From the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral to the Alhambra of Granada, Spain has earned widespread recognition for its wealth of historic sites and landmarks—and Castile and Leon is no exception. Located in the northern reaches of the country, this sprawling autonomous region comes equipped with a staggering eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing visitors with an opportunity to marvel at archaeological sites and monasteries alike. And while historic cities abound all across Castile and Leon, few destinations can match the splendor of Burgos, a scenic settlement that offers the perfect blend of eye-catching architecture and upscale restaurants.
After a roughly three-hour drive from Madrid, visitors can make their way into the city center and set their eyes on the city’s crown jewel: the Burgos Cathedral. Officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, this iconic structure is renowned across the nation for its ornate Gothic design, with towering spires and a dazzling facade that’s adorned with a colossal amount of carefully-carved figures. After a thorough tour of the interior and its many sculptures and stained glass windows, guests can take a leisurely stroll along the nearby Paseo del Espolón and take in the fresh air—and to sweeten the deal, the surrounding area is also packed full of top-tier restaurants offering all sorts of Spanish fare.
Just a few steps away from the cathedral, Vermutería Victoria is an ideal venue for an afternoon drink, with no shortage of high-end fortified wines available to sample. While options span from classic cocktails like the Negroni and Aperol Spritz to neat pours of artisanal vermouth, the venue also comes equipped with its fair share of small bites including “gilda,” a savory blend of anchovy, pepper and olive all served on a small skewer. After a few pours of vermouth, diners can make their way to neighboring En Tiempos de Maricastaña, a polished gastrobar that’s home to a wealth of elevated dishes inspired by a wealth of different cuisines. Dining options range from cuttlefish burgers to kimchi-infused octopus here, but for sweet tooths in particular, be sure to try the Atapuerca, a decadent dessert that’s brimming with crumbled chocolate cookies and white chocolate bones as an homage to one of Europe’s oldest recorded hominid settlements.
While Burgos is a top-tier tourist destination all on its own, no visit is complete without exploring the surrounding region—and for a truly idyllic day trip, be sure to make the journey over to Castrojeriz. Located roughly half an hour west of Burgos, this idyllic town is a popular stop along El Camino de Santiago thanks to its historic churches as well as the Castle of Castrojeriz, a centuries-old structure that stands high atop a nearby hill. Further west, visitors can make their way to Frómista for a leisurely river cruise on the Juan de Homar tourist boat, while the nearby Hotel Monasterio San Zoilo is perfect for a lavish lunch, with local cured meats, pumpkin soup and roast suckling lamb all gracing the menu.
Spain is rife with world-class dining establishments and centuries-old landmarks, but to experience both concepts in one fell swoop, Burgos is an ideal destination. While the city has long been renowned for its dazzling cathedral, there’s far more to the settlement than just looks, with cozy wine bars and high-end restaurants scattered all across city limits. Whether you’re hoping to discover a new favorite vermouth, surround yourself with elaborate art installations or just snack on tapas for hours on end, Burgos is certain to leave you with lasting memories of the abundant beauty of both Castile and Leon and Spain as a whole.