Logroño

The capital of La Rioja, known for its old town packed with pintxo bars along Calle Laurel and its role as a major stop on the Camino de Santiago. It offers a lively food and wine scene that captures the essence of Rioja culture.

Things to do

• Bar-hop Calle Laurel — Wander this narrow street packed with pintxo bars, each specializing in a single tapa like mushrooms or foie, best done in the early evening.
• Visit Concatedral de Santa María de la Redonda — Admire the twin baroque towers of this striking cathedral, a key Camino de Santiago landmark in the old town.
• Walk the Puente de Piedra over the Ebro — Cross this stone bridge for views of the river and the historic route pilgrims have used for centuries.
• Explore Parque del Espolón — Stroll through Logroño's grand central park, lined with plane trees and a statue of General Espartero, popular for a relaxed afternoon walk.
• Tour a Rioja winery near the city — Visit one of the bodegas just outside town, such as Franco-Españolas or Marqués de Murrieta, for a cellar tour and tasting.
• Browse the Museo de La Rioja — See regional art and archaeology housed in an 18th-century palace just off the old town.
• Follow the Camino de Santiago through the old town — Trace the yellow shell markers as they lead pilgrims through Logroño's historic streets and squares.

Food to try

• Champiñones a la Riojana — Grilled mushrooms skewered with a piece of chorizo or ham, a signature pintxo found at nearly every bar on Calle Laurel.
• Patatas a la Riojana — A hearty potato stew cooked with chorizo and paprika, a comforting classic of local home cooking.
• Pimientos del piquillo rellenos — Sweet roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with cod or meat, a popular regional tapa.
• Rioja wine tasting — Sample the region's famous reds, often a Crianza or Reserva, paired with pintxos in a bar crawl.
• Cordero asado — Slow-roasted lamb, a traditional Riojan main dish often served for special occasions or in old town restaurants.
• Zurracapote — A traditional red wine punch spiced with cinnamon and citrus, enjoyed especially during local festivals.

Local customs & good to know

• Order by the pintxo, not the meal — Locals hop between bars having just one or two small dishes and a glass of wine at each stop rather than sitting down for a full dinner.
• Evenings start late — The pintxo scene on Calle Laurel doesn't really get going until around 8 or 9pm.
• Respect the pilgrims — As a major Camino de Santiago stop, you'll see walking pilgrims with backpacks and shell symbols passing through the old town daily.
• September brings the wine harvest festival — Fiestas de San Mateo in late September celebrates the grape harvest with grape-treading, concerts, and Rioja wine flowing freely.