Spain's Hidden Gem: Vitoria-Gasteiz

If you’re looking for an alternative to Spain’s crowded cities, Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of those places that quietly surprises you. It’s the capital of the Basque Country, yet somehow remains under most travellers’ radar. Here, you can explore a beautifully preserved medieval old town, wander through green parks, and enjoy incredible pintxos without squeezing into packed bars. The city has a calm, local feel that’s hard to find elsewhere, and it’s a great base for exploring the wider Basque region. Whether you’re stopping for a weekend or adding it to a northern Spain itinerary, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a city that shows a more authentic, everyday side of Spain.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is well connected and easy to reach by train or road. If you’re travelling from **Madrid**, direct trains run several times a day and take around 3.5 hours. From **San Sebastián**, the journey is about 2.5 hours, making it a convenient stop if you’re exploring northern Spain. You can also reach the city by bus from nearby destinations like **Bilbao** or **Burgos**, or by car if you prefer flexibility. Parking in the city centre is limited, so it’s worth choosing accommodation that includes parking or is close to a tram stop. Once you arrive, you’ll find that Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the most walkable cities in Spain. The main sights, cafés, and restaurants are within comfortable walking distance, and the compact layout makes exploring on foot easy. For slightly longer journeys, like visiting the **Salburua wetlands park** or other areas beyond the centre, the city’s modern tram system is reliable and simple to use. Trams run frequently, tickets are affordable, and stops are clearly marked. If you’re staying for a few days, consider buying a **rechargeable Barik card**, which can also be used on public transport in Bilbao. Whether you’re walking through the medieval old town or taking the tram out to green spaces, getting around Vitoria-Gasteiz is straightforward, affordable, and stress-free.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is perfectly located for exploring more of the Basque region, which covers the Basque Country (*Euskadi*) in Spain and the *Pays basque français,* or around half of the *department* of the *Pyrénées-Atlantiques.* The below tours are ideal if you want to see more of the Basque region, without needing to rely on hiring a car or taking public transport! Other important cities and places worth visiting in the Basque region are: - **Spanish Basque Country:** - Bilbao - Guernica - San Sebastián - **French Pays Basque:** - Saint-Jean-de-Luz ***(make sure to read my guide all about this beautiful Basque town!)*** - Biarritz

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Vitoria-Gasteiz has a relaxed rhythm that makes exploring it easy and enjoyable. Start in the **medieval old town**, often called the “almond” for its shape when seen from above. Its narrow streets are filled with small shops, cafés, and local life. At the top sits the **Catedral de Santa María**, a Gothic landmark that you can only visit on a guided tour. It’s one of the most interesting cathedrals in Spain, as you can see the restoration work in progress and walk through areas usually closed to visitors. You also get to climb the tower (or take the lift) for beautiful views over the city. You can really see the almond shape from above! After your guided tour of the cathedral, walk to the **Market of the Burullería**, the location of a medieval marketplace for fabrics that is now home to a spectacular mural. **“The Thread of Time”**, one of the city’s best-known artworks, tells the story of this marketplace through paint. For a mid-morning break, stop for coffee at **Oso Ona**, a cosy local café with a friendly atmosphere and great coffee. For lunch, head to **El TabanKo**, which serves excellent *pintxos*. You can't go wrong with pintxos when you're in the Basque region! Nearby, visit the **Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol**, a striking 14th-century church that stands quietly among the narrow streets (and has a *holy water dispenser*, which I found rather amusing). Make sure to make a stop in **Espainia Plaza**, one of the city’s most beautiful squares. Its symmetrical archways make it a great photo spot, and the **tourism office** here is a good place to pick up a local map or ask for recommendations. Together, these places show how Vitoria-Gasteiz combines history, art, and everyday life.

POIs

• Espainia Plaza
• Market of the Burulleria
• ‘Denboraren harira’ Horma-Irudia
• El TabanKo
• Museo Centro Memorial de las Víctimas del Terrorismo

South of the old town, you’ll find another side of Vitoria-Gasteiz that feels elegant and green. Start with the **Catedral María Inmaculada de Vitoria**, often called the New Cathedral. Its Neo-Gothic design is striking, and it’s worth stepping inside to see the stained glass windows and the small museum. From there, take a short walk to **Florida Park**, one of the city’s most popular green spaces. It’s peaceful, well kept, and filled with trees, fountains, and sculptures. On a sunny day, it’s the ideal place for a slow stroll or to sit and enjoy the view on one of the park's benches. Across the road from the park stands **Palacio Zulueta**, a 20th-century mansion surrounded by gardens. You can’t enter the building itself, but it’s worth visiting for the architecture and quiet atmosphere. Nearby is the **Álava Fine Arts Museum**, located in another beautiful mansion. The collection focuses on Basque artists and includes works from the 18th century to the present day. Entry is free, and the exhibitions are well presented and easy to explore. This area of Vitoria-Gasteiz feels calm and local, with tree-lined streets and plenty of space to pause between visits. It’s a great part of the city to spend an afternoon.

