in 1920 by the Swiss architect Alfred Baeschlin as a private residence for the local businessman Serafín Ajuria Urigoitia. From the name of the businessman comes the name of the palace, Ajuriaenea which means “from Ajuria” in Basque.

The building has been described as the perfect example of neo-basque architecture. This is exemplified on the facade which features double archways on the floor level, balconies and heraldic elements on the first floor, and lastly arched windows on the top level. The interior contains other elements of important historic and artistic value.

Virgen Blanca Festival

With his speech and the txupinazo, the festival starts. The next 5 days are full of activities and events for children and adults and of course, lots of partying.

Other Places of Interest in Vitoria

Palacio de la Diputación(Provincial Council Palace)

The Palacio de la Diputación currently holds the provincial council of Álava. The local architect Martín Saracíbar built it in two phases between 1833 and 1858 in a late neoclassical style.

In front of the palace, you will find the Province square (“Plaza de la Provincia”) with a statue to a big defender of this province's special privileges, Mateo Benigno de Moraza. The government uses this square for celebration of cultural acts and other festivities, such as the festival of the patron saint of the province of Álava on the 28 th of April ( San Prudencio ).

Torre de Doña Otxanda (Doña Otxanda Tower)

The Doña Otxanda Tower is one of the many defensive buildings from the old walled town of Vitoria. The original house-fort was built at the beginning of the 15 th century to watch one of the gateways into the town.

In the 16 th century, when Andrés Martínez de Iruña and his wife Catalina de Álava decided to move into the city, they restored the building which became a palace-house. The building was named after their daughter “Otxanda.”

The Doña Otxanda Tower was restored in 1970 and since 1986, it has housed the Nature Science Museum of Vitoria. The museum is divided in two main sections. The first floor is dedicated to geology and the second to botanic and zoology. It also contains an exclusive collection of ambers with insects.

The Nature Science Museum of Vitoria is mostly visited by locals and groups of school children. The inside is nothing too special and unless you are very interested in natural science or perhaps traveling with children, we recommend just viewing the building from the outside.

Practical information Opening times: - Tuesday to Friday: 10am - 2pm & 4pm - 6:30pm - Saturday: 10am - 2pm - Sunday and holidays: 11am - 2pm - Monday: closed

Admission: Free

Plaza del Machete & Palacio Villasuso (Machete Square & Villasuso Palace)

The other main attraction in Machete Square is the Villasuso Palace, which is actually much older than the square itself. The palace was built in 1539 for Martín de Salinas, ambassador to the court of King Charles V. The inside of this renaissance palace still contains remnants of the old city wall as well as other traces of its medieval past.

Inside the palace, there is a Flemish tapestry from 16 th century located in the exhibition hall. It belongs to the Brussels School and represents the flight of Aeneas and his family from Troy. Other features of the building are its main entrance, situated next to the top of the stairs, with the Salinas shield on the top and the big shield in the corner of the building by the Machete Square.

Today, it is used as a conference building and it sometimes holds temporary exhibitions.

Practical information - Villasuso Palace Opening times: - Monday to Friday: 11:30am - 1:30pm & 5:30pm - 8:30pm * May vary depending on exhibition and occupancy of the building. Ask at the tourism office for up to date information.

Admission: free

Iglesia de San Vicente (San Vicente Church)

The San Vicente Mártir Church was the last church to be built in the Old Town. It was erected during the 15 th and 16 th centuries on top of the old fortress of San Vicente, which defended the south-east corner of the city.

The main altarpiece deserves special mention. It was finished in 1749 in churrigueresque baroque style, featuring the image of San Vicente. The tower was rebuilt in the second half of the 19 th century in neo-byzantine style.

Practical information - During summer, the tourism office organizes guided visits. - The Santa Maria Cathedral Foundation offers a guided tour dedicated to the medieval wall of the city which includes a visit to the roof/ceiling and tower of the San Vicente Church.

Opening times: The church is open 30 minutes before and after each service. There are masses at the following times: - Monday to Saturday: 11am & 7:30pm - Sunday and holidays: 10am & 12pm

Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel (San Miguel Arcángel Church)

The San Miguel Arcángel Church is a gothic-renaissance temple that contains the chapel of the Virgen Blanca, patron saint of Vitoria-Gasteiz. It was built at the end of the 14 th century, on the hill right outside of the wall that surrounded the original town.

From the church’s balcony, every 4 th of August at 6 pm the chupinazo (launch of a firework) takes place and Celedón descends from the tower of the church, signifying the start of the annual Virgen Blanca Festival . There is also a statue of Celedon along the handrail in front of San Miguel.

Practical information During summer, the tourism office organizes guided visits.

Opening times: The church is open 30 minutes before and after each service. There are masses at the following times: - Monday to Saturday: 11:30am & 7:30pm - Sunday and holidays: 8:30am, 11:30am & 12:30pm

Palacio de Montehermoso (Montehermoso Palace)

The Montehermoso Palace was built in 1524 by the noble Montehermoso family in renaissance style. The building is noteworthy for both its architecture and for being the residence of Joseph Bonaparte during his short and disastrous stay in Vitoria in 1813. The Battle of Vitoria was the final blow in the war and it sent Bonaparte packing for France.

The main facade of the Montehermoso Palace was rebuilt at the end of the 19 th century in neoclassical style. The interior of the building is quite bare, but it does have some nice modern touches. An example of this is the opening near the main stairwell that features wooden cube structures housing the restrooms. Today, the palace functions as a cultural center and is used for various exhibitions.

