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Vitoria-Gasteiz is a city of roughly 255,000 people arranged in a clear pattern: a hilltop medieval quarter, a grid of 19th-century streets around it, and green residential districts beyond, with the seasons detailed in our Vitoria-Gasteiz weather by month guide. Most visitors base themselves in the historic centre, but each neighborhood has a distinct feel and price point. Here are the best neighborhoods in Vitoria-Gasteiz and who they suit.
Best Neighborhoods in Vitoria-Gasteiz: The Historic Core
Casco Viejo
The Casco Viejo is the almond-shaped medieval quarter on the hill, a warren of cobbled streets, convents and the Gothic Santa Maria Cathedral, and it is one of the best preserved old towns in northern Spain. It suits first-time visitors and history lovers who want everything on the doorstep, with pintxo bars clustered along Calle Cuchilleria, and the main sights are listed in our things to do in Vitoria-Gasteiz guide. Hotel rooms here run from about EUR 70 for a pension to EUR 110 for a four-star, and it is busiest during the August fiesta on our events and festivals in Vitoria-Gasteiz calendar.
Ensanche
The Ensanche is the 19th-century expansion that fans out from Plaza Espana, and it is the city’s commercial centre, with the main shopping streets of Calle Dato, Calle San Prudencio and Calle Postas. It suits shoppers and short-stay visitors who want train station access, since Estacion de Vitoria sits at its southern edge. Four-star hotels here average EUR 80 to 100 a night, and it is the most convenient base if you plan day trips.
Best Neighborhoods in Vitoria-Gasteiz: Residential and Up-and-Coming
El Pilar
El Pilar is a working-class district just northeast of the centre, known for its local market, its football culture around the Deportivo Alaves stadium area and lower prices. It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants a slice of everyday Basque life, with rooms from around EUR 45 to 60 a night. It is a 15-minute walk from the cathedral.
Zaramaga
Zaramaga is a 1960s residential district north of the centre, built around the El Boulevard shopping centre, the largest in the city. It suits families and shoppers, and it hosts some of the city’s most traditional bars. The Sercotel Boulevard hotel sits right by the shopping centre, and rooms in the area run EUR 55 to 85. It is well connected by tram, part of the network covered in our travel tips for Vitoria-Gasteiz guide.
Lakua
Lakua is the administrative quarter in the north, home to the Basque Government headquarters and wide modern boulevards. It suits business travellers and those with a car, since it offers easier parking than the centre. Hotels here, like the Gran Hotel Lakua, run EUR 70 to 100 a night, and it is the most convenient area for the government district.
Best Neighborhoods in Vitoria-Gasteiz: Green and Modern
Salburua
Salburua is the modern eco-district on the eastern edge of the city, built beside the restored Salburua wetlands, part of the Green Ring. It suits nature lovers, birdwatchers and families who want parks and quiet over nightlife, with modern apartments and hotels from around EUR 60 a night. It is a 20-minute tram ride or a 40-minute walk from the centre, and it connects directly to the wetlands boardwalks. For the best months to enjoy the parks, see our best time to visit Vitoria-Gasteiz article, and for specific hotel picks read where to stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
