Make Room for Burgos
A rest day in Burgos is a gift on the Camino — a chance to slow down, explore, and appreciate one of the most historic and elegant cities on the French Way.
Burgos is compact, walkable, and full of small surprises that make it perfect for a day off your feet (or at least fewer miles!). Here are a few of my favorite ways to spend a rest day in Burgos.
Visit Burgos Cathedral (and Meet Papamoscas)
The Cathedral of Santa María de Burgos is the heart of the city and an absolute must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Spain, and it’s well worth spending time inside.
Be sure to look for Papamoscas, the famous clock figure inside the cathedral. On the hour, he opens his mouth and rings the bell — a small but memorable detail pilgrims love to catch.
Take your time wandering through the chapels, cloister, and the tomb of El Cid, one of Spain’s legendary figures.
Bring your headphones and download the Burgos Cathedral app on your phone before entering.
The app offers an excellent self-guided tour and adds a lot of context and meaning to what you’re seeing as you move through the cathedral.
Walk Up to the Mirador del Castillo
If your legs feel up to a gentle climb, head to the Mirador del Castillo. The walk up is manageable and rewards you with sweeping views over Burgos and the surrounding countryside.
This viewpoint sits near the ruins of Burgos Castle and is a wonderful place to pause, take photos, and reflect on how far you’ve already walked. It’s especially beautiful in the late afternoon light.
Stop at the Convento de Santa Clara for Nun-made Sweets
One of Burgos’s hidden gems is the Convento de Santa Clara, where cloistered nuns still make traditional cookies and sweets. Pilgrims can purchase them through a small turn window — a simple, old-world experience that feels very Camino.
Be sure to ask for the lenguas de San Antonio. They’re thin, buttery cookies that taste much like a Milano cookie, and they’re hands-down my favorite. They make a perfect treat for your rest day or something special to tuck into your pack for the days ahead.
Look for the Statues of Los Gigantillos
As you wander the streets of Burgos, keep an eye out for the statues of Los Gigantillos — the beloved giant festival figures that play an important role in local celebrations.
They’re a fun and unexpected sight and a reminder that Burgos isn’t just about history and cathedrals, but also about living traditions and community life.
Things I’d Skip on a Rest Day in Burgos
With limited time and tired legs, not everything in Burgos needs to make the list. A few places that are often mentioned but that I personally skip on a Camino rest day include:
- San Esteban Museum – Interesting if you’re very focused on religious art history, but not a must-do compared to the cathedral itself.
- Church of San Gil – A lovely church, but if you’ve already visited Burgos Cathedral, this can feel repetitive.
- Museum of Human Evolution – A well-done museum, but very modern and time-consuming. On a Camino rest day, I usually prefer staying closer to the historic center and soaking in the Camino atmosphere instead.
Rest days are about balance. Burgos offers more than enough highlights without feeling the pressure that you must see everything.
Enjoy the Simple Pleasure of Doing Less
A rest day doesn’t have to be packed. Sit in a café near the cathedral, enjoy a long lunch, people-watch, and let your body recover. Burgos is a city that invites you to linger.
Sometimes the best thing you can do on a rest day is simply rest (and do laundry), knowing the Camino will be waiting for you again tomorrow.
Buen Camino.