Practical information Opening times: - Tuesday to Saturday: 11am -2 pm & 6pm to 9pm - Sunday and holidays: 11am - 2pm

Website: http://www.montehermoso.net

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Eat & drink in vitoria, txikiteo in vitoria.

The txikiteo is similar to a pub crawl, except instead of the focus being solely on drinking, delicious pintxos are thrown into the mix. The idea is to go to one bar after the next sampling pintxos and having something to drink. This is usually done by groups of friends and is most popular on Friday and Saturday nights.

Pintxo-Pote

The pintxo-pote has become a very popular activity among the Vitorianos in the last years. Its simple name says exactly what it is: you order a drink, which is a pote (wine, cider or soft drink) and you get the pintxo of the night for free.

It takes place on Thursday and Friday night in different parts of the city and there are a few specific streets where the participating bars serve drinks and pintxos for between 1 and 2 euros a pop.

Once you find one participating bar, you can usually find a poster on the inside that advertises the other bars in the neighborhood that are also taking part. Take note though that these pintxos are rather simple and not something that will win any awards. The pintxo-pote is less about gastronomy and more about the social aspect.

Bars & Restaurants

Get In & Around

Once you are in Vitoria, most places are reachable by foot. If you need to go from one end to the other, then the bus system, operated by Tuvisa, is quite easy to use as well.

Another option would be to take the tram. There are two tram lines in Vitoria, connecting Ibaiondo (Line 1) and Abetxuko (Line 2) with the city center.

Arriving to Vitoria

PLANE – Vitoria-Gasteiz has a small Airport (Aeropuerto de Foronda) 8 km north of the town, but it has only a couple of national flight destinations. The most common way to arrive to Vitoria by plane is flying into Bilbao (65 km away) or Madrid (354 km away). There are buses almost every hour between those two cities and Vitoria, taking around 1 and 4 hours respectively.

CAR – A rental car is really great to have in the Basque Country. It makes for access to some parts of the region such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and to the sagardotegis (traditional basque restaurants in the countryside) much easier.

Driving along the coast and through the Basque interior is beautiful. If you do rent a car, we recommend not staying on the highway the whole time and drive through the country side as it is very rewarding and you get to see a part of basque life that you would otherwise not be able to.

Some of the highways are also toll roads in the Basque Country. The most expensive one is between Vitoria and San Sebastian and costs around 12 €. If you take the alternative free route, it takes about 20 minutes longer, but it much more scenic.

Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save

BUS – Since March 2015, Vitoria’s new bus station is located in the Euskaltzaindia Square (next to the Basque Government). Although it is further from the city center than the previous station, it is well connected by both tram and various bus lines (L2, L4 and L8) to the center and other parts of the city.

From Vitoria, there are buses to Bilbao (1h), Pamplona (1h), San Sebastián (1,5h), Madrid, Barcelona, etc.

TRAIN – It is possible to get into Vitoria by train. The train station is located at the end of the Eduardo Dato street. The line Madrid-Irun stops in Vitoria and the Alvia train connects Vitoria with Madrid in 3 h and 45 minutes.

There are trains from many parts of Spain, Portugal and France (including overnight trains from Paris and Lisbon). Check RENFE for the Spanish train network and Euskotren for the Basque train network.

Other Places of Interest in the Surroundings

Map – Things to Do in Vitoria

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Top Tours in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

Vitoria-gasteiz tours.

• Cultural Tours
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• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
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• Ports of Call Tours
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• Segway Tours
• Up to 1 hour
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Rioja wine region with visit to winery & Vitoria-Gasreiz

2. Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria

3. Basque Country Full Day Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

4. Luxury Tour By Alava (Vitoria-Gasteiz and Salinas De Añana)

5. Luxury La Rioja Wineries Private Tour

6. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria

7. San Sebastian And Basque Coast Tour From Vitoria

8. Private Electric Bike Experience in Vitoria Gasteiz

9. 6-day Basque Country Tour with Guggenheim Museum Ticket

10. Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum From Vitoria

11. Luxury Basque Coast Private Tour

12. 10-Day Tour Madrid and Basque Country.

13. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Madrid city

14. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Biarritz city

15. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona

16. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño

17. Private Transfer from Madrid city to Vitoria

18. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town

19. Private Transfer from Elciego city to Vitoria

20. Private Transfer from Logroño city to Vitoria Airport

21. Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport

22. Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Vitoria city

23. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town

24. Private Transfer from Vitoria to Santander

25. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city

26. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Bilbao city

27. Private Transfer from Pamplona city to Vitoria Airport

28. Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian

29. Private Transfer from Elciego city to Vitoria Airport

30. Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Santander city

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10 Best Things To Do in Vitoria-Gasteiz in 1-Day

Vitoria is a city that maintains a medieval part and a modern part decorated with colorful murals. It is less touristy than Bilbao or San Sebastián, giving the visit a special charm.

But, despite being less touristy, Vitoria has many things to offer visitors, so in today’s post, we tell you what to see in Vitoria-Gasteiz in one day and one night . Let’s go!

• Side Trip: La Rioja Wine Tour (English and Spanish speaking guide)
• La Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch (English and Spanish speaking guide)

Visit Vitoria-Gasteiz’ Medieval Almond

The part of the historic center of Vitoria is called the “almond” because it has an almond shape seen from above.

