Top Things To Do And See In Valladolid, Spain

Plaza Mayor de Valladolid | © xavi lópez/WikiCommons

The city of Valladolid is located in the province of Castile and León, northwest of the capital of Madrid. A small, but lively city, it showcases an impressive architectural display and has a handful of excellent museums. After dark the city really comes into its own with a buzzing nightlife scene.

Marvel at the Cathedral of Valladolid

The Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, also known as Valladolid Cathedral, was built in the 16th century, however its impressive facade was not added until the 18th century. It was designed by the architect Juan de Herrera, who also designed the celebrated Escorial in Madrid. Inside, look out for the 16th century altarpiece made by Juan de Juni and visit the Cathedral Museum to see a wider collection of religious sculptures and paintings.

Catedral de Valladolid, Calle Arribas 1, Valladolid, Spain, +34 983 30 43 62

Valladolid Cathedral | ©Rastrojo/Wikimedia Commons

Valladolid Cathedral | © Rastrojo/WikiCommons

Visit the Museo Nacional de Escultura

Valladolid’s National Sculpture Museum is one of the most important collections of Spanish sculpture in the country. Housed in the elegant San Gregorio College, it features everything from wooden sculptures to stone statues and altarpieces, some dating back to the 16th century.

Museo Nacional de Escultura, Calle Cadenas de San Gregorio 1, Valladolid, Spain, +34 983 25 03 75

Santo Entierro (‘Holy Burial’) by sculptor Juan de Juni at the Museo Nacional de Escultura de Valladolid, Spain | © Nicolás Pérez/WikiCommons

Relax on the Beach of Las Moreras

Valladolid is not actually located on the coast, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a beach. Located along the Pisuerga River you’ll find the Playa de las Moreras, a lovely stretch of sand where you can sunbathe during the day and make use of the beach bar at night.

Playa de las Moreras, Parque de las Moreras, Valladolid, Spain

Playa Moreras, Valladolid | © angeldp/flikr

Casa Museo de Colón

The great explorer Christopher Columbus (known as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish) died in Valladolid in 1506 and to commemorate this, the city has created a museum dedicated to his life. The museum is located in the former house of Diego Columbus, grandson of the explorer, and is spread out over four floors. It features everything from original old maps to interactive exhibits, models of his ships and even a tombstone in the courtyard, showing the spot where he died.

Casa Museo de Colón, Calle Colón, Valladolid, Spain, +34 983 29 13 53

Casa Museo de Colon, Valladolid | ©By Miguel Angel Guadilla/ Wikimedia Commons

Casa Museo de Colon, Valladolid | © Miguel Angel Guadilla/WikiCommons

Walk Around the Atmospheric Plaza San Pablo

Dominated by the imposing San Pablo church, this wide square is worth a look around to see some of the city’s most striking architecture. As well as the church, you’ll see the Palacio de Pimentel, the birthplace of King Felipe II; the Palacio Real, the seat of the Royal Spanish Court between 1601 and 1606; and the Casa Museo José Zorrilla, the birthplace of one of the city’s most well-known writers.

Plaza de San Pablo, Valladolid, Spain

Iglesia de San Pablo, Valladolid | ©Rowanwindwhistler/ Wikimedia Commons

Iglesia de San Pablo, Valladolid | © Rowanwindwhistler/WikiCommons

Visit the House of Cervantes

One of Spain’s most famous authors, Miguel de Cervantes lived at this 16th century house in Valladolid between 1604 and 1606, during the time when his most famous book Don Quijote de La Mancha was being published. Cervantes’ library and all his rooms have been preserved to look just the way they did when the author lived there.

Museo Casa De Cervantes, Calle del Rastro, Valladolid, Spain, +34 983 30 88 10

The house of Cervantes in Valladolid, Spain | © Lourdes Cardenal/WikiCommons

The house of Miguel de Cervantes in Valladolid, Spain | © Lourdes Cardenal/WikiCommons

Look Around the Museo Patio Herreriano

Housed in cloisters of a former monastery, this contemporary art museum is dedicated to post-World War II art and displays works by artists such as Joan Miró, Antoni Tápies, Salvador Dalí and Jorge Oteiza.

Museo Patio Herreriano, Calle Jorge Guillén 6, Valladolid, Spain, +34 983 36 27 71

Patio Herreriano, Valladolid | © Lourdes Cardenal/Wikimedia Commons

Patio Herreriano, Valladolid | © Lourdes Cardenal/WikiCommons

Go for a Stroll in the Campo Grande Park

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Pérgola at Campo Grande Park in Valladolid. Spain | © Ángel/WikiCommons

Measuring over 100,000 square meters, the Campo Grande Park is the largest and most celebrated green space in the city. It features over 100 different species of trees and many flower gardens, as well as various water features such as fountains, lakes and ponds. It’s ideal to visit at any time of year – to go boating on the lake in spring, sit under shady trees in summer, or enjoy autumnal walks in fall.

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s/n Paseo de Zorrilla, Valladolid, Castilla y León, 47007, Spain

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