Indulge In Spanish Excellence With 10 Best Things To Do In Valladolid!

things to do in valladolid spain
John
John 
Updated
| 7 min read

Welcome to Valladolid, your next excuse for exploring everything that Spanish attractions have to offer! Take advantage of world-class history, recreational venues, and tantalizing sights and sounds that’ll have you speechless. It’s time to check out everything that Valladolid has to offer, and to discover why northwest Spain is the place to be!

1. Museo Nacional de Escultura

Museo Nacional de Escultura
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jose Luis Filpo C... used under CC BY 3.0

If you’re looking to begin your time in Valladolid with all of the excitement and the educational thrill that it deserves, then it’s time to go visit the Museo Nacional de Escultura! Featuring a unique assortment of artistic renderings and unique, constantly changing exhibits and displays, the Museo Nacional de Escultura is perhaps the finest method of fast introduction to Valladolid’s many unique facets. Founded in 1842, the Museo Nacional de Escultura today houses a wide variety of works, ranging from the 13th to the 19th centuries. More than six hundred years-worth of artistic wonder exist under one roof, for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike! Because of its relative age, the museum itself also qualifies as a historical site. Come marvel at the bevy of religious and cultural works under the roof of the Museo Nacional de Escultura!

Museo Nacional de Escultura

Address: Calle Cadenas de San Gregorio, 1, 47011 Valladolid, Spain

Website: Museo Nacional de Escultura - in Spanish)

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2. Plaza Mayor de Valladolid

Plaza Mayor de Valladolid (35347897695)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Emilio J. Rodríg... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

When it comes to the Plaza Mayor de Valladolid, you’re in for a fascinating combination of local architecture, heritage, and culture together! Come check out this central plaza, where there always seems to be something going on! The Plaza Mayor de Valladolid is open every hour of every day, meaning that there’s never a bad time to drop by and familiarize yourself with the best that Valladolid has to offer. Located only a few minutes away from another famous Valladolid plaza, Plaza Zorrilla. After its existence as a staple of thirteenth-century market activity, a fire in 1561 threatened to entropy the land and its marvelous structures, fortunately, through conservatory efforts the Plaza Mayor de Valladolid was saved and restored, and today it remains open as a landmark location in Valladolid! Come immerse yourself in some of the finest historical structures in all of Spain, when you frequent the Plaza Mayor de Valladolid!

Plaza Mayor de Valladolid

Address: Plaza Mayor, s/n, 47001 Valladolid, Spain

Website: Plaza Mayor de Valladolid (in Spanish)

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3. Campo Grande

Park – Parque del Campo Grande, Valladolid (Spain). Photo ~ marcp-dmoz

Posted by Most Awesome Web Photos on Monday, 30 January 2012

Take a respite from your busy day of exploration in Valladolid, Spain, to provide you enough time to fall in love with Campo Grande! One of the region’s finest local parks, Campo Grande introduces visitors to the many indigenous natural wonders that are offered in the area, sometimes exclusively to the Valladolid limits. Located near the center of the city, Campo Grande is triangular in size, and has allowed park-goers to enjoy warm Spanish sunshines and clean, fresh air since its inception in 1787. When you check out Campo Grande, you’re going to discover far more than simply a wide variety of lush wildlife: the public park is also home to various pheasants, peacocks, and pigeons! A flurry of feathered species are also regular park inhabitants. Count yourself among those who can claim that they have experienced the full rejuenvation of Campo Grande, and don’t run the risk of leaving Valladolid without encountering this natural wonder for yourself!

Campo Grande

Address: Paseo de Zorrilla, s/n, 47007 Valladolid, Spain

Website: Campo Grande (in Spanish)

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4. VallaGlobo Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon in flight quebec 2005
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mtruch used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Sometimes, life just seems better from above. Whenever that’s the case, whenever you feel as though you’re missing out on the complete Valladolid experience so long as your feet remain firmly planted in Spanish soil, it might be time to take to the clear skies above! With VallaGlobo Balloon Rides offered in a variety of packages exclusively in Valladolid, you can accurately attest to the claim that you have seen the finest sights, and have heard the finest sounds, present anywhere in the city! See it all from above, from the region’s sweeping natural sights to its majestic wildlife, to its sensational architecture. Rated one of the top attractions in Valladolid, Spain, VallaGlobo Balloon Ride takes adrenaline-inducing thrill entirely to the next level. Discover for yourself why VallaGlobo Balloon Ride redefines aerial expectations!

VallaGlobo Balloon Ride

Address: Av. Segovia, 30, 47013 Valladolid, Spain

Website: VallaGlobo Balloon Ride (in Spanish)

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5. Patio Herreriano


Allow your Valladolid excursion to take an educational turn, when you decide to take the Patio Herreriano up on their offer not only of authentic Valladolid hospitality, but of some of the finest artistic wonders found in the entire country! Not only does the Patio Herreriano offer a fine portfolio of constantly changing, constantly updated exhibitions and displays; the venue also offers a wide variety of onsite events, featuring some of the same artists that are regularly feature inside the walls of the museum itself! From its sculptures to its paintings to its feats of modern art, the privilege of an art museum that is Patio Herreriano showcases authentic Spanish art with unabated enthusiasm. This former monastery offers museum-goers the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with regional masterpieces!