The 11th-century walls partly surround the Medieval Almond, and inside there are very well-preserved 15th-century buildings and watchtowers.

Also, in the old town, you can see Renaissance-style buildings such as the Palacio de Bendaña and Escoriaza-Esquivel.

And if you fancy green areas, Vitoria is surrounded by “the green ring” this area is well known for its parks and natural spaces. I’ll tell you more about it below.

The Medieval Almond of Vitoria

In the old town of Vitoria, you can see many exciting things; the best thing is to let yourself go and walk through its streets.

If you see a very high slope, don’t worry; they have mechanical treadmills to make the climb easier and effortless. You can also go up the stairs if you want.

Inside the Almendra, you find the old cathedral, called Santa María Katedrala, the Tower of the “Hurtado de Anda,” and on the opposite side (it is a delightful walk).

You have several churches such as San Vicente Mártir, San Pedro and San Miguel Archangel.

Cathedral of Santa Maria of Vitoria

The Cathedral of Santa Maria is the old cathedral. There is a guided tour program called “Open for works.” With this visit, you will take a walk through the cathedral’s history, where you can discover the secrets of this building and the city.

If you did not know, it has been declared a World Heritage Site since 2015 .

Next to the cathedral, you can see the statue of Ken Follett, the writer of the Pillars of the Earth saga, who based his novel World Without End on this same cathedral.

In the Plaza de España is the tourist office, where you can ask for a map of the city and tourist information.

Plaza de la Virgen Blanca (White Virgin Square)

The Plaza de la Virgen Blanca communicates with the Plaza de España.

This is where you can find the Vitoria-Gasteiz sign, made as a vegetable sculpture. On Postas street, in the background, you can see the Church of San Miguel Arcángel.

In the center of the square, you can see a commemorative monument of the Battle of Vitoria .

If you want, you can take a guided tour of the city of Vitoria (only in Spanish), it costs only €8 for adults (children under six years free and €6 from 6 to 10 years), and the visit starts from the tourist office in Plaza de Spain.

*Right now, this tour is only in Spanish. Take a look at the Tourism Office to see if they have guided tours in your language.

With the guided tour, you go through the historical center, the medieval wall to the Palace of Montehermoso, and the Cathedral of Santa María.

They also make several stops to tell a little about the history of the different buildings and monuments you will come across, such as the church of San Miguel Arcángel or the Palacio de Villa Suso.

If you like mysteries and legends, you cannot miss this night tour (only in Spanish for now) , where you will discover another history of Vitoria. It is also done through the historic center, and the meeting point is at the tourist office.

From the Plaza Virgen Blanca, you can visit the New Cathedral called María Inmaculada Madre de la Iglesia (Mary Immaculate Mother of the Church) and stroll through the Bishop Fernandez de Pierola Gardens, the Florida Park, and the Zulueta Palace.

The Green Ring: Anillo Verde

The “Anillo Verde” of Vitoria is a set of parks located around the city.

Since 1993 they have been rehabilitating the different parks and have turned a degraded area of the city into one of the favorite leisure spots for locals and visitors.

In addition, the Green Belt became a place of high ecological value.

The most fabulous place in the Green Ring of Vitoria-Gasteiz is Salburua Park. Here is the Nature Interpretation Center, where you will learn about flora and fauna of Alava. The best time to go is at sunset.

If you go by car, you can park very quickly. You can also go for a bike ride or by bus.

Route of the Murals

I was surprised by the large number of murals that I saw in the center of Vitoria. Of course, I knew there was a lot of street art, but I didn’t think it would be so pretty.

I wandered around Vitoria one weekday morning, looking for its murals touring the Almendra.

These were created through collective workshops in which many of its inhabitants participated.

I could tell you in this post street by the street where to go, where to turn, but I think I would lose the fun of looking for the Murals. At least for me! I never pay attention to the itineraries that indicate you street by street.

Must-Visit Places in Vitoria-Gasteiz

This section will guide you through the best places to visit in Vitoria to enjoy this city and not miss anything to see.

Museums of Vitoria-Gasteiz

Museum of fine arts.

Looking at it from the outside, it is beautiful: a building built in 1912. At first, it was a private residence of Augustin-Zulueta .

It is surrounded by gardens and inside full of works of art, including the deposits of the Prado Museum.

Near the Museum of Fine Arts is the Museo de la Armería , where you can find weapons from medieval times found during archaeological excavations in northern Spain. There are also exciting pieces from Africa and Japan.

Artium Museum, Basque Museum of Contemporary Art

It is one of the most important museums of contemporary art in Spain . In the permanent collection, you can see more than 3 thousand works! In addition, it is a cultural center that organizes artistic activities and international exhibitions.

It is quite visible in the city’s center, in a modern building. Go to the Museum page and check if there are activities of interest for your travel dates.

Fournier Playing Card Museum

Yes, just like that: this museum probably houses the best collection of playing cards globally. In addition, it is located in the Bendaña Palace , from the 16th century, in the heart of Medieval Almond. In a recently built building, right next door, is the Archaeological Museum . Here you can see the discoveries in the area from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Museum of Natural Sciences

This museum houses the Torre de Doña Ochanda , a strong house from the end of medieval times.

Inside, you can see:

• the exhibition on the amber deposits of Álava (one of the most important in the world!),
• the fossils found in the area of the Alava capital
• and a collection of Spanish minerals from the 20th century.

