Vitoria-Gasteiz, the enchanting capital of Spain’s Basque Country, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich medieval history with modern innovation and sustainability. While often overshadowed by its famous neighbors San Sebastián and Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a true hidden gem that deserves a spot on your travel list. I had the opportunity to visit Vitoria Gasteiz on a press trip in Northern Spain with the Basque tourism board, and I’m so glad I did. I’ll share with you my Vitoria travel guide so you can experience this charming city, and the Basque capitol for yourself.

In just one day, you can immerse yourself in centuries of fascinating history, marvel at stunning architecture, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and bask in the city’s lush green spaces. Get ready to fall in love with the charming Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The city’s unique dual name reflects its storied past – founded as “Nueva Victoria” in 1181 by Sancho VI of Navarre on the site of a hamlet called Gasteiz. Over the centuries, Vitoria-Gasteiz transformed from a walled defensive outpost to a flourishing trade hub, known for its craftwork and progressive spirit. Today, as the Basque Country’s forward-thinking capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz leads the way in sustainability, earning accolades like European Green Capital for its innovative approach to urban living.

the Perfect 1 Day Vitoria-Gasteiz Itinerary for Exploring Spain’s Hidden Gem

No time to read it all? Here’s a quick highlight:

• Explore the immaculately preserved Medieval Quarter, a living museum of history
• Be awed by the 13th-century Santa María Cathedral and its immersive restoration
• Indulge in pintxos (Basque tapas) along the lively Calle Cuchillería
• Discover unique treasures at the Fournier Playing Card Museum
• Enjoy nature in Vitoria-Gasteiz’s many parks, the “Green Capital of Europe”

Without further ado, let’s dive into the perfect 1 day itinerary for Vitoria-Gasteiz!

getting to victoria gasteiz & how to get Around in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Vitoria Gasteiz is well-connected by bus and train from nearby Bilbao (1 hour) and San Sebastián (1 hour 15 min). Coaches like ALSA and Autobuses La Unión operate frequent services. While trains are less frequent, they arrive closer to the Old Town. Vitoria also has a small airport (VIT) with limited domestic and European flights.

Once in the city, Vitoria-Gasteiz is extremely walkable and bikeable. Bask in its status as one of Europe’s most pedestrian-friendly cities, with over 150,000 sq meters converted to car-free zones. An extensive network of bidegorris (bike paths) and affordable rental options make cycling a breeze. For longer distances, hop on the sleek tram or electric bus. Accessibility is a priority here, with escalators and elevators integrated throughout the Old Town.

Helpful Tips:

• Pick up the handy Green Route map from the tourist office for self-guided walking and biking itineraries
• Trams run every 15 min and buses every 10 min; purchase tickets at machines beforehand

Arrival in Victoria Gasteiz & Orientation 

• after you check in head to the tourist office in Plaza España for maps and helpful info; don’t miss the eye-catching arched Plaza designed by famed local architect Olaguíbel
• Relax at an outdoor café and people-watch in this popular meeting spot
• Take in the vibrancy of Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, the city’s beating heart
• Snap a photo with the iconic grass “Vitoria-Gasteiz” sculpture, a nod to its Green Capital status
• Learn the story behind the 1813 Battle of Vitoria monument commemorating Wellington’s victory over Napoleon in the Peninsular War

Explore the Medieval Quarter (AM)

• Get lost in the enchanting almond-shaped Casco Medieval (Old Town), one of Spain’s best-preserved
• Visit the 13th century Santa María Cathedral, a Gothic marvel with Romanesque and Renaissance elements

• Book the unique guided tour “Open for Works” to witness the cathedral’s ongoing restoration firsthand (Mon-Sat, pre-booking required)
• Admire the Cathedral’s exterior from picturesque Plaza de la Burullería, named for its former cloth market
• Spot the iconic El Portalón, a 15th-century inn turned restaurant showcasing Renaissance, Gothic and Mudéjar styles
• Discover over a dozen fascinating murals by local and international artists telling the city’s stories, like the weaver-themed work in Plaza de la Burullería
• See remnants of the old medieval walls and towers integrated into the Renaissance Escoriaza-Esquível Palace

Helpful Tips:

• The tourist office’s mural map provides background on these open-air artworks
• The Old Town’s escalators and elevators ensure accessibility for all

Lunch & Museums (Mid-Day)

• Savor a traditional menu del dia (affordable 3-course set lunch) at Calle Cuchillería (“Kutxi”) or Pintoreria Street, two lively streets packed with tempting restaurants
• Top picks include Pintxopote for classic Basque dishes and El Siete for market-fresh cuisine
• Visit the one-of-a-kind Fournier Playing Card Museum inside the 16th-century Bendaña Palace, home to over 20,000 decks from across the globe (free entry) Fun Tip: This is where all the playing cards are made in the world (Including all the casinos in Las Vegas!)
• Learn about the Fournier company’s local roots and innovations in card design and manufacturing
• Admire unique decks like 17th-century tarot cards and limited-edition artist collaborations

• Pop into the attached Archeological Museum for a free journey through Álava’s history from Paleolithic times to the Middle Ages (Tue-Sat)

Helpful Tip:

• Most restaurants offer a menu del dia on weekdays from 1-3pm, an unbeatable way to sample local specialties on a budget

Afternoon Explorations: best things to do in vitoria gasteiz

• Stroll through lush La Florida Park, a romantic 19th-century garden bursting with exotic trees, duck ponds, and Belle Époque architecture
• Follow part of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route through the park to connect with centuries of travellers
• Choose between two world-class art museums based on your interests and their hours:

