Free walking tours in Valladolid and what to see

Must-sees

Central Valladolid is flat and easy to walk. The large red Plaza Mayor is the city’s meeting point. From there you reach the cathedral, designed by Juan de Herrera and never finished, and the church of Santa María la Antigua, with its Romanesque tower. Close by are the University, with its Baroque façade, and lively Calle Santiago.

The visit that sets Valladolid apart is the National Sculpture Museum, in the Colegio de San Gregorio, with a richly decorated Gothic façade and a great collection of religious sculpture by Gregorio Fernández, Juan de Juni and Berruguete. The church of San Pablo, Cervantes’ House and the Columbus House Museum are also worthwhile. Campo Grande and the banks of the Pisuerga are good for a rest.

Free tours and guided visits

The classic free tour covers the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, La Antigua, the University and the San Pablo area in about two hours. It tells of the wedding of the Catholic Monarchs, Columbus’ last years and the time when Valladolid was the capital under Philip III. You pay what you like at the end. Some routes focus on legends or Holy Week.

The paid guided visit most worth it is the National Sculpture Museum. There are also winery routes in Ribera del Duero and Rueda, and trips to nearby castles such as Peñafiel, home of the Wine Museum. Tordesillas and Medina del Campo are a short distance away.

How long to spend

With two days you can see Valladolid without rushing. Spend the first on the centre, the cathedral and the University, with tapas in the evening, and the second on the National Sculpture Museum, San Pablo and Campo Grande. If you have a third day, do a wine route in Ribera del Duero or visit Peñafiel and Tordesillas.

Where to stay

The best area is the centre, around the Plaza Mayor and Calle Santiago, as everything is on foot. The area around the cathedral and San Pablo is a little quieter and just as close to the monuments. If you arrive by train, the Campo Grande area is convenient: a few minutes from the station and a short walk from the centre.