Major city · Spain
Palencia
Give Palencia one night, or a half-day stop between Valladolid and León: the cathedral, Calle Mayor and the archaeology museum fill 4–5 hours.
Palencia is a small Castilian city on the Madrid–León rail line, 90 min from Madrid and about 30 min from Valladolid. Its draw is one flamboyant Gothic cathedral, a colonnaded main street and a cheap archaeology museum. It is a half-day or one-night stop, not a base: most travellers pass through on the way to León, Burgos or the Canal de Castilla.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (short but hot), Dec–Feb (cold, 750 m plateau)
- Airports
- MAD · VLL · SDR · BIO
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Palencia112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Palencia, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyA calm, low-crime small city; the real risks are cold winter nights, uneven old-town pavements and long midday closures, not street crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMAD Madrid-Barajas (Best range of flights; train from Madrid Chamartín to Palencia takes about 90 min).
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and walkable: cathedral to Plaza Mayor is about 5 min on foot, station to centre about 10 min.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña at a bar / can at a supermarket€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)€0.60–1 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxi€8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel or pensión bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €150 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MAD Madrid-Barajas (Best range of flights; train from Madrid Chamartín to Palencia takes about 90 min) · VLL Valladolid (60 km (37 mi) south; few routes. Train or bus onward to Palencia) · SDR Santander (Some routes; direct trains from Santander to Palencia) · BIO Bilbao (Train or bus to Burgos, then onward to Palencia)MAD Madrid-Barajas (Best range of flights; train from Madrid Chamartín to Palencia takes about 90 min) · VLL Valladolid (37 mi (60 km) south; few routes. Train or bus onward to Palencia) · SDR Santander (Some routes; direct trains from Santander to Palencia) · BIO Bilbao (Train or bus to Burgos, then onward to Palencia)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Apr (9 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Palencia: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
8 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable: cathedral to Plaza Mayor is about 5 min on foot, station to centre about 10 min. Palbus runs six town routes, with a summer-only bus to Monte el Viejo. Taxis: +34 979 707070.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Venta de Baños
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Train or bus 13 km (8.1 mi) south, then walk to the east edge of the villageTrain or bus 8.1 mi (13 km) south, then walk to the east edge of the village
Church of John the Baptist, consecrated in 661; open Tu–Su 11:00–14:00, 16:00–18:00.Church of John the Baptist, consecrated in 661; open Tu–Su 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM.
La Olmeda Roman Villa
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h each way by car
Car or taxi 60 km (37 mi) north near Pedrosa de la Vega; no direct trainCar or taxi 37 mi (60 km) north near Pedrosa de la Vega; no direct train
4th-century mosaics; open Tu–Su 10:30–18:30. Without a car it is hard.4th-century mosaics; open Tu–Su 10:30 AM–6:30 PM. Without a car it is hard.
Monte el Viejo
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Palbus route 6 from town, hourly in June–August
Wooded plateau 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest; seasonal bus only.Wooded plateau 3.7 mi (6 km) southwest; seasonal bus only.
Door to door: About 45 min
Train from Palencia station, about 30 min
Museums and churches; easy half-day or full day.
Door to door: About 2 h
Train toward Vitoria or the direct Barcelona train; about 1 h 30 min
The cathedral deserves more than a rushed return trip.
León
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Train continuing north from Palencia, about 1 h 30 min
Old centre and cathedral; sleep there rather than doubling back.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro / Calle Mayor
Walk to the cathedral, Plaza Mayor and the museums; best for one night without a car.
Railway station area (Plaza de los Jardinillos)
500 m north of the centre; practical for an early train out.
Inner bypass / Av de Cuba
Chain hotels with parking; 15–20 min walk to the old town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 1 night × €90 | €90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €80 | €160 |
| Cathedral entry, adult2 × €6 | €12 |
| Archaeology museum entry, adult2 × €1 | €2 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €29 |
| Trip total≈ €162 per person per day, bed included | €323≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in euros; travel to Palencia excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día (weekday lunch) | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Lechazo (roast suckling lamb), per person | €20–30 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Beer: caña at a bar / can at a supermarket | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) / €0.60–1 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxi | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter is cold and spring nights are cold at 750 m; it can rain in any month.
- Many churches and museums close for a long midday break and shut one day a week: check hours before you walk out.
- The tourist office at Calle Mayor 31 has been reported closed: check before relying on it.
- Some restaurant and bar websites listed in older guides are dead links: call ahead if you are booking.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
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PalenciaPalencia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassies in Palencia; the US has an embassy in Madrid, the UK and Canada too. Consulates for other countries: Madrid.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Madrid Chamartín → Palencia, train: about 90 min, every two hours
- Palencia → Valladolid, train: about 30 min
- Madrid Estación Sur → Palencia, ALSA bus: about 3 h 30 min via Valladolid, four a day
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Tienen menú del día? — Do you have a menu del día? (TYEH-nen meh-NOO del DEE-ah)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la catedral? — Where is the cathedral? (DON-deh es-TAH lah kah-teh-DRAL)
Tipping is optional: round up or leave 5–10% for good table service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Palencia. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (short but hot), Dec–Feb (cold, 750 m plateau) · month by month →
- 4 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MAD: last train from Chamartín field-checked, bus fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: cathedral and Plaza de la Inmaculada, Plaza Mayor and Calle Mayor, the Carrión river bridges, Cristo del Otero.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (cathedral, diocesan museum, archaeology museum, Museum of Water) and eat pages with last orders.
- Canal de Castilla and Monte el Viejo seasonal fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Palencia
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