Things to do in Gijon

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Gijon showing general coastal views, a sunset and a coastal town
San Lorenzo Beach featuring a coastal town and general coastal views
Laboral City of Culture featuring interior views and heritage elements
Jovellanos Birthplace Museum showing heritage elements
Jardín Botánico Atlántico which includes a bridge, a river or creek and forest scenes
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Gijon must see attractions

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 which includes a city, a beach 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 featuring a sunset

3. 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 featuring a city and a bay or harbor

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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Plaza Mayor which includes heritage elements

5. 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 featuring a sunset

6. 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 heritage elements, a city and interior views

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 featuring forests and a garden

8. 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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Elogio del Horizonte showing outdoor art, a park and a sunset

9. 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 which includes heritage elements

What to do in Gijon

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gijon

San Lorenzo Beach which includes a city, a beach and a coastal town

San Lorenzo Beach

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 featuring a sunset

Talasoponiente

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

Talasoponiente
Cimadevilla featuring a city and a bay or harbor

Cimadevilla

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
Plaza Mayor which includes heritage elements

Plaza Mayor

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
Aquarium of Gijon featuring a sunset

Aquarium of Gijon

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

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
Jardín Botánico Atlántico featuring forests and a garden

Atlantic Botanical Garden

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

Atlantic Botanical Garden
Elogio del Horizonte showing outdoor art, a park and a sunset

Elogio del Horizonte

Stand at the core of this public sculpture to hear amplified sounds of the sea and stay to watch the sun go down.

Elogio del Horizonte
Gijon which includes 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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Gijon

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

Gijon City Centre

4.5/5(9 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
Museum of the Asturian People featuring modern architecture

Distrito Rural Este

4.5/5(3 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
Aquarium of Gijon which includes a sunset, signage and modern architecture

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
Walk along Gijón's beautiful seafront at sunset to get a breath of fresh sea air in the city. This pretty church is just the icing on the cake. More info: http://holayessica.com/2013/09/18/wisw-gijon-sunset/

Distrito Llano

4/5(1 area review)

Travelers 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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La Arena

When in La Arena, you can plan a visit to San Lorenzo Beach and El Molinon, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

La Arena
La rotonda de Foro con la escultura "Obelisco" de Joaquín Rubio Camín
Photo by David Pérez (CC BY)

Distrito Sur

4/5(2 area reviews)

Some popular features of Distrito Sur include its beaches and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Aquarium of Gijon or Casino de Asturias are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Distrito Sur

Popular day trips from Gijon

Museum of the Asturian People which includes heritage elements as well as a small group of people

Somió

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 vacation 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 neighborhoods, Gijon City Centre is 0.64 kilometers away from downtown, while Gijon-Este is 2 kilometers away from the city center 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 neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Gijon.