Patio Herreriano

Address: Calle Jorge Guillén, 6, 47003 Valladolid, Spain

Website: Patio Herreriano (in Spanish)

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6. Iglesia de San Pablo


This location, famous not only for its existence as a central historical establishment of Valladolid, but also for its religious importance in the Catholic Church, is truly a sight to behold. This current church and former convent today stands as a witness against the test of time, and a testament to the longevity of one of the world’s most dominant systems of belief. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Juan de Torquemada, the church itself was constructed sometime between 1445 and 1468, but was continually retouched and perfected until roughly 1616. You’ll enjoy familiarizing yourself with all of this church’s many features, all typical of the Gothic architecture so popular at the time of its construction. The inside of the church, apart from the main altar, also includes two absidal chapels, for individual celebration of separate, smaller Masses. Make time to discover the intricacies of the Iglesia de San Pablo, for a Valladolid memory you’ll never forget!

Iglesia de San Pablo

Address: Plaza de San Pablo, 4, 47011 Valladolid, Spain

Website: Iglesia de San Pablo (in Spanish)

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7. Palacio de Santa Cruz

things to do in valladolid spain | palacio de santa cruz
Source: instagram

Simply put, if you’re looking to experience one of the foremost architectural majesties not only in all of Valladolid, but also in all of Spain, you’re going to want to make time to enjoy the Palacio de Santa Cruz. This architectural marvel is well indicative of the high quality of constructed edifices throughout the region, but especially throughout Valladolid. Today, the Palacio de Santa Cruz houses the foreign ministry, which makes its home in Spain for logistical purposes. Philip IV originally commissioned the structure in 1629, although the building itself was at the time used to contain two courts and a jail system. In 1791, after such time as the building was used not as a jail, but as a palace, a fire destroyed the majority of its parts. Only the facade remained, until such time as it was restored for modern purposes. Come check out the sheer, authentic beauty of the Palacio de Santa Cruz, a fabulous indication of the world-class architecture that characterized past centuries!

Palacio de Santa Cruz

Address: 47002 Valladolid, Spain

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8. Academia de Caballeria

Reflejos en la noche de Valladolid... (Edificio de la Academia de Caballería y estatua de José Zorrilla).-

Posted by Pueblos y Ciudades de España on Saturday, 4 March 2017

Since 1852, the Academia de Caballeria has existed as both a historical staple of Valladolid, as well as a location for military exercises. The Academia de Caballeria replaces the building that was there before it, called The Octogon. Much like the Palacio de Santa Cruz, the Academia de Caballeria was once used as a prison, but has since been repurposed. The most recent repurposing of the structure came when the military replaced the location’s colleges and convents with its military-style edificeisa and necessities, for the purpose of both protection and exercise. The location’s importance is understood both for its military excellence, as well as for its sheer existence as a jail, a religious symbol, and a military location, all within a relatively short period of time. Check out the Academia de Caballeria, where the military Andy religious world collide, under once-shared roofs!

Academia de Caballeria

Address: Paseo de Zorrilla, 2, 47006 Valladolid, Spain

Website: Academia de Caballeria (in Spanish)

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9. Santa Maria la Antigua Church


If you’re looking to experience one of the finest examples of Gothic, religious architecture, you’re in for a treat when it comes to Santa Maria la Antigua Church. Originally founded in 1095, and likely constructed at the onset of the twelfth century, Santa Maria la Antigua Church today exists as one of the cornerstone architectural masterpieces that characterize the late period of religious growth in Valladolid. This monument of a Roman Catholic masterpiece has been renovated and re-established throughout the years, allowing each distinct style of architecture to leave an indelible mark on the original foundation. Parts of the nave are marked by fourteenth-century artistry, while several Baroque-style altarpieces bear distinct resemblance to seventeenth and eighteenth-century artistry. Come discover for yourself why Santa Maria la Antigua Church this restored, nearly millenium-old Roman Catholic church is worth your interest!

Santa Maria la Antigua Church

Address: Arzobispo Gandásegui, s/n, 47002 Valladolid, Spain

Website: Santa Maria la Antigua Church (in Spanish)

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10. Casa de Cervantes


Whenever you’re in the mood for an authentic slice of dynamic Valladolid history, you should go check out the Casa de Cervantes! Not only is this sensational piece of architecture a fabulous example of a marvel-turned-museum; this establishment is also the location where playwright and novelist Miguel de Cervantes made his home! During the year of 1605, Cervantes inhabited this massive residence, and he has since left his mark on what otherwise exists today as one of the main tourist attractions in all of Valladolid. Admirers of Cervantes’ work will travel from extensive distances to visit the house of the late author, as well as to take advantage of the location’s status as a recognized Valladolid museum. Come find yourself among this genuine piece of Valladolid history, when you make the thrilling Cervantes’ home experience your own!

Casa de Cervantes

Address: Calle Mayor, 48, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain

Website: Casa de Cervantes

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Include Valladolid in your itinerary!

When it comes to everything that you can see and experience in Valladolid, you’re in for a world-class Spanish experience. From its thrilling attractions to its riveting natural sights, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with, regardless of age or preference. When you adhere to our recommended portfolio of winning attractions in Valladolid, there’s always something to do! Make your next trip to Spain one you’re never going to want to forget, when you include Valladolid on your itinerary!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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John Gallagher is a digital marketing consultant and writer from San Diego, California. When he isn't thoroughly enjoying the writing process or pretending he thoroughly enjoys the revision...Read more

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