Burgos, Municipality in northern Castile and León, Spain
Burgos is a city in northern Castile and León, sitting on gentle slopes that rise from the Arlanzón River at around 860 meters above sea level. The old town spreads across a hillside with cobbled streets, medieval towers and stone bridges crossing the riverbed below.
A Castilian count founded the settlement in the late ninth century as a frontier post against southern Muslim raids, and within decades it grew into the seat of the Castilian monarchy. During the Middle Ages, it became a hub for European wool trade, allowing wealthy merchant families to build palaces and churches across the town.
In the narrow streets of the old quarter, locals gather in small bars during late morning, moving from counter to counter and sharing plates of cured meats and cheese under vaulted stone ceilings. The tradition of hopping between tapas spots turns an ordinary lunch into a slow ritual where people chat, linger and greet familiar faces at every stop.
Visitors exploring the old center should wear comfortable shoes, as most streets are cobbled and slope gently upward. In winter, temperatures often drop well below freezing, so warm clothing helps when walking along the riverbank or through the higher squares.
On a sunny morning, the giant rose window of the cathedral throws colored patches of light onto the stone floor inside, and through open windows you can hear the murmur of the nearby river. Walking toward the main square, you pass small gardens tucked between old walls that offer a moment of calm before stepping back into the bustle of the lanes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