Palaces of Vitoria-Gasteiz

Walking through Vitoria, it is very easy to come across old palaces from different eras.

Apart from the Palace of Augustín-Zulueta, which houses the Museum of Fine Arts, I recommend that you take a look at these magnificent buildings:

Escoriaza-Esquivel Palace

Built-in the 16th century, it is one of the best examples of Basque Renaissance architecture and the best preserved of the 7 Renaissance palaces in Vitoria.

It is located within the Old Town, a few meters from the Cathedral of Santa María.

Cordon House

It’s located on Calle Cuchillería, so it’s easy to go unnoticed among all the bars and restaurants 😉 It’s a medieval gothic-style tower , rebuilt into a palace at the end of the 15th century.

But it is worth going inside, since the main room’s ceiling is impressive and, in addition, it has an exhibition of popular Basque furniture.

Zulueta Palace

Like a few others in the area, this building was built at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the money earned by adventurers in Cuba.

It is located near the Museum of Fine Arts, and the most beautiful path that leads from the Medieval Almond to the palace is along the Paseo de la Senda .

It is an outdoor route of about 3 km in the middle of nature, with banana trees providing shade on summer days.

It’s worth it, as Vitoria came first in the 2012 European Green Capital contest (it’s the only Spanish city with this title!).

Strolling through Vitoria-Gasteiz

Vitoria is a relatively small city and perfects to visit on foot. You are going to visit the most exciting places that are outside the Medieval Almond and its Walls.

Cuchillería, Correría and Herrería streets

They are located just past the Walls surrounding the Medieval Quarter . Their names come from the artisans who lived and worked there.

They invite you to visit them, take a walk, look at the old houses (already restored), and stop at their many bars and restaurants. On Cuchillería street are the Casa del Cordón and the Fournier de Naipes Museum .

To the north, Calle Cuchillería becomes Calle Chiquita and where it joins Calle Correría we find the Plaza de la Burullería .

You can see the Torre de Los Hurtado de Anda , built in the 15th century in a Gothic style. It is one of the oldest buildings currently preserved in Vitoria. It was part of the defensive construction of the city.

Going south along Correría street , you arrive at Plaza del Machete . Its name is due to the machete on which the representatives of Vitoria used to swear their positions.

It is a perfect place to take a break in a bar with views of the 16th-century Palace of Villa Suso .

Going further south is Plaza España , also called Plaza Nueva. It is a square surrounded by buildings and arcades. The City Hall of Vitoria, built in neoclassical style, is located there.

You arrive at the Plaza de Los Fueros, following the road with the Monument to the Fueros.

It is located south of the Old Town of Vitoria. It has a peculiar triangular shape, and in August, it hosts the festivities of the city’s patron saint, La Virgen Blanca , with concerts and other cultural initiatives.

Green Areas

Vitoria-Gasteiz is a green city thanks to the parks, trails, and a ring of nature surrounding it. In recent years, much importance has been given to these areas; they have been developed and cared for with love.

Walking through the streets of this Basque city, it is impossible not to enjoy the green corners that it offers.

Apart from the Paseo de la Senda that connects the Historic District with the Museum of Fine Arts, I recommend that you breathe fresh air in the Parque de la Florida , which is located next to said Paseo.

Florida Park

Built in 1820, it recalls romantic parks in the French style of the time. Its labyrinth-shaped paths pass through various points of interest, such as the kiosk, the grotto, the waterfall, the stream, or the lovers’ bench.

It has a gigantic Nativity scene with more than 200 life-size figures during Christmas.

Oh, and if you’re looking for love, remember that there’s a tree there that, according to tradition, helps single people find their better half 🙂

Botanical Garden

The Olarizu Botanical Garden is located in the Basque capital’s Green Belt. The best time to visit it is, without a doubt, in spring, since it is when you can appreciate all the colors it offers.

It is a vast park; it extends over more than 120 hectares, an ideal place to rest, gather strength, and, incidentally, learn about nature.

• Tours around Vitoria-Gasteiz

Gastronomy: Where to eat in Vitoria-Gasteiz?

The gastronomy of the Basque Country is well known, and in Vitoria, it was not going to be less. There are more than 20 tapas routes! Ask for your route at the tourist office.

You can also go into the places that most catch your attention and make your route or go with a guide and do the Pintxos tour, including six pintxos and three drinks.

You can try the famous Basque pintxos that leave no one indifferent, or you can order “raciones” or a menu, depending on your budget or what you want. Also, if you go on Thursdays, there is the “pintxo pote,” the best-known street for the “ poteo ” is Cuchillería street.

Vitoria seemed a little cheaper than San Sebastián and Bilbao regarding gastronomy, and we ate wonderfully.

Where to Stay?

We stayed at the AC Hotel General Alava . It is not in the heart of Almendra, but it is well located (about 5 minutes from the cathedral) and has parking.

In addition, there is a free parking space in the area behind the hotel on Chile street.

The hotel rooms are OK, the bed is comfortable, and the wifi worked surprisingly well for us. It is evident that it is next to the congress building, and they have many business clients here.

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Last Updated on 22 September, 2023 by Veronica

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Author: Veronica

Vero, a seasoned traveler, has explored 25 countries and lived in five, gaining a rich perspective and fostering an infectious passion for travel. With a heart full of wanderlust, Vero uncovers the world’s hidden gems and shares insights, tips, and planning advice to inspire and assist fellow adventurers. Join Vero and let the shared passion for travel create unforgettable memories.

