Things to do in Logroño: 1 Day Tour in the City of Wine

The San Blas Market, also known as the Plaza de Abastos de Logroño, is one of the liveliest places in the city’s historic centre. It was inaugurated in 1930, although its history goes back even further, as it occupies the site of the old church of San Blas, which was demolished in the 19th century.

Its eclectic style building stands out for its use of red brick, iron and glazed ceramics, with two towers that catch the eye from Calle Sagasta. Inside, the atmosphere is that of a traditional market, with some 30 stalls selling everything: fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, pickles, spices… Many of them are family businesses that have been supplying the city for generations.

Calle del Laurel is the gastronomic epicentre of things to do in Logroño, the place where locals and visitors mingle to enjoy one of the city’s most beloved customs: tapas. Here there are no restaurants with tablecloths, but bars full of pinchos, wines and atmosphere. With more than 65 bars in barely 200 metres, each place has its own speciality: mushrooms, zorropitos, cojonudos, bocatita de sepia, or prawn brochettes.

The atmosphere is unbeatable at any time, but especially at night or on weekends, when the street is full of laughter, toasts and good vibes. This area is perfect for tasting Rioja wine as it should be: glass in hand, standing up, and with a skewer in the other.

The Museum of La Rioja is in the heart of the historic centre of Logroño, in Calle San Agustín. It occupies the former Espartero Palace, an 18th century building that was the residence of General Baldomero Espartero, a key figure in the history of 19th century Spain. The building itself is worth a visit for its Baroque architecture and historical value.

Inside the museum, the tour takes you through the history of La Rioja from prehistoric times to the 20th century, passing through Roman times, the Middle Ages and Baroque art. There are sections on archaeology, with pieces such as Roman mosaics, another on fine arts, with sculptures and religious paintings (such as the San Millán tablets), and a part dedicated to ethnography, where traditional objects from rural life in La Rioja are on display.

The Muralla del Revellín is the last visible vestige of the ancient fortifications that protected Logroño in modern times. Built in the 16th century to defend the city from French troops, this stone structure conserves a monumental gate and part of the original walled wall, next to the so-called Cubo del Revellín.

In addition to its historical value, the wall has become a symbol of resistance and local pride. Today you can walk along it, climb the restored cube and enjoy views of the old quarter from the top.
An ideal spot to connect with the military history to be seen in Logroño in just a few minutes.

Calle Portales is one of the most emblematic and lively streets to see in Logroño. Located in the heart of the old quarter, it connects the Co-cathedral of Santa María la Redonda with the Espolón, and owes its name to the arcades that flank its buildings, ideal for strolling even on rainy days.

Historically, it has been the centre of commerce, social life and meetings in the city. Today it still is, with traditional shops, bookshops, bars with history and charming cafés. It is also one of the sections of the Camino de Santiago, so it is common to see pilgrims walking between terraces and shop windows.

The Church of Santiago el Real is one of the most outstanding and historic sights to see in Logroño. Strategically located on the Camino de Santiago, this church not only attracts pilgrims from all over the world, but also captures the attention of history and art lovers. Famous for its impressive representation of Santiago Matamoros on the façade, this figure has given rise to popular expressions such as “you’ve got more balls than Santiago’s horse”, reflecting the epic and heroic character associated with the saint.

Rebuilt in the 16th century on the foundations of older structures, the Church of Santiago el Real is a magnificent example of religious architecture with a rich interior decoration that includes valuable works of art and ornaments. Every element of the church’s interior, from the altarpieces to the stained glass windows, tells part of the city’s religious and cultural history.

Bodegas Franco-Españolas is one of the most emblematic wineries to visit in Logroño. They were founded in 1890, as a result of the collaboration between a French businessman and Rioja wine growers, at a time when the French were looking for new land after the phylloxera plague that devastated their vineyards. They are located next to the river Ebro, just a few steps from the historic centre, and form part of the living history of Rioja wine.

Among their best-known brands are Bordón, a classic range of crianza, reserva and gran reserva reds, and Diamante, a semi-sweet white wine that was a pioneer in its style. As well as producing wine, the wineries offer guided tours, tastings, workshops and special events such as concerts or themed experiences.

The Stone Bridge, also known as the Bridge of San Juan de Ortega, is one of the most emblematic and photogenic structures to see in Logroño. Since its initial construction in the 11th century, this bridge has played a crucial role in the history of the city, facilitating the crossing of the river Ebro and connecting various parts of the region. Over the centuries, the bridge has been rebuilt several times due to flood and war damage, but it has always maintained its strategic importance and architectural beauty.

Today, the Puente de Piedra is not only a testament to medieval engineering, but also a favourite spot for visitors looking to capture the essence of things to do in Logroño. The views from the bridge are truly picturesque, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Ebro River and the city. Every angle offers a new perspective, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.

Calle Ruavieja is the oldest street to see in Logroño and one of the most important in the historic centre. It forms part of the original route of the Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago de Compostela, so for centuries it has been a stopping-off point for pilgrims crossing the city from the Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge).

Along its route you will find old mansions with noble coats of arms, the pilgrims’ hostel, the Hermitage of San Gregorio and spaces such as the Calado de San Gregorio or the Espacio Lagares, dedicated to the wine-making tradition of La Rioja. A stroll along this street is a journey into the city’s medieval past.

To walk along Calle Ruavieja is to discover the essence of Logroño: history, Jacobean tradition and the mark of wine in every corner.

The Church of San Bartolomé is the oldest church in Logroño, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its origin is linked to the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, and it stands out for its Gothic façade sculpted with scenes from the life of the apostle and its Romanesque tower, which served as a defensive tower. It was declared a National Monument in 1866 and is one of the essential stops in the old part of the city.

San Bartolomé is one of the great symbols of the old quarter of Logroño, a temple with centuries of history that unites art, religion and the constant passage of pilgrims.

In addition to its artistic value, the tower of San Bartolomé was used as a defensive tower, forming part of the city’s medieval wall system.

The Co-cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda is the main church in Logroño. It is located in the heart of the old quarter and owes its name to an ancient circular church that stood on this site in the Middle Ages. The current building was constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries and stands out for its impressive Baroque façade and twin towers, one of the city’s icons.