In Logroño, every visit to a bar is an opportunity to sample the best wines and tapas of La Rioja, making each moment an authentic celebration of the local culture.
Logroño, the capital of La Rioja in Spain, is an excellent choice for those seeking a rich cultural and gastronomic experience. Just a four-hour drive from Madrid, this city is famous not only for its high-quality wines but also for its lively bar scene and well-preserved historical heritage. In this post, we will explore the best things to do in Logroño, from tasting local specialities in various bars to visiting historical monuments that date back centuries.
What is “La Rioja”?
La Rioja is one of Spain’s most renowned regions, particularly famous for its production of high-quality wine. Located in the north of the country, it boasts a stunning landscape that combines extensive vineyards with picturesque mountains and rivers. Beyond its wine heritage, La Rioja is also rich in history and culture, featuring a variety of archaeological sites, ancient churches, and monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages.
Start with the Best: Logroño’s Bars!
Logroño takes pride in its vibrant nightlife and bar culture, especially in the areas of Calle del Laurel and San Juan. These two districts are essential for anyone looking to experience the city’s true gastronomic and social scene.
Calle del Laurel
Known as the heart of Logroño’s nightlife, Calle del Laurel is a true maze of tapas bars, each with its own unique speciality.
Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes, from small bites to more elaborate portions. For example, one of the bars is renowned for its patatas bravas, a must-try dish for those who appreciate a combination of spicy flavours. Another highlight is the bar that serves champiñones al ajillo, garlic sautéed mushrooms that are truly delicious.
Approved:
Bar Jarandilla – C/ Laurel 17
Speciality: Mini smash burger and cheesecake.
Review: The mini burger was delicious! As for the cheesecake, if you enjoy a super creamy dessert without an intense cheese flavour, it’s perfect (personally, I prefer mine with a stronger cheese taste).
Price: €3.95 for the mini burger and €4.95 for the cheesecake.
Bar Soriano – C/ Laurel 2
Speciality: Mushroom tower with prawn.
Review: The bar’s speciality is this mushroom tower, served with a very garlicky butter and prawn. It’s really tasty, just be careful not to burn yourself, as the oil comes boiling hot!
Price: €2.10 for a tapa with wine or €1.50 for the tapa alone.
Pulpería La Universidad – C/ Laurel 9
Speciality: Seafood in general, mainly octopus.
Review: They offer various octopus dishes; we ordered the octopus leg skewer, which was perfect – really tender! It’s pricier than other places because… well, octopus is expensive, right?
Price: Tapa: €3.20 | Half portion: €11.00 | Full portion: €17.00
These are just a few of the stops we made! In fact, we couldn’t even try half of what we wanted to. In this area, every door leads to a bar with a different speciality – it’s one temptation after another, and there’s only so much you can eat! We recommend stepping inside and sampling the delights each place has to offer; it’s the best way to experience the city’s rich gastronomic culture.
Calle San Juan
Calle San Juan, known for being a bit quieter than Calle del Laurel, also stands out for its excellent selection of bars, each offering a welcoming atmosphere with a more gourmet and local touch.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of tapas, from portions of jamón ibérico and chorizo to innovative dishes incorporating local ingredients, such as stuffed peppers and bacalao al pil-pil. Many bars also specialise in seafood, serving dishes like garlic prawns and fried squid. The wine selection is just as diverse, with various options that perfectly complement any choice of tapas, including regional cheese boards—a real treat for wine lovers.
Even without stepping into every venue, the richness and diversity of Calle San Juan’s gastronomic offerings are evident, making it an unmissable destination for those looking to explore Logroño’s bar culture.
Bonus: Restaurante Sabores
During our stay in Logroño, we had the pleasure of having lunch at Restaurante Sabores, a renowned spot recognised by the prestigious Michelin Guide (a great tip for fine dining enthusiasts!). The restaurant offers a 16-course tasting menu, where the starters are served in pairs, alternating between more intense and milder flavours, creating a well-balanced and rich gastronomic experience.
The service at Sabores stands out for its attention to detail, with each dish carefully explained, enhancing the meal and providing a deeper understanding of the techniques and ingredients used. For those looking to explore a variety of creative and delicious dishes in a special setting, Sabores is definitely an excellent choice.
Menu price: €59 per person (drinks not included)
Tourist Attractions in Logroño
Logroño is a treasure trove of tourist attractions that captivate visitors with its rich history and impressive architecture. Here are some of the most iconic sites we explored during our visit, each offering a unique perspective on the city’s cultural heritage.
Saint Mary the Round Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Redonda)
Located in the heart of Logroño, this cathedral stands out for its Baroque façade and art-filled interiors. It houses several significant works of art, including paintings attributed to Michelangelo, making it a must-visit for lovers of sacred art.
Church of Saint Bartholomew (Iglesia de San Bartolomé)
This church, one of the oldest in Logroño, is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and impressive Mudejar-style bell tower. The intricate façade, adorned with detailed carvings, reflects the city’s rich medieval heritage, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts.
Franco-Spanish Winery (Bodega Franco-Española)
Located in the centre of Logroño, Franco-Spanish Winery (Bodega Franco-Española) is one of the city’s most historic wineries, operating since 1890.
During our visit, we took a tour of the facilities, which was both informative and fascinating, offering detailed insights into the winemaking process. The experience concluded with a tasting of exceptional wines, allowing us to savour the quality and flavour of the winery’s finest selections. This was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip, and we highly recommend it to anyone interested in discovering more about the rich winemaking tradition of the region.
When to Visit Logroño?
Weather in LogroñoThe best time to visit Logroño is between spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and the landscapes are at their best. From April to October, temperatures are comfortable, ranging between 15°C and 25°C, making it ideal for strolling through the historic streets and exploring the vineyards. This period also coincides with various local festivals, offering an authentic insight into Riojan culture.
A special highlight is La Rioja Day (Día de La Rioja), celebrated on 9 June. During the event, the city comes alive with music, traditional dances, and, of course, wine tastings from some of the region’s finest wineries. Additionally, the San Mateo Festival, held at the end of September, is another unmissable occasion, featuring the grape harvest and various wine-related activities.
How to Get to Logroño?
From Madrid:
- Bus: Direct services from Terminal T4 at Barajas Airport or from the Avenida América bus station.
- Train: Departures from Madrid-Atocha station operated by RENFE.
- Plane: Flights operated by IBERIA.
From Bilbao:
- Take bus A3247 to Termibus bus station, then transfer to a CUADRA BUS service to Logroño.
From Barcelona:
- Bus: ALSA buses depart from Barcelona Nord Station, accessible via Aerobús and metro.
- Train: Departures from Barcelona-Sants station, operated by RENFE.
In Logroño:
- The train and bus stations are within walking distance of the historic centre.
- Upon arrival at the train station, bus station, or airport, taxis are available to take you directly to your accommodation. If needed, a taxi can be booked by calling +34 941 50 50 50.
- For public transport, urban buses depart from the train or bus station, and routes can be checked at: Transporte Urbano de Logroño (in Spanish).
The Best Bars in Logroño
Discover each bar’s specialities and plan your tapas route through the capital of La Rioja with our interactive map!