Soy Verónica, una apasionada de los viajes, me gusta compartir mis experiencias viajeras en mi blog. He estudiado Empresas y actividades turísticas y ando metida en el mundo del Marketing Digital. Me gusta aprender algo nuevo cada día, conocer nuevos lugares y culturas diferentes.

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Top Things to Do in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain - Vitoria-Gasteiz Must-See Attractions

Things to do in vitoria-gasteiz, explore popular experiences, tours in and around vitoria-gasteiz.

Rioja wine region with visit to winery & Vitoria-Gasreiz

Luxury Tour By Alava (Vitoria-Gasteiz and Salinas De Añana)

VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour

Basque Country Full Day Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria

Luxury La Rioja Wineries Private Tour

The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local

Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika Tour from Bilbao

Bilbao Walking Small Group Tour

Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño

Top Attractions in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Other Top Attractions around Vitoria-Gasteiz

Wine Tastings

Cultural Tours

Historical Tours

Full-day Tours

Culinary tours, what travellers are saying.

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Best Things to do in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country

Vitoria-Gasteiz is a city that lives in the present but that looks after and embraces its past. Often overlooked for San Sebastián or Bilbao , Vitoria-Gasteiz deserves to have a place on your travel bucket list. There are so many fantastic things to do in Vitoria-Gasteiz . With its historic Medieval Quarter, incredible murals, parks, and cuisine, the capital of the Basque Country offers a quality of life like nowhere else in the world!

Why visit Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Álava’s capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz. is nestled in a flat green plain surrounded by small mountains. This almost millennium-old city offers so much for the tourist wanting to explore Basque Country, blending history, street art, community life, inclusivity, and the environment. 

It is a pleasure to visit Vitoria-Gasteiz and stroll around its beautiful and colourful streets. The city has preserved its magnificent medieval centre (Casco Viejo), which can be easily identified by its outline that resembles the shape of an almond. Santa Maria Cathedral is a spectacular 13th century Gothic building located in this neighbourhood with an incredible, immersive, virtual reality experience that was one of our favourite things to do in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Visitors come to admire the elegant façades adorned with northern Spain’s characteristic bow windows of Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Art lovers will be in heaven because art is everywhere in Vitoria-Gasteiz, whether it is in the museums or on the streets! 

History of Vitoria-Gasteiz

Most people we have spoken to about visiting Vitoria-Gasteiz ask, “Why two names?” And it is true, most cities only have one name, even if they were previously known as something else. Present-day Vitoria was founded in 1181 on a small hill by Navarrese king Sancho VI under the name of  Nueva Victoria . At that time, it was a walled defensive outpost belonging to the kingdom of Navarre, and the hamlet that stood on the hill was known as Gasteiz, the original name of the city.

In 1200, this fortified town went to the Castilian monarch Alfonso VIII. Soon, a flourishing vocation for crafts began to emerge. Because Vitoria is located on the shortest route between the Castilian tablelands and Northern Europe, it has historically benefited from a strategic location and quickly became a significant trading hub. According to historical accounts, there were three markets held each week in the 13th century. After 1399, there were two large-scale annual fairs. In the 15th century, Juan II of Castile granted Vitoria the title of city. Through the 18th and 19th centuries, the expansion of the city into the new suburbs took place.

During our guided walking tour of Vitoria we noted how many times our guide noted inclusivity and accessibility for all residents of Vitoria-Gasteiz, and this frame of mind appears to go back through the ages. An important historical feature of the city is its  individual privileges , which declared all its inhabitants to be equal, without distinction between nobles and the masses. And this attitude is still very much evident throughout the city.

In 1980, Vitoria-Gasteiz was chosen to be the capital of the Basque Country by the Basque Parliament.

Are you ready to visit Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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• Private Airport Transfers

If you don’t want to hire a car and you are flying into Bilbao, then we recommend using Get Transfer  or Book Road for airport transfers. They are a trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport transfer service that offers a great experience and safety to travellers. They use local English-speaking drivers, have a flat pre-paid fee, monitor for flight delays so that you are not left stranded, have a free cancellation policy, and offer 24/7 customer support. Bilbao is about 50 minutes away from Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Check out our guide to spending one day in Bilbao .

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the Green Capital of Europe

In an effort to fight climate change Vitoria-Gasteiz recently developed a progressive Sustainable Mobility and Public Space Plan. The aim was to get as many people out of their cars and walking as possible. Even as the city’s population soars, Vitoria-Gasteiz is greener, more beautiful, and more vibrant than ever. Where cars used to line the streets, garden beds now flourish.

In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz became the Green Capital of Europe for its commitment to the environment. Only two cities—Hamburg and Stockholm-held this award before Vitoria-Gasteiz. It has transformed itself from a congested and car-dominated city into one of the most pedestrian and bicycle-friendly places in Europe. The city is mostly flat and compact, which makes it easy to travel short distances by foot. Public spaces have also been given back to people with less space allocated to cars.

People are encouraged to leave their cars at home and do the majority of their travel on bikes or by foot. Over 50% of the city’s transport happens in this way, and there are dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. Areas, such as the hill in the Medieval Quarter, have had travelators installed so that the area is accessible to everyone by foot, even those with limited physical abilities or who struggle with gradients. As someone travelling with chronic illness after Lyme Disease we wish that more cities adopted this approach.

