Welcome to Vitoria, the beautiful capital of the Basque Country! With its charming old town, lively streets, and numerous parks and museums, Vitoria is a perfect destination for a city break. In this guide, we’ll share with you our top travel tips, the most important places to see, and some great routes to explore the city. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Historical Vitoria
On your first day in Vitoria, we recommend exploring the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Here are some of the most important places to see:
- Plaza de la Virgen Blanca: This is the heart of Vitoria’s old town, and a great place to start your tour. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and has a statue of the city’s patron saint, the White Virgin.
- Catedral de Santa María: This impressive Gothic cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in Vitoria. It was built between the 13th and 14th centuries and has a beautiful cloister and a museum with religious art.
- Museo Fournier de Naipes: If you’re a card game enthusiast, you’ll love this museum dedicated to playing cards. It has a collection of over 20,000 decks from all over the world, as well as exhibitions on the history and art of card games.
- Palacio de Escoriaza-Esquibel: This 18th-century palace is now home to the Basque Government headquarters, but you can still admire its beautiful façade and interior courtyard.
After visiting these landmarks, take some time to wander around the narrow streets of the old town and discover its hidden corners and charming squares. You can also visit the Mercado de la Almendra, a traditional market where you can find local food and products.
Day 2: Green Vitoria
Vitoria is known for its green spaces, and on your second day, we recommend exploring some of the city’s parks and gardens. Here are some of our favorite routes:
- Parque de la Florida: This beautiful park is located near the city center and has a lake, fountains, and many species of trees and plants. You can also visit the Museo de Arqueología, which has exhibitions on the history of the Basque Country.
- Anillo Verde: This is a network of parks and gardens that surrounds the city, covering a total of 30 kilometers. You can follow different routes depending on your interests and time available, and enjoy the nature and views of Vitoria.
- Jardín Botánico de Armentia: This botanical garden is located in the outskirts of Vitoria, but it’s worth the trip. It has a collection of over 800 species of plants from all over the world, as well as a greenhouse and a pond.
After your green tour, you can relax in one of the many terraces or bars in the city center, or visit one of Vitoria’s cultural venues, such as the Teatro Principal or the Artium museum of contemporary art.
Day 3: Gastronomic Vitoria
Vitoria is a paradise for foodies, and on your last day, we recommend trying some of the city’s specialties and visiting its food markets and shops. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink:
- Pintxos bars: Pintxos are small snacks or tapas that are a Basque culinary tradition. In Vitoria, you can find some of the best pintxos bars in the country, such as Sagartoki, El Portalón, or La Viña. Try different varieties and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bars.
- Mercado de Abastos: This is the main food market in Vitoria, where you can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local products. It’s a great place to buy ingredients for a picnic or a homemade meal.
- Cervezas La Salve: This craft brewery is located in the industrial area of Vitoria, but it’s a hidden gem for beer lovers. You can visit the brewery and taste different types of beer, as well as enjoy the views of the city from its terrace.
After your gastronomic tour, you can take a free walking tour of Vitoria to learn more about its history and culture. These tours are organized by the city council and local guides, and they cover different themes and areas of the city. You can choose the one that suits your interests and schedule, and discover some hidden gems and stories of Vitoria.
Where to Sleep in Vitoria
Vitoria offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Hotel Silken Ciudad de Vitoria: This modern hotel is located near the city center and has comfortable rooms and a gym. It’s a good option if you want to stay close to the main attractions.
- Pension Araba: This family-run guesthouse is located in the heart of the old town and offers cozy rooms with a traditional décor. It’s a good option if you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of Vitoria.
- Hostel Gasteiz: This hostel is located near the bus station and offers basic but clean rooms and a common area. It’s a good option if you’re traveling on a budget.
Where to Eat in Vitoria
Vitoria is a gastronomic paradise, and you can find great food and drinks in many places around the city. Here are some of our favorites:
- Sagartoki: This pintxos bar is famous for its creative and delicious pintxos, such as the foie gras with apple or the mushroom croquette. It’s always crowded, so be prepared to stand and wait.
- Casa del Cordón: This restaurant is located in a historical building and offers a gourmet menu with local and seasonal ingredients. It’s a good option if you want to have a special dinner or lunch.
- La Viña: This classic pintxos bar is a must-visit in Vitoria. Try their signature pintxo, the Gilda, which is made with anchovies, olives, and pickled peppers.
- Bodega La Azotea: This wine bar is located in the old town and offers a great selection of local and national wines, as well as snacks and pintxos.
Free Tours in Vitoria
If you want to learn more about Vitoria’s history and culture, we recommend taking one of the free walking tours organized by the city council and local guides. Here are some of the available options:
- Discovering Vitoria: This tour covers the main landmarks of the city, such as the Cathedral, the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, and the Palacio de Escoriaza-Esquibel.
- Medieval Vitoria: This tour focuses on the history and architecture of the old town, including the city walls, the churches, and the palaces.
- Green Vitoria: This tour explores the city’s parks and gardens, such as the Parque de la Florida, the Anillo Verde, and the Jardín Botánico de Armentia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Vitoria?
The best time to visit Vitoria is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. Summer is also a popular time for tourists, but it can be quite hot and busy.
How do I get around Vitoria?
Vitoria is a walkable city, and most attractions are within walking distance. The city also has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and trams, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings.
Is Vitoria safe for tourists?
Vitoria is considered a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, as with any destination, it is essential to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Vitoria is a true hidden gem in Spain’s Basque Country, offering an incredible blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Our 3-day itinerary, featuring insider travel tips in Vitoria, what to see in Vitoria, and the most important places to visit, will help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re exploring the city’s stunning architecture, indulging in delicious Basque cuisine, or discovering the picturesque landscapes, you’ll fall in love with Vitoria’s charm and character.
For more information about the city and its attractions, visit the official tourism website of Vitoria at www.vitoria-gasteiz.org. We hope our guide helps you create unforgettable memories during your 3-day adventure in Vitoria. Enjoy your stay!