ARTIUM Basque Centre-Museum of Contemporary Art

(Tue-Fri, free entry from 7-8pm)

• Housed in a striking contemporary building, it boasts over 3,000 works by Basque and Spanish artists like Oteiza and Chillida
• Explore thought-provoking temporary exhibitions on modern themes
• Relax with a drink in the glassed-in atrium or at the museum café

Fine Arts Museum of Álava (Tue-Sat, free entry)

• Marvel at the elegant Augusti Zulueta Palace while perusing its collection of Spanish and Basque art from the 18th-20th centuries
• Don’t miss the Basque sculptor Adolfo Guiard’s expressive works
• Enjoy the tranquil palace gardens and a coffee at the museum café
• Wander the picturesque Los Arquillos neighborhood, built atop neoclassical arches to connect the Old Town with newer districts
• Take in panoramic views from Plaza del Machete, once a medieval-era execution site, now a lively gathering spot ringed by colorful historic buildings

Helpful Tips:

• Check the museums’ free entry days/hours to save and optimize your time
• Take advantage of the Artium’s free guided tours (usually Wed and Sat evenings)

Pintxos Crawl & Nightlife (Evening)

• Experience the quintessential Basque pintxos (tapas) tradition by hopping between bars, sampling bite-sized delicacies paired with local wines and ciders. Book a guided Pintxos tour here.
• Feast on Vitoria-Gasteiz specialties like stuffed piquillo peppers, salt cod croquettes, txistorra sausage, and gilda (anchovy, olive and pepper skewers)
• Sip Rioja Alavesa wines and fizzy, tart txakoli as you mingle with locals
• Head to Calle Cuchillería for an endless array of pintxos bars, from traditional haunts to innovative newcomers

• Don’t miss local favorites like PerretxiCo for creative concoctions, Toloño for Basque classics, and Sagartoki for cider house vibes
• Continue along Pintoreria Street to lively spots like Txikin and Erkiaga for meat-centric bites
• For Michelin-starred fare, try contemporary Basque tasting menus at Zaldiaran

Restaurants in Vitoria Gasteiz

Here are some of the restaurants I visited and highly recommend:

• Circulo Restaurant: a lovely modern kitchen that makes creative dishes with a rotating menu. I had a menu with 6 things and they were all delicious. see my full review and dishes I had in this post.

Helpful Tips:

• Do like the locals and make a txikiteo (pintxos crawl), sampling one or two dishes and a small drink at each spot
• Consult the “Star Guide” pintxos map for the best bars and their signature creations (free at the tourist office)

If You Have More Time

• Bike the 30km+ Green Belt (Anillo Verde) circling the city to experience its world-class parks and wetlands, like the Salburua Wetlands with its bird observatory

• Spend a reflective moment in Parque de la Memoria dedicated to victims of terrorism
• Shop for Basque crafts and products at the bustling Plaza de Abastos market hall
• Learn more about Álava’s signature wines with a day trip to a Rioja Alavesa winery
• Dig deeper into Basque heritage at the Bibat Fournier Card Museum and Archaeology Museum

Where to Stay in Vitoria Gasteiz Hotels

Stay central in the town. I recommend staying in close proximity to the main attractions. I stayed at the stylish NH Hotel.

Hotel Name	Location	Book Now
NH Canciller	Across La Florida Park	Book Now
Nirea Hotel	Adjacent to La Florida Park	Book Now

How To Get to Victoria Gasteiz

Vitoria-Gasteiz is easily reached by bus, train or car from major Basque cities:

• Bilbao: 1 hour by bus/train
• San Sebastián: 1h15 by bus, 1h30 by train
• Frequent ALSA and La Unión buses; less frequent but still convenient RENFE trains. Book your ticket in advance on Omio 
• Small VIT airport with limited connections to Madrid, Barcelona and London

If arriving late or facing a tight connection, opt for a pre-booked private airport transfer with a reliable company like Viator for an efficient, hassle-free journey straight to your hotel.

From its car-free medieval core to its world-renowned wineries, avant-garde architecture to electric dining scene, Vitoria-Gasteiz never fails to captivate. The proud Basque capital gracefully pairs Old World charm with progressive ideals, inviting discerning travellers to slow down and savor the good life – if only for a day.

By diving into its history, art, cuisine and nature, you’ll come away with a deep appreciation for this city that’s so often eclipsed by its glitzier neighbors. Vitoria-Gasteiz’s perfect blend of tradition and innovation is truly a breath of fresh air.

Transport in Vitoria Gasteiz

• Tram: 2 lines (Ibaiondo-Abetxuko), €1.45 single ticket, runs 6am-10pm every 15 min
• Bus: 10 lines, €1.45 single ticket, runs 6am-10pm every 10 min, night buses (Gautxori) every 30 min on weekends
• Bike rentals: €1.30/hour or €5/day at automated stands; electric bike and car rentals also available

Festivals in Vitoria Gasteiz & Events:

• Azkena Rock Festival (June) – Metal/punk/rock extravaganza that’s drawn acts like Kiss, Iggy Pop and The Cult
• Fiesta de La Blanca (August 4-9) – Week-long celebration in honor of the city’s patron saint with music, markets, fireworks and the famous “Descent of Celedón” from the San Miguel Church tower
• Magialdia (September) – International Magic Festival featuring gala shows, street magic and family fun

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