Things to do in Gijon

Activities, attractions and tours

Gijon showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a sunset
San Lorenzo Beach featuring general coastal views and a coastal town
Gijon
Gijon
Jardín Botánico Atlántico featuring a river or creek, forests and a bridge
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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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San Lorenzo Beach featuring a beach, a city and a coastal town

2. 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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Talasoponiente showing a sunset

3. 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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Plaza Mayor which includes heritage elements

4. 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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Cimadevilla which includes a city and a bay or harbor

5. Laboral City of Culture

Past meets present at the Laboral City of Culture (Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura), a dynamic creative hub located in a grand, historic educational complex. Admire the architecture, visit an art exhibition, and time your visit to catch a performance.
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Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura featuring a church or cathedral, a sunset and heritage elements

6. San Pedro Church

San Pedro Church is a charming and elegant church overlooking the sea in the historic center of Gijón. With its neo-Romanesque design, it is one of the architectural treasures of the region. At night, see the church illuminated in a golden hue and reflected on the surface of the water.
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Gijon featuring heritage elements

7. 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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Jardín Botánico Atlántico which includes a garden and forests

8. Aquarium of Gijon

Dive deep into the world beneath the seas at the Aquarium of Gijón (Acuario de Gijón), which houses thousands of specimens in its extensive collection of underwater flora and fauna. Follow the aquarium’s tour through some 60 tanks, which are organized to represent the world’s major aquatic environments ranging from local rivers to reefs, seas and oceans. Turtles, bull sharks and otters are just a few of the highlights along the way.
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Aquarium of Gijon showing a sunset

9. Campo Valdes Roman Baths

The Campo Valdés Roman Baths is a set of exceptionally well-preserved ruins that shed light on the Roman history of the region around Gijón. The site was once home to the public baths where Roman citizens would congregate and relax together. View an array of intriguing exhibits that show how the structure was built.
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Campo Valdes Roman Baths featuring interior views

What to do in Gijon

Popular places to visit

San Lorenzo Beach featuring a beach, a city and a coastal town

San Lorenzo Beach

4/5(2 reviews)

Sun, sea and sports abound on Asturia’s favorite sandy beach, located in the heart of Gijón and overlooking the picturesque Bay of Gijón.

San Lorenzo Beach
Talasoponiente showing a sunset

Talasoponiente

Bring the whole family to relax in this multifaceted spa and watch your kids splash around in the water park.

Talasoponiente
Plaza Mayor which includes heritage elements

Plaza Mayor

4/5(1 review)

Stop by Gijón’s historic town square to take a leisurely stroll, relax with a coffee or meal and appreciate the traditional architecture.

Plaza Mayor
Cimadevilla which includes a city and a bay or harbor

Cimadevilla

5/5(1 review)

Get a sense of the rich culture in this historic center and make your way up the hill for a stunning vista of the bay.

Cimadevilla
Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura featuring interior views, heritage elements and a city

Laboral City of Culture

Once a “university of labor,” this magnificent complex, a city within a city, now plays host to a range of artistic and cultural programs.

Laboral City of Culture
Gijon featuring heritage elements

San Pedro Church

Popular as a wedding destination, this 20th-century church is fitted with colorful stained-glass windows and provides unobstructed vistas of the beach and sea.

San Pedro Church
Jardín Botánico Atlántico which includes a garden and forests

Atlantic Botanical Garden

Expand your understanding of plant life at this serene and enriching botanical garden with educational displays and workshops.

Atlantic Botanical Garden
Aquarium of Gijon showing a sunset

Aquarium of Gijon

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Take a journey through the world’s seas and oceans by exploring the diverse themed displays in one of northern Spain’s finest aquariums.

Aquarium of Gijon
Campo Valdes Roman Baths which includes heritage elements and interior views

Campo Valdes Roman Baths

3/5(1 review)

Find out about Roman customs and traditions in the fascinating ruins of a bathhouse hidden beneath a set of gardens.

Campo Valdes Roman Baths

Areas of Gijon

Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura featuring interior views, heritage elements and a city

Gijon City Centre

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Discover an array of fascinating ruins from the Roman era and sunbathe on the beaches of this central neighborhood of Gijón.

Gijon City Centre
Aquarium of Gijon showing a sunset, modern architecture and signage

Distrito Oeste

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

Distrito Oeste
Museum of the Asturian People which includes modern architecture

Distrito Rural Este

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Not far from downtown Gijón is an area offering places of natural beauty and a range of cultural attractions, including a “City of Culture” contained in one monumental building.

Distrito Rural Este
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Distrito Llano

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

Distrito Llano
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Photo by David Pérez (CC BY)

Distrito Sur

Beaches and restaurants are some things travellers note about Distrito Sur. Check out Aquarium of Gijon or Playa de Poniente while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.

Distrito Sur
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La Arena

Though La Arena may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like San Lorenzo Beach and El Molinon.

La Arena
Photo by Demetrio Prota

Llanera

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.