There was also a complete redesign of the city’s public transport system. BEI stands for Bus Eléctrico Inteligente (or Electric Intelligent Bus), a public transport line with state-of-the-art futuristic electric vehicles making a loop in the city of Vitoria Gasteiz. Hundreds of trees and thousands of flowers have been planted along the route of the smart bus line to make this Green Ring literally come to life.

All of this is not only incredible news for residents but also for tourists to the city who can enjoy walking along green boulevards bustling with vibrant cafes. The city has a healthy, social vibe that simply doesn’t exist in other urban cities and makes a visit to Vitoria-Gasteiz an incredibly unique experience.

If you find that you have more time to explore Spain, then we highly recommend visiting the iconic cities of Seville, Granada, and Córdoba in the Andalucia region of Spain . They are certainly must-see cities during your time in Spain. Check out these local guides on how to make the most of 5 days in Seville , one day in Granada and one day in Córdoba !

Getting around Vitoria-Gasteiz

One of the best ways to really get to know Vitoria-Gasteiz is by bike. The city has almost a hundred kilometres of streets and pathways specifically for cyclists. As the area is mostly flat (except for the Medieval Quarter, which is on a hill), the city is the ideal place for getting around and following routes on your bike. Impressively, the Vasco Navarro Railway has been turned into a beautiful greenway that you can easily explore by bike or even by foot. There, you can enjoy the varied landscapes of this region of Basque Country, from incredible urban and industrialised landscapes to more rural and natural areas of great beauty.

There are places to rent bikes and electric buggies throughout the city.

Vitoria-Gasteiz has had a tram service since 2008, and it is a quick and easy way to get around the city. There are currently 2 lines, Ibaiondo-Unibertsitatea and Abetxuko-Florida, in operation, with a new service to Salburua opening just days after our visit. Trams run approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day (except weekends and bank holidays) Before getting a tram, you must purchase a ticket at one of the ticket machines. This ticket will expire after 50 minutes. They also run on electricity, adding to the push for sustainability in the city.

Vitoria-Gasteiz has 10 bus lines that connect all areas of the city. In an effort to be sustainable, these buses are electric and run approximately every 10 minutes from 6am to 10pm. There are also night buses, Gautxori (that run every 30 minutes), and buses serving special lines, such as the one that connects the city centre with the Buesa Arena basketball pavilion, the Alava Technology Park, or the airport.

Top Things to Do in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Whether you come to Vitoria-Gasteiz to discover over eight centuries of history, explore its many parks and nature, or simply want to enjoy its incredible gastronomy, there are lots of things to do in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Here are some of our favourite things to do in the Basque capital.

Plaza de la Virgen Blanca

One of the oldest and most beautiful gathering places in Vitoria-Gasteiz is the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. In the centre of the square, you will find an impressive monument honoring La Batalla de Vitoria, a battle that took place in the city in 1813, during the Napoleonic Wars. For many centuries, this was, and continues to be, the heart of the city. It is also where you can find the famous Vitoria-Gastiez sign made from grass to symbolise its Green Capital status. It is so popular that tourists happily line up throughout the day to have their photographs taken in front of it.

Here, you can enjoy the traditional wooden bow windows from the houses overlooking the square. You can also enjoy the many bar terraces and nearby shops, and it is also the place that you go to greet Celedón on August 4th, the city’s celebratory day, in honour of the white virgin (hence the name of the square).

The character of Celedón is supposedly based on a real person named  Juan Celedonio de Anzola  from the village of Zalduondo in Álava. With his typical clothing and umbrella in hand, he is a reference to the villagers from the past who would travel to Vitoria-Gasteiz to join in with the celebrations.

Celedón comes down from the tower to start the festivities in the city. This, along with the chupinazo (fireworks), signals the start of the celebrations. After Celedón gives his speech, encouraging people to have fun, he makes his way through the crowd. All the while, people try to touch his  txapela (hat) for good luck.

It is the perfect time to enjoy a few days of great party atmosphere in the streets, with concerts, children’s shows, theatre, procession of lanterns, walks of Blouses and Neskas, the very descent of Celedón from San Miguel church into the square, and Neska Txiki (which means little girl in Basque). Basque rural sports and bullfights can also be experienced. It is a wonderful time to encounter Basque culture and clothing, as many people dress in traditional costumes during the celebrations.

One of our favourite vantage points of the square is from the balcony of San Miguel church next to the bronze statue of Celedón.

Guided Tour of Santa María Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santa María originated as a church fortress in the early 13th century. It is located at the top of the hill on which the original Gasteiz settlement was built and occupies the area bounded by its first walled enclosure. Construction was subsequently completed in the Gothic style in several stages throughout the 14th and 15th centuries. To enter Santa María Cathedral is a unique experience. Here, you can visit a building more than 800 years old that reveals the history and origins of the village of Gasteiz.

Currently, it is undergoing repair as part of a project run by the Santa Maria Cathedral Foundation, which also oversees the organization of tours. Visitors will appreciate watching live restoration and archaeological work being done on this complex 13th-century building. Architects, archaeologists, stonemasons, scaffolding, and reinforcements that make up this creative cultural tourism project tell the story of the repair of this building in an immersive virtual reality tour. This means that visitors can see firsthand how restoration work is being carried out.

These works have enabled not only the rehabilitation of the damaged parts but also in-depth knowledge of the origins of the city from the archaeological excavations carried out as a complement to the works in the cathedral and its surroundings.

