Plaza Mayor Gijón
Gijón's vibrant heart, a lively plaza surrounded by charming architecture, shops, and eateries, perfect for soaking in local life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, tapas, and events
Plaza Mayor Gijón
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, tapas, and events

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gijón's vibrant heart, a lively plaza surrounded by charming architecture, shops, and eateries, perfect for soaking in local life.
"Beautiful plaza surrounded by shops, restaurants, and activities."
🎯 Evening Buzz
Plaza Mayor comes alive in the evenings with locals and visitors enjoying tapas and drinks. :wine_glass:
🎭 Spontaneous Performances
Keep an eye out for impromptu music and dance performances, especially on weekends. :musical_score:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Heart of Gijón
Plaza Mayor
A vibrant central square, perfect for people-watching, enjoying street performers, and soaking in the local atmosphere.

Sidra Bottle Tree
Near Plaza Mayor
A unique and quirky art installation featuring a tree adorned with empty sidra bottles.
Magical Experience Building
Adjacent to Plaza Mayor
An eye-catching building with a whimsical, almost fantastical design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Local Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Evening Buzz
Plaza Mayor comes alive in the evenings with locals and visitors enjoying tapas and drinks. :wine_glass:
🎭 Spontaneous Performances
Keep an eye out for impromptu music and dance performances, especially on weekends. :musical_score:
🌳 Sidra Bottle Tree
Don't miss the unique sidra bottle tree, a quirky local landmark. :tree:
☀️ Afternoon Heat
It can get quite hot and breezy-less in the afternoon, so plan accordingly. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Evening Buzz
Plaza Mayor comes alive in the evenings with locals and visitors enjoying tapas and drinks. :wine_glass:
🎭 Spontaneous Performances
Keep an eye out for impromptu music and dance performances, especially on weekends. :musical_score:
🌳 Sidra Bottle Tree
Don't miss the unique sidra bottle tree, a quirky local landmark. :tree:
☀️ Afternoon Heat
It can get quite hot and breezy-less in the afternoon, so plan accordingly. :sunwithface:
🍽️ Dining Options
While lively, some find dining options sparse in the late afternoon. :forkandknifewithplate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plaza Mayor Gijón is a beautiful and central square, praised for its lively atmosphere, surrounding shops, and restaurants. Visitors enjoy unique landmarks like the Sidra Bottle Tree and the 'Magical Experience' building. However, some find it can be quiet and lack dining options in the late afternoon.
"Beautiful plaza surrounded by shops, restaurants, and activities. The tree of sidre bottles is right beside it as well as the “magical experience” building that seems to be a Harry Potter rip-off. Very hot and not much of a breeze in the afternoon, but surprisingly plenty of seating...
It is situated in old area of city.."
OneMinute
"Ghost city at 16 pm ;)))
You can not find any place to eat!!!"
Tiberiu Ivan (tiberiu_foodie Instagram)
"Beautiful plaza surrounded by shops, restaurants, and activities. The tree of sidre bottles is right beside it as well as the “magical experience” building that seems to be a Harry Potter rip-off. Very hot and not much of a breeze in the afternoon, but surprisingly plenty of seating."
Brisippus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza Mayor is centrally located in Gijón, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. If you're coming from further afield, local buses frequently stop nearby. Taxis are also readily available. :bus: :taxi:
Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to its central location. It's often best to use public transport or park in a nearby public car park and walk. :car: :parking:
Yes, Plaza Mayor is a pleasant walk from the popular San Lorenzo beach, taking around 10-15 minutes through the charming streets of Gijón. :walking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaza Mayor is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time. :ticket:
As an open public space, Plaza Mayor is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and restaurants have their own operating hours. :clock:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the lively atmosphere, people-watch, admire the architecture, and experience spontaneous street performances. It's a great starting point for exploring the old town. :camerawithflash: :performing_arts:
Plaza Mayor is surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes, offering a variety of local and international cuisine. Some reviews suggest it can be quieter in the late afternoon. :coffee: :wine_glass:
Yes, it's a great place for families to stroll, enjoy an ice cream, and experience the local buzz. Keep an eye on children as it can get crowded. :family_mm:
This is a distinctive building near the plaza with a unique, whimsical design that catches the eye. :sparkles:
It's a quirky art installation featuring a tree decorated with numerous empty sidra bottles, a nod to Asturias' famous drink. :tree:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of the square itself, the unique 'Magical Experience' building, and the iconic Sidra Bottle Tree. The surrounding architecture also offers great photographic opportunities. :camera:
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light. Evenings are also great for capturing the illuminated square and lively atmosphere. :sunrise: :sunset:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Gijón: Plaza Mayor's Role
Beyond organized events, the plaza thrives on spontaneous moments. Street musicians often serenade passersby, adding to the energetic ambiance. It's a place where you can simply sit, observe, and soak in the local culture. While some visitors note it can be quieter in the late afternoon, the evenings and weekends are when the plaza truly comes alive with people enjoying tapas and drinks at the surrounding establishments.
The plaza's proximity to other key Gijón attractions, like the historic old town, the marina, and San Lorenzo beach, makes it an ideal starting point for exploration. The unique 'Magical Experience' building and the quirky Sidra Bottle Tree nearby add distinctive visual elements that are popular with visitors and photographers alike.
Experiencing Gijón's Gastronomy Around Plaza Mayor
Asturias is famously known for its cider (sidra), and while the Sidra Bottle Tree is a visual representation, experiencing a pour of fresh sidra at a local 'sidrería' is a must. Many of these traditional establishments are found within easy walking distance of Plaza Mayor. Visitors can enjoy the unique ritual of 'escanciar' (pouring cider from a height) and savor the crisp, slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with local cheeses and cured meats.
While some reviews mention that dining options might seem sparse in the late afternoon, the evenings are when the bars and restaurants around Plaza Mayor buzz with activity. It's the perfect time to sample 'pinchos' (small snacks) and 'tapas' while enjoying the lively plaza atmosphere. Exploring the side streets branching off the plaza can also reveal hidden culinary gems offering a more intimate dining experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit