What to Do on a Rainy Day in Burgos

Shelter from the rain in the city’s most famous site – the grand Burgos Cathedral. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it began life as a simple Romanesque cathedral and now is one of the most famous cathedrals in Spain. While you’re sheltering, head in to look at the main altar with its brilliant gold plating and ornate carvings. Also inside you’ll find a magnificent star-vaulted dome, under which lies the tomb of El Cid.

Another religious site in the city where you can escape the rain is the Monasterio de las Huelgas. One of the most noteworthy monasteries in the whole of Spain, it was founded in 1187 by Eleanor of Aquitaine, daughter of Henry II of England and wife of Alfonso VIII of Castilla. Shelter underneath the beautiful Romanesque cloister and look around at the tombs of former kings and queens. The monastery is still home to around 30 nuns, but you can still explore the site on a guided tour. Inside you’ll also find the Museo de Ricas Telas (Museum of Rich Fabrics), which displays many jewelled robes and embellished royal garments.

Why not spend your rainy afternoon expanding your mind and learning about the evolution of life? This excellent modern museum details the evolution of humans, looking at everything from fossils to the discoveries and theories of Charles Darwin. One of the highlights are the exhibits on Atapuerca, the archaeological site north of Burgos where Europe’s oldest human fossil remains were discovered in 2007.

Make the most of your rainy day in city by discovering all about it at the Burgos city museum. Housed in an old 16th-century mansion, it displays exhibits on prehistory and archeology. Some of the most important displays are the human fossils of the Trinchera, the Gothic tombs, and the archaeological remains of the Roman city of Clunia. There are also nine rooms displaying works of pre-Romanesque art.

If you been to the museums and it’s still raining, there’s nothing that can cheer you up better than some good food. Head to El Huerto de Roque, a stylish restaurant, serving ecological and organic seasonal produce. Dishes are presented like works of art, and the menu features traditional Castillian cuisine with a modern twist. Why not order the baked hake fish with green sauce, the rocket and asparagus cake or candied artichokes with anchovies and almond praline?

Of course, coffee and a slice of cake is always a good idea on a rainy day, and Café España is always a good idea in Burgos. It’s the oldest café in the city, first opening back in 1921. Decorated with old-fashioned lamps, mirrors, artwork and statues, it has an artistic and bohemian feel of the 1920s. As well as coffees and cakes, there’s also tapas and savoury snacks. If you’re lucky, you may arrive during one of the cafe’s cultural afternoons with live jazz, blues and flamenco.

For something a little different on your rainy day, visit the Museo del Libro Fadrique de Basilea – a book museum located in the centre of Burgos. Inaugurated in 2010, it was founded by Juan José García and Pablo Molinero and takes visitors on a journey through the written word, displaying a history of mankind through some of our most famous books. The museum was named after Fadrique de Basilea, one of the most renowned printers in the city of Burgos during the 15th and 16th centuries.