The cathedral crypt has been converted into a museum where you can find out about the history of both the building and the city itself through panels and multimedia content. The journey goes the whole way from the first settlements in the city to the present day.

The octagonal tower, with its bell tower that dates from the 16th and 17th centuries, enables visitors to enjoy a unique panorama of the city.

If you happen to be visiting Basque Country during Easter, then check out our guide on La Semana Santa in Spain.

Explore Vitoria-Gasteiz’s historic Medieval Quarter

Vitoria-Gasteiz has one of the best-preserved medieval quarters in Spain. It still has its almond-shaped streets dating back to the middle ages, and wandering through them lets you see the great Gothic temples, the medieval citywall, and special museums like the BIBAT Card and Archaeology Museum. The historical centre sits upon a hill where the initial city of “Nueva Victoria” was once located. You can also take the path around the city murals there.

You will see the wall, Renaissance palaces, towers, churches, cathedral and much more on a historic walk around the medieval quarter.

Eat Pintxos on Aiztogile Kalea

One of the busiest streets in Vitoria-Gasteiz is Aiztogile Kalea (Basque) or Calle Cuchillería (Spanish). It is known locally as “Kuxti” and is lined with lively bars, taverns, and restaurants. It is the place to be in town, and the atmosphere is electric. Glasses clink and stomachs fill up with  pintxos , delicious little tapas that you can gobble on the go.

The “El Gautxo” bar is renowned for stuffed pepper pintxos, txistorra (the local chorizo), croquettes, baby eels and salad. “Txolarre” offers exotic pintxos such as chicken fajitas or toast with vegetables, although its signature dish is crisply fried squid.

Visit BIBAT Card and Archaeology Museum

Set in a 16th-century building, Bendaña Palace, you will find the world’s most important museum of playing cards.

Don Heraclio Fournier, who established a significant printing press in Vitoria in 1868, is credited with founding the Fournier card museum. Here, a variety of collections demonstrate to visitors how playing cards have changed throughout time in terms of manufacture as well as content and design. There are a variety of cards available, with a focus on the Spanish deck, including vintage, tarot, humourous cards and cards relating to bullfighting.

Fournier cards are world famous. If you play cards in any reputable casino in the world you will most likely be playing with Fournier cards. Every aspect of the card deck was created by master craftsmen and artists expert in printing techniques and it all started here in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Next door you will find the city’s archeological museum. The exhibition takes three floors and includes pieces from the Paleolithic, the Iron Age, the Roman world and an extensive journey through the Middle Ages of the town of Vitoria, founded during this long period of time.

Entry is free.

Walk St. James’s Way in Álava

St. James’s Way in Álava has historically been a communication path for pilgrims, travellers and traders, who found a safe route to avoid attacks from Barbarians on this path. Álava is a historical territory of Basque Country with Vitoria-Gasteiz as its capital. Relive history by following a St James’s urban route or a stage of the pilgrimage through the city.

The pilgrimage to Santiago via Vitoria-Gasteiz became very popular in the Middle Ages as an alternative to the French way. This route is currently known as part of the  Inland Basque Way , a route which connects Irún to Burgos or Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Stopping off in Vitoria is a must on this part of the route.

Check out this guide if you are interested in finding out more about the Camino del Norte , including great tips on things to do in Bilbao.

Discover the Murals of Vitoria-Gasteiz

The city comes to life with a gallery of works of art painted onto the façades of buildings in the Medieval Quarter and throughtout other neighbourhoods of the city. Each mural tells a story and they were created collectively by artists and residents of the city. The best way to experience these incredible murals is by guided tours that will show you the imposing building façades which have been converted into authentic works of art and will tell you the stories that lay beneath each murals.

Immerse yourself in Nature

The city is surrounded by a  Green Belt   made up of many large parks, notably the Salburua wetlands and their Ataria interpretation centre. It incorporates several lagoons, where lookout points allow you to admire birds, deer and other endangered species making you forget that you are even in a city.

One of the most well known parks in the city is La Florida. These are the city’s most representative gardens, situated right in the centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz. La Florida was designed as a large botanical garden of the Romantic era in the style of the French gardens of 19th-century. It contains 95 different species and some trees are over 100 years old.

The Europa Congress Palace has become an icon of sustainable architecture. It features a large vegetal façade and a rooftop with views of the city’s inner Green Belt.

Arriaga Park is built around a beautiful chapel. It is mainly populated with acacias, poplars, rose gardens and numerous herbs. It also features a lake frequented by several species of birds. Judimendi Park is located in the city’s former Jewish cemetery. There you can observe the monolith in the park that commemorates its past and white poplars now serve as a trademark for this lovely region.

As well as these parks, it’s well worth visiting the  Obispo Ramón Fernández de Piérola Gardens : which have botanical species such as strawberry trees, magnolia trees and boxwood shrubs, not to mention the ’Crocodile’ and ‘Rhinoceros’, sculptures by Koko Rico. The  La Senda Path  is also a highlight, a route among enormous century-old banana trees and which links with the  Zulueta Palace Gardens .

Visit Atrium Museum-Centre of Contemporary Art

The Atrium is one of the symbols of Vitoria-Gasteiz and represents one of the most important assets of the art scene in Spain. The building is located on Francia Street.  It stands on a trapezoidal, almost rectangular square and there is a main lobby, the Auditorium, the Plaza Room, the Cube Restaurant, ticket office and cloakroom, among others.