POIs

• Cathedral María Inmaculada of Vitoria
• Florida Park
• Eskuz eskuz horma-irudia
• Álava Fine Arts Museum
• Palacio Zulueta
• Oso Ona Specialty Coffee Take Away

Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the greenest cities in Spain, surrounded by parks and nature reserves that are easy to reach from the centre. The most impressive is **Salburua Park**, a large wetlands area on the eastern edge of the city that forms part of Vitoria’s Green Belt. It’s a protected habitat with walking and cycling paths that wind through lagoons, woodlands, and open fields. The park is home to deer, amphibians, and more than two hundred bird species throughout the year. If you visit in spring or autumn, you can often see migratory birds stopping here during their seasonal journeys. Birdwatching platforms are scattered around the park, and the best views are from the **Ataria viewpoint**, a striking glass building that extends over the wetlands. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition on local wildlife, interactive displays, and up-to-date information on current species in the area. Entry is free, and staff are usually happy to help identify what you’re seeing through the observation windows. **Salburua is easily reached by tram** from the city centre, and it’s one of the most rewarding places to visit if you want a quiet, open space within minutes of the old town. Whether you come for a walk, a bit of photography, or simply to enjoy nature, it’s an ideal break from sightseeing.

POIs

• Salburua Parkea
• Ataria

Vitoria-Gasteiz has an excellent food scene that mixes Basque tradition with a relaxed local feel. For breakfast, start your day at **The Tap**, a great café known for its good coffee, pastries, and friendly staff. It’s also a nice spot to sit and plan your day before heading out to explore. When it comes to lunch or dinner, **PerretxiCo** is one of the city’s most popular choices. It’s great for a full sit-down meal or for ordering a few pintxos at the bar. Everything is well prepared and beautifully presented! In the old town, **La Malquerida** is another reliable stop for pintxos and local wine. It’s small, busy in a good way, and perfect for a casual evening.

POIs

• PerretxiCo jatetxea
• The Tap
• La Malquerida
• El TabanKo

If you enjoy craft beer, you’ll find several excellent options in the centre. **Guernica Cervecería** serves local and international brews with a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. Nearby, **Kitsch** and **Birrak** both focus on craft beer too, each with a rotating selection on tap and helpful staff who are happy to recommend something new to try. Most bars in Vitoria-Gasteiz serve *pintxos* throughout the day, so it’s easy to move between a few places and try different styles. Whether you’re after a quiet coffee, a long lunch, or a few drinks with friends, the city’s food and drink scene always feels authentic and welcoming.

POIs

• Kitsch
• Bar Guernica Cervecería
• Birrak Bar & Beer Store

Vitoria-Gasteiz has a good mix of accommodation options, from modern hotels to smaller guesthouses close to the old town. If you want somewhere central and comfortable, the **Silken Ciudad de Vitoria** is one of the best choices. It’s a short walk from both the medieval quarter and the newer shopping streets, so you can easily explore on foot. Rooms are spacious, quiet, and well equipped, with comfortable beds and large bathrooms. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar, and the breakfast buffet is excellent if you prefer to start your day with a proper meal rather than a quick coffee. The staff are friendly and happy to help with directions or local restaurant recommendations, and parking is available on-site, which is useful if you’re driving. It’s also close to the tram line, making it convenient for trips to places like Salburua Park. If you prefer smaller hotels or apartments, you’ll find plenty near **Espainia Plaza** and the **Catedral de Santa María**. Staying in this area means you can walk everywhere and enjoy the city’s relaxed atmosphere. Prices in Vitoria-Gasteiz are usually more reasonable than in Spain’s larger cities, so it’s worth choosing a central base and enjoying the convenience. The city feels safe and welcoming, making it easy to explore at any pace.

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Vitoria-Gasteiz fits perfectly into a wider trip through northern Spain. The city sits between Madrid and the Basque coast, making it an easy stop on a route such as **Madrid – Vitoria-Gasteiz – San Sebastián – Bilbao – Santander**. Direct trains connect Vitoria-Gasteiz with Madrid in around 3.5 hours and with San Sebastián in about 2.5 hours, so it works well as a stop between the capital and the coast. If you’re planning a Basque itinerary, combining **Vitoria-Gasteiz**, **Bilbao**, and **San Sebastián** gives you a great mix of culture, food, and landscapes. Vitoria-Gasteiz has the calm and green spaces, Bilbao brings the art and urban edge, and San Sebastián is ideal for coastal walks and beach time. You can travel easily between them by train or bus, and the journeys are short and scenic. They all have great gastronomy, so you're sure never to go hungry! For those continuing west, **Santander** is also within reach, offering another coastal city with good transport connections. If you have more time, you could travel onwards to Asturias or Galicia. Whether you’re taking the train or renting a car, Vitoria-Gasteiz makes a convenient and enjoyable part of any northern Spain itinerary. It’s a good balance point between the energy of the bigger cities and the slower pace that makes the Basque Country so appealing.

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**Here's a quick summary of what you can't miss in Vitoria-Gasteiz:** - Wandering the charming, narrow streets of the historic **medieval almond**. - The impressive Gothic facade of the **Cathedral María Inmaculada**. - Inside **Santa María Cathedral**, a journey through restoration. - Street art and urban installations, like '**Denboraren harira' (the Thread of Time)**. - Tranquil wetlands and wildlife at **Parque Salburua**. - Savouring **pintxos**, a culinary delight across the Basque region.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the incredible medieval walls that date from the 11th century! You'll still see remnants of them located through the medieval almond.

The city's visual appeal lies in its contrasts: ancient streets give way to modern art, and urban green spaces provide a serene escape. These images capture the essence of Vitoria-Gasteiz, from its historic heart to its green belt. - For the best itinerary, I'd suggest starting with the historic centre, then moving to the murals route, and finally enjoying the natural beauty of the green belt.

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