Things to do in Gijon

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal town with a rocky shoreline, a pier with seating, and buildings along the sea.
A coastal town with a prominent church, a lighthouse, and a stone wall along the waterfront.
A grand arched corridor with a glass ceiling and columns.
A detailed wooden carving of a bustling marketplace scene with people engaged in various activities such as trading, carrying goods, and socializing.
A serene pond surrounded by lush greenery, a bridge, and a pathway.

Things to do

Cathedral of León

Excursion to León, Astorga and Castrillo de los Polvazares

€59
per adult
Excursion to León, Astorga and Castrillo de los Polvazares
Tour of the mysteries and legends of Oviedo

Tour de los misterios y leyendas de Oviedo

€10
per adult
Tour de los misterios y leyendas de Oviedo
Excursion to Ribadesella, Llanes and Santillana del Mar from Oviedo and Gijón

From Oviedo and Gijón: Llanes, Ribadesella, Alto de Fitu and Bowls

€42
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
From Oviedo and Gijón: Llanes, Ribadesella, Alto de Fitu and Bowls
Uncover Oviedo's Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Uncover Oviedo's Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

€10
per traveller
Uncover Oviedo's Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
From Oviedo: Luarca, Cudillero and Avilés Day Trip

From Oviedo: Luarca, Cudillero and Avilés Day Trip

€42
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From Oviedo: Luarca, Cudillero and Avilés Day Trip
Excursion to Picos de Europa : Bulnes, funicular and cheese Cabrales

Picos de Europa : Bulnes and tasting in Cabrales cheese cave

€69
per adult
Picos de Europa : Bulnes and tasting in Cabrales cheese cave
From Oviedo Tour to Picos de Europa and Potes

From Oviedo: Tour to Picos de Europa and Potes

€49
per adult
From Oviedo: Tour to Picos de Europa and Potes
Oviedo: Cathedral Guided Tour

Oviedo: Cathedral Guided Tour

€10
per adult
Oviedo: Cathedral Guided Tour
OVIEDO SCARY! Legends and Mysteries Tour

OVIEDO SCARY! Legends and Mysteries Tour

€10
per adult
OVIEDO SCARY! Legends and Mysteries Tour
See all activities in Gijon

Top places to visit

1. San Lorenzo Beach

With golden sand and a beautiful seaside outlook, San Lorenzo Beach is a favorite for tourists and residents of Gijón alike. Make the short walk down from the town center to discover this beloved urban beach.
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A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.

2. Cimadevilla

As the old town district of the city, Cimadevilla (Cimavilla in English) contains many of Gijón’s most fascinating and spectacular sights. It is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and the hilltop Elogio del Horizonte sculpture that overlooks the Bay of Biscay. Stroll through this charming neighborhood on foot for a glimpse into the traditions and history of Gijón.
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A narrow street with colorful buildings, a street vendor cart, and pedestrians.

3. Talasoponiente

The Talasoponiente, also known as the Santagadea Sport Talaso, is a leisure center housed in an impressive modern building on the Poniente Beach. It has a wonderful spa that works with the health benefits of the sea to help you relax and get fit. Explore the range of treats and activities spread across the different floors of this exceptional complex.
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A modern building with a blue facade and a white structure with a sloped roof.

4. Plaza Mayor

Head to the heart of old Gijón to find the Plaza Mayor, a classic town square surrounded on all sides by historic buildings and animated with the daily life of the town. Stroll, sit, or dine at a café or restaurant as you take in the atmosphere.
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A bustling outdoor market with stalls, a cyclist, and historic buildings in the background.

5. Atlantic Botanical Garden

Since its founding in 2003, the Atlantic Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Atlántico) has delighted and enlightened visitors with its vast displays of local and international flora. Relax in the greenery and enrich your ecological understanding as you amble through the 15 hectares (37 acres) of designed land in these unique gardens, which hold over 15,000 plants and trees.
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A dense fern forest with large green leaves and white flowers.

6. Elogio del Horizonte

The Elogio del Horizonte is a magnificent work of art that faces out across the Bay of Biscay from the peak of the Santa Catalina Hill. This public monument was constructed by famous Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida Juantegui. Lay down a blanket on a grassy knoll of the verdant Cerro de Santa Catalina Park and enjoy the vista of the sparkling blue sea and the Asturian coastline.
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A large concrete structure resembling the letter 'T' in a grassy field with a clear sky.

7. Playa de Poniente

The Playa de Poniente is a wide artificial beach, with an expanse of yellow sand looking out over sheltered waters. One of the city’s most popular beaches, its location offers many opportunities for sailing and other forms of seaside recreation. Try your hand at water sports, splash in the sea, or lay on the beach and relax.
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A beach with clear blue water, a sandy shore, and a cityscape with colorful buildings in the background.

What to do in Gijon

Stay near popular Gijon attractions

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.

San Lorenzo Beach

9.2/10 (126 reviews)
San Lorenzo Beach curves along Gijón's coastline with its distinctive shell shape and golden sands. Stroll the lively Paseo del Muro promenade after catching waves at this popular urban surfing spot.
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Where to stay in Gijon

Find the best Gijon areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Gijon
Learn more about Gijon
A rainy square with outdoor seating, a bicycle, and colorful buildings.

Gijon City Centre

Unique features of Gijon City Centre include the beaches and bars. Make a stop by Casino de Asturias or San Lorenzo Beach while you're exploring the area.

A waterfront cityscape with historic buildings and a prominent tower.

Cimavilla

If you're spending some time in Cimavilla, Cimadevilla and Elogio del Horizonte are top sights worth seeing.

A beach with clear blue water, a sandy shore, and a cityscape with colorful buildings in the background.

Distrito Oeste

You'll enjoy the beaches and waterfront in Distrito Oeste. You might want to make time for a stop at Playa de Poniente or Bay of Biscay.

A wooden structure with a tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery.

Distrito Rural Este

You'll enjoy the bars and gardens in Distrito Rural Este. You might want to make time for a stop at Atlantic Botanical Garden or Laboral City of Culture.

A cityscape with modern buildings, a roundabout, and a central park area with a monument.

Distrito Llano

Travellers like the shopping in Distrito Llano, and Los Fresnos Mall is a top attraction you might want to visit.

A coastal landscape with a beach, a calm sea, a river, and distant mountains.

Villaviciosa

A church with a bell tower, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

Siero

Frequently asked questions

Is Gijon worth visiting?
Gijon has a unique blend of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or regional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Gijon?
Playa Españan and Aquarium of Gijon are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Gijon while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gijon?
You can't go home without visiting Playa España, ranked the top tourist attraction in Gijon.
Is three days enough to stay in Gijon?
Three days in Gijon is plenty of time to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests spend three days on average. Aquarium of Gijon, Playa de Poniente and Museum of the Asturian People are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Oviedo.
Is Gijon a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Gijon. Several key attractions, like Aquarium of Gijon and Playa de Poniente, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Gijon's best neighbourhoods, Gijon City Centre is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Gijon-Este is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Gijon with kids?
Planning what to do in Gijon with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Gijon for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Gijon, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Campo Valdes Roman Baths or Villa Romana de Veranes.
Are there free things to do in Gijon?
In Gijon, Playa de Poniente is a must-see spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Gijon.

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