It boasts a collection of over 3,000 individual works mainly by artists from Basque and Spain. This impressive collection includes work by Picasso, Miró, Barceló, Elena Rivero, Chillida, Oteiza, Cristina Iglesias and Txomin Badiola

Los Arquillos and Plaza del Machete

Los Arquillos (The Arches) were designed by the architect Justo Antonio de Olaguibel in an effort to bridge the the 23 metre gap between the medieval city and the neoclassical expansion. On the arches, houses were built using stone. Two other porticoed galleries were built that also served as a connection between the medieval quarter and the main square. It is fascinating to observe the integration of Los Arquillos with the adjacent squares and buildings and you can easily see why ladies used to walk this promenade to showcase their best dresses.

Stroll through the “Arquillos del Ala” to the “Arquillos del Juicio” from the lighthouse, a popular meeting place in the city.

Just a few steps from Los Arquillos you will find Plaza del Machete (Machete Square). In the past, it served as the boundary of the medieval town. Today, it is surrounded by Los Arquillos, the church of San Miguel, the Villa Suso Palace, and the slope of San Vicente.

It got its name from the machete that the former city representatives swore on once elected to uphold their positions to the highest standard. You can find a replica of this machete in San Miguel’s outer recess. The square is also known as “La Plazoleta del Juicio” since it was there that the death sentences by garrote were carried out.

Nowadays there are lots of incredible restaurants in the square and it is the perfect place to have a lazy lunch with a glass of wine and just people watch.

Take a Guided Walking Tour of Vitoria-Gasteiz

One of the best ways to fully experience the city is by taking a guided tour. We booked our tour with Kalearte and the best part is that you can customise it to include things that you really want to see. Our tour guide, Olatz, was a local and her passion and pride for her city was incredible to see. She showed us around the Medieval Old Town including the many palaces in the city, the old city wall, beautiful churches and the incredible murals in the city. We can’t recommend her enough.

Check out this guide from Our Spanish Adventures on more amazing things to do in Spain.

Gastronomy in Vitoria-Gasteiz

The gastronomy in Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the fundamental reasons for visiting the city. You can enjoy traditional Basque dishes, Pintxos, Rioja Alavesa wines, and txakoli from Álava, a thin white acidic wine that can be naturally fizzy and is traditionally served like cider, theatrically poured from a height into the glass.

Thanks to its proximity to the Cantabrian ports, its climate halfway between the plateau and the sea, and its proximity to La Rioja, Álava and its capital are a little jewel box full of surprises when it comes to gastronomy. Seasonal products and local natural resources are in the DNA of the culinary culture in Basque Country. Perretxikos mushrooms, snails, Idiazabal cheese, Añana salt, and incredible wines from the region are just some examples of the amazing produce available.

Visit Casa Vieja to learn more about Basque cuisine, which combines nautical and rustic, traditional and trendy food. Meaning Old House, this inn in the city’s medieval area is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The restaurant La Escotilla , on the other hand, only offers fish and shellfish tapas, reminding us that the Basque Country still alternates between land and sea.

We had lunch at Kaskagorri restaurant, which is located in the Plaza del Machete, very close to the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. It’s pretty new, with a young and carefree atmosphere, and it resembles a cave or old cellar. Although it is open both mornings and evenings, you can only reserve a table for the evening sitting. This restaurant combines traditional and homemade food with the latest in European cuisine. As well as standard and group menus, it offers diners an “experience” menu to make sure that your visit to this restaurant will be unforgettable. We loved it!

If you are serious about food, you should check out Zaldiaran . It features a seasonal tasting menu with a wine cellar, a grill menu, and a special menu for groups. It is also well-known for hosting gastronomic events.

Another incredible restaurant is Ikea , meaning small hill in Basque. The minute you step inside the restaurant, you are immediately transported to a kind of animated forest. Over the tables, lively crabs illuminate and encourage conversations. When it comes to food, it subtly combines traditional Basque cuisine with the most daring avant-garde dishes.

Where to stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Nirea Hotel is located in a century-old building on one of the main streets of the city centre. It is the perfect base for exploring Vitoria-Gasteiz on foot. The rooms are so relaxing, and you can completely disconnect and rest after a busy day exploring the city.

We stayed in a deluxe room that had a queen-sized bed and the most beautiful balcony overlooking the street below. This hotel is adjacent to Florida Park and the Cathedral of Maria Inmaculada and offers roomy, contemporary lodging. Each room has a private bathroom with all the required necessities as well.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring Vitoria-Gasteiz, and we feel like it is a must-visit city during your time in Basque Country. If you found value in this blog post, we would really appreciate your comments below.

We are Nicola and Ronan Lavin experts in finding unique accommodation all over the world. Voted as the Top 6 Travel Bloggers in Ireland by  Stellar Magazine  and the Top 10 Travel Influencers in Ireland by readers of the  Irish Independent , we are dedicated to helping you find authentic and immersive travel experiences to help you plan your perfect vacation.

** Disclaimer:  Our trip to Basque Country was hosted by both Brittany Ferries and the Basque Country Tourist Board. We only ever work with brands that we are 100% happy to recommend to you guys and happily pay for ourselves. Staying complimentary allowed us to fully experience the Basque Country, give honest reviews, and create content for you guys to enjoy. All opinions are our own.  This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you book through one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us create the wonderful travel guides that we do.**

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