Valladolid

Discover Valladolid in 2 days: a city full of history and culture

Day 1: Exploring the historic centre
Day 2: Discover culture and gastronomy

Valladolid is a city full of history and charm in the heart of Castilla y León in northern Spain. With a rich culture, stunning architecture and delicious gastronomy, there are plenty of things to do in 

Valladolid in just two days. 

Day 1: Exploring the historic centre

Start Day 1 in the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the historic city centre. Here you can enjoy a coffee or a typical Spanish breakfast while admiring the beauty of the square and the Town Hall, one of Valladolid’s most emblematic buildings.

From the Plaza Mayor, we walk to the Cathedral of Valladolid, an impressive baroque church built in the 17th century. Be sure to visit the Cathedral Museum, where you can admire works of art by artists such as Francisco de Goya and Berruguete.

Continue touring the city to the Church of San Pablo, another impressive example of Valladolid’s Baroque architecture. 

For lunch, head to the Mercado del Val, a traditional food market where you can try some of the region’s typical dishes, such as roast suckling lamb or Castilian stew.

After lunch, you can visit the Columbus House-Museum, which houses an exhibition on the discovery of America and Christopher Columbus’ role in Spanish history.  This is where the explorer died.

In the evening, enjoy Valladolid’s lively nightlife on the Calle de las Tapas, the city’s most popular street for drinks and delicious local cuisine. Be sure to try the wine from Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s best wine regions.

We can stay overnight or catch a very late train back to Madrid.  

Day 2: Discover culture and gastronomy

On your second day in Valladolid, we can start with a delicious breakfast at La Tahona Café, a cosy and charming place that serves freshly baked bread and pastries. Don’t miss their buttery croissants, they’re delicious.

After breakfast, head to the National Sculpture Museum, located in the Colegio de San Gregorio. This museum houses an impressive collection of Spanish sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, as well as works by international artists such as Leoni, Pompeo Leoni and Algardi.

From the museum, head to Valladolid’s Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s highlights and a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. The square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, such as the Town Hall and the church of San Benito, and is the setting for numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

After exploring the square, walk north to the church of San Pablo, one of the oldest churches in Valladolid. The church has an impressive baroque façade and an interior that houses several chapels and gilded altarpieces.

For lunch, try traditional Castilian cuisine at El Figón de Recoletos, a cosy and elegant restaurant serving delicious dishes such as roast suckling lamb and suckling pig. If you prefer something lighter, head to the Mercado del Val, where you’ll find a variety of food stalls offering tapas and local dishes.

After lunch, visit the Palacio de Santa Cruz, a beautiful Renaissance palace that now houses the University of Valladolid. The palace was built in the 16th century and has an impressive façade decorated with coats of arms and allegorical figures.

Before ending the day, take a stroll through the Campo Grande, Valladolid’s main public park. The park is a green oasis in the centre of the city and has a wide variety of trees, flowers and fountains. There is also a small lake with pedal boats that you can rent for a stroll.  Head back to Madrid or on to the next city... Segovia.