Planning a weekend in Logroño? This Calle Laurel guide packs everything you need – from the must-visit tapas bars to the best local wines, nightlife spots, gluten-free options and top places to stay. Get ready to turn your trip into an unforgettable experience.
Why Calle Laurel is a bucket-list stop in northern spain
Just 200 metres long yet home to 60+ tapas bars and restaurants, pedestrian-only Calle Laurel (nicknamed “the elephant trail” because you go from bar to bar) delivers the pure essence of Rioja food culture. Expect a lively buzz, friendly locals and exceptional wine only steps apart.
Quick history & food evolution
Over the last few decades, this narrow street has morphed from a local hang-out into a top gastronomic attraction. Each bar champions a single signature tapa, letting visitors sample the full spectrum of Riojan flavours in one stroll.
Peak hours & insider timing
| When to Go | Crowd Level | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Busy lunch crowd | Arrive at 1 pm for quicker service |
| 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm | Lively evenings | Go at 7:30 pm or after 11 pm to dodge queues |
| Mondays | Some bars closed | Check opening hours first |
| Thursday nights | Local vibe, fewer tourists | Perfect for relaxed tapas hopping |
Getting to calle Laurel
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By car: park at Espolón or Plaza de la Paz (2-min walk).
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By train: Logroño station is a 15-minute stroll.
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On foot: anywhere in the historic centre is walking distance.
Nearby lively streets Bretón de los Herreros and Portales add even more bar options.
Top 10 tapas bars on calle Laurel
| Bar | Must-Try Tapa | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Ángel | Grilled mushrooms with prawn & garlic | Calle Laurel 12 |
| Bar Soriano | Mushroom skewer with prawn | Calle Laurel 2 |
| Torrecilla | Seared foie gras | Calle Laurel 15 |
| Jubera | Patatas bravas | Calle Laurel 18 |
| La Brasa de La Laurel | Charcoal-grilled meats | Calle Laurel 9 |
| Sebas | Spanish omelette & battered anchovies | Calle Laurel 7 |
| El Muro | Crispy suckling pig | Calle Laurel 26 |
| Tío Agus (Bar Lorenzo) | “Tío Agus” pork sandwich, secret sauce | Travesía del Laurel 4 |
| La Taberna del Laurel | Patatas bravas | Calle Laurel 10 |
| Bar Lorenzo | Mixed pintxos | Calle San Agustín 17 |
5 Rioja wines you shouldn’t miss
- Ontañón Crianza – balanced Tempranillo/Garnacha; ripe fruit & spice.
- Marqués de Cáceres Blanco – fresh, light; great with seafood pintxos.
- Marqués de Riscal Reserva – classic Rioja; vanilla, mature fruit, oak.
- Monte Real Crianza – 100 % Tempranillo; red-fruit aroma, long finish.
- Campo Viejo Tempranillo Blanco – crisp, perfect for vegetarian or fish tapas.
Best times for stress-free tapas hopping
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Early birds: 1 pm or 7:30 pm.
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Weekdays: quieter than weekends.
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Skip Saturday night if you dislike crowds.
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Limit yourself to 4-5 bars, one tapa + one wine each, and enjoy the walk between stops.
Walkable wineries for a Logroño weekend
All sit close to the old town, so no car needed.
Where to dance after tapas
Finish at Plaza del Mercado (next to the Co-Cathedral) for cocktails, then hit one of these clubs:
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Suite – traveller-friendly pick.
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Concept
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The Hangar
Gluten-free tapas spots
| Bar | Gluten-Free Highlight | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Donosti | Boletus & ham toast on GF bread | Calle Laurel 13 |
| Jubera | Patatas bravas + GF bread | Calle Laurel 18 |
| El Cid | Grilled mushrooms + GF beer | Travesía del Laurel 1 |
| Pata Negra | Serrano ham roll on GF bread | Calle Laurel 22 |
| Tío Agus | Moorish skewers (order without bread) | Travesía del Laurel 4-6 |
| Pasión por Ti | Various pintxos + GF bread & beer | Calle Laurel 5 |
| La Tabola Laurel | Fusion tapas, GF & vegan options | Calle Laurel 4 |
| Casa Grande | Fresh raciones, many GF | Calle Laurel 4, Bajo 2 |
(All endorsed by ACERI – Celiac Association of La Rioja.)
Best places to stay near calle Laurel
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Hotel Calle Mayor – boutique, historic building.
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Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja – modern comfort in a heritage house.
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Sercotel Portales – steps from Calle Laurel.
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Hostal La Numantina – budget & central.
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Winederful Hostel & Café – modern hostel with relaxed vibe.
Things to do in Logroño beyond tapas
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Riverside stroll along the Ebro and Puente de Piedra
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Bretón Theatre for shows and culture
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La Rioja Museum – free entry, regional art & history
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Ebro Park – green escape in the city
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Custom wine tours via Rumbowine.com – tailor-made enotourism experiences.
Calle Laurel FAQ
Can I book a table?
Most tapas bars don’t take reservations; a few sit-down restaurants do. It’s usually first-come, first-served.
Best day to visit?
Thursday offers a lively yet manageable vibe. Friday and Saturday nights are packed – perfect if you want full-on party energy.
Is accommodation nearby?
Yes – all the hotels and hostels listed above are within easy walking distance of Calle Laurel, Plaza del Mercado and key cultural sites.
