What to see and do in Gijón: the definitive guide
Gijón is best explored on foot and at an easy pace: the old town of Cimavilla, San Lorenzo beach, cider on every corner and day trips across Asturias a short hop away. Here are the essentials to see and, below, every plan for whatever mood the day is in.
What to see in Gijón: the essentials
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Cimavilla
The old fishermen's quarter up the hill: lanes, cider houses and the city's soul.
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Elogio del Horizonte
Chillida's sculpture on Santa Catalina hill. Step inside — the sea actually roars.
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Playa de San Lorenzo
The big city beach and its seafront promenade. 'La Escalerona' steps are the meeting point.
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Universidad Laboral
A colossal cultural complex — climb the tower for a full view of Gijón.
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Acuario de Gijón
Right by the sea at Cervigón point. Great with kids or on a rainy day.
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Jardín Botánico Atlántico
25 hectares of Atlantic gardens to switch off, minutes from downtown.
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Puerto Deportivo & Plaza del Marqués
Sailboats, the giant GIJÓN letters for a photo, the tree made of cider bottles and the statue of Pelayo. It links downtown with the old town.
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Termas Romanas de Campo Valdés
1st-century Roman baths under San Pedro church. Gijón began right here.
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What to do in Gijón: plans by theme
What's on
What to see
Eat
Beaches
Day trips
Guided routes
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Gijón in one day?
The essentials: the Cimavilla old town and Santa Catalina hill with the Elogio del Horizonte sculpture, a stroll along San Lorenzo beach and a cider lunch in the old town. We have an hour-by-hour plan to make the most of it.
What to do in Gijón when it rains?
Museums and indoor plans: the Aquarium, the Universidad Laboral and its Laboral art centre, the Roman Baths or the Museum of the Asturian People, plus cider houses to linger in. We have a guide dedicated to rainy days.
What to do in Gijón with kids?
The Aquarium, the Isabel la Católica and Los Pericones parks, San Lorenzo beach and the Railway Museum all work brilliantly with children. We gather the best family plans in a separate guide.
What to do in Gijón for free?
Wandering Cimavilla and Santa Catalina hill, catching sunset from the Elogio del Horizonte, walking the Muro promenade and the parks all cost nothing. We have a guide to free things to do in Gijón.
What to do near Gijón?
Asturias is right next door: Oviedo, Avilés, Cudillero, Cangas de Onís and Covadonga, the Lakes or the eastern coast of Llanes and Ribadesella. We gather the best day trips from Gijón.