The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Logroño

The Museo de la Rioja sits in an old palace from the 18th century and is split into various sections, from pre-history to pre-Roman eras, through to Roman times, the Middle Ages and finally the modern day. It displays multiple historical objects, all found throughout La Rioja, including the old tablets from the famous San Millán monasteries, ancient arrowheads, and collections of swords and spears, as well as Roman coins.

Museo de la Rioja, Plaza San Agustín, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, +34 941 29 12 59

Museo de La Rioja, Logroño | © Zarateman / WikiCommons

The Church of San Bartolomé, constructed in the 12th century, is the oldest church in Logroño. It has an impressive façade, covered in intricate stone carvings; however, its most remarkable feature is its bell tower, built as part of the old city wall and used for defence purposes, as well as a lookout point. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the tower to see some of the best views of the city.

Church of San Bartolomé, Plaza de San Bartolomé, 2, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, +34 941 25 22 54

Iglesia de San Bartolomé, Logroño, Spain | © Juanje 2712 / WikiCommons

Even more impressive than the Church of San Bartolomé is the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda. Construction on the cathedral began in the 15th century; however, its completion didn’t come until the 18th century. The most striking features of the cathedral are its towers, nicknamed ‘the twins’, which are Baroque in style.

Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda, Calle Portales, 14, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain +34 941 25 76 11

Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda, Logroño, Spain | © Zarateman / WikiCommons

You’re in the Rioja region, so you can’t leave without a few bottles of some of Spain’s best wines. One of the best places to shop for wine here is at Vinos El Peso, where you can find a good range of local wines and vermouths.

One of the most recognised symbols of the city is the Puente de Piedra or Stone Bridge, which crosses the River Ebro from the Old Town. Also known as the San Juan de Ortega Bridge, it dates back to 1884 and is also the entrance way to the city along the Camino de Santiago.

You can’t come to La Rioja and not have a wine experience. While most of the wineries lie in the countryside, Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta sits just on the edge of the city. Marqués de Murrieta, who brought winemaking techniques from Bordeaux to La Rioja, founded the winery and first produced wine here in 1852. Today, you can tour the winery to find out how it is made and also visit the tasting rooms.

Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta, Km 402,365, N-232A, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, +34 941 27 13 80

Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta, Logroño | © Amaya M.G.M. / Flickr

Logroño’s Casa de las Ciencias (House of Sciences) makes its home in a striking red and white building next to the River Ebro. It’s a great place to take the kids, with various changing exhibitions dedicated to science, as well as weekly fun workshops. Outside in the Garden of Sciences, there are also interactive exhibits based on physics, geology, palaeontology and meteorology.

Casa de las Ciencias, Calle del Ebro, 1, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, +34 941 24 59 43

Casa de las Ciencias, Logroño, Spain | © Zarateman / WikiCommons

Housed in an old 14th-century tobacco factory, the Sala Amós Salvador is La Rioja’s cultural centre. Inside, you’ll find vast spaces housing touring exhibitors, as well as places for performances and concerts. Take a look at the website to find out what cultural event will be on during your visit.

Sala Amós Salvador, Calle Once de Junio, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, +34 941 25 92 02

Sala Amós Salvador, Logroño, Spain | © Zarateman / WikiCommons

The lovely gardens of the Paseo del Espolón lie in the city’s Old Town. Its real name is Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara, but it received its nickname of Paseo del Espolón because of its resemblance to the celebrated walk within Burgos. Dating back to the 19th century, they feature a great statue of General Espartero, who lived in Logroño until his death in 1879.

Parque del Espolón, Calle Miguel Villanueva, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, +34 941 27 70 00

El Espolón, Logroño | © jynus / WikiCommons