Free things to do in Gijón: 15 ideas that cost nothing

In Gijón the best things really are free: the sea, the walks, the viewpoints and much of the city’s heritage are open to everyone. Here are 15 free ideas to fill several days without opening your wallet (except for cider, which is entirely up to you).

Coast and walks

1. Walk the San Lorenzo promenade. The city’s great seafront walk, known locally as el Muro, runs the full length of the beach. Morning, afternoon or night, there is always life. See San Lorenzo promenade.
2. Swim at the city beaches. San Lorenzo, Poniente and Arbeyal are right in town. More in our beaches guide.
3. Follow the coastal path east. From the far end of San Lorenzo, a path (the senda del Cervigón) continues along the coast above the cliffs. Wear comfortable shoes.
4. Watch a sunset. From Santa Catalina hill, Poniente beach or the marina. Our favourite spots are in best sunsets in Gijón.

Landmarks and neighbourhoods

5. Climb up to the Elogio del Horizonte. Eduardo Chillida’s sculpture crowns Santa Catalina hill, a park open to the sea. See Elogio del Horizonte.
6. Get lost in Cimavilla. The old fishermen’s quarter, with its slopes, squares and lively cider houses. See Cimavilla.
7. Go sculpture spotting. Gijón is full of public art in its streets, parks and promenades. Find the highlights in monuments and sculptures.
8. See the outside of the Laboral. Walking around the courtyard and grounds of the Laboral City of Culture is free; guided tours of the interior and tower are separate.

Free museums

According to the city council, Gijón’s municipal museums are free to enter. Check opening times before you go: many close on Mondays.

9. Roman baths of Campo Valdés: a Roman public bathhouse beneath a square by the beach.
10. Asturias Railway Museum: historic trains in the old Northern station.
11. Jovellanos Birthplace Museum: the family home of Gijón’s Enlightenment statesman, in Cimavilla.
12. Muséu del Pueblu d’Asturies: hórreos (raised granaries), traditional houses and the story of the Asturian bagpipe, mostly outdoors.
13. Veranes Roman Villa and Campa Torres: further out, for those with a car or time to spare. A late Roman country villa and an Iron Age hillfort with superb views from Cape Torres.

All of them are listed on our museums page.

Parks and nature

14. Isabel la Católica park. Ponds, birds and lawns at the end of the promenade. See Isabel la Católica park.

Culture and festivals

15. Free events. Open-air concerts, exhibitions, summer cinema and neighbourhood fiestas, many of them free. Browse our what’s on listings and Gijón’s festivals. Events such as the Semana Negra or the Begoña fireworks need no ticket.

What about a free walking tour?

A free walking tour has no fixed price: you tip the guide whatever you think is fair at the end. It is a good way to learn the city’s history from a local without committing to a set fee.

Saving on food, too

• Share dishes in cider houses: portions are usually generous.
• Menú del día: many bars and restaurants offer a fixed-price set lunch on weekdays, typically with a starter, main course, dessert and a drink. It is one of the best-value ways to eat in Spain.
• Picnic: Santa Catalina hill and Isabel la Católica park are perfect for eating outdoors.

Tip: group free activities by area. Cimavilla, the Elogio, the Roman baths and the promenade are all close together; so are the aquarium (paid) and the railway museum (free). You will save on transport as well.

To plan your days, use our Gijón in one day and Gijón in three days itineraries.