Plaza Mayor Gijón - A group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings
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Plaza Mayor Gijón

4.5
·2k reviews·Gijón, Spain

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings & Weekends

Lively atmosphere, tapas, and events

CrowdHigh
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Plaza Mayor Gijón - A group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings

Plaza Mayor Gijón

Best Time

Evenings & Weekends

Lively atmosphere, tapas, and events

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Beautiful plaza surrounded by shops, restaurants, and activities."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Heart of Gijón

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

Sidra Bottle Tree

Near Plaza Mayor

A unique and quirky art installation featuring a tree adorned with empty sidra bottles.

Magical Experience Building

Magical Experience Building

Adjacent to Plaza Mayor

An eye-catching building with a whimsical, almost fantastical design.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While Plaza Mayor Gijón is lively year-round, evenings and weekends see the most buzz with locals and visitors enjoying tapas and drinks. For a more relaxed experience, consider a weekday afternoon, though some spots might be quieter.

Embrace the Local Vibe

This plaza is a hub for local life, from spontaneous musical performances to community events. Be open to unexpected entertainment and soak in the authentic Asturian atmosphere. It's a great spot to people-watch and enjoy the city's rhythm.

Best Times

When
Evenings & Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, tapas, and events
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
More relaxed, less crowded
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📹 Nos hemos encontrado con Chicote y su equipo grabando en Gijón ... ¿qué será?¿qué será?❓ 📍Plaza Mayor Martes 31/10/23 #fyp #parati #chicote #telovasacomer #pesadillaenlacocina #Gijon
@mariamia.asturias
8.9K likes • 192.1K views

🎯 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:

dónde están los aficionados del sporting?😏 #parati #global #fyp #foryou #viral #davidcuevas #Vlog #vlogdiario #minivlog #vueltaaespaña #asturias #gijon #elogiodelhorizonte #playa #plazamayor #elmolinon #sporting
@david.cuevaas
4.1K likes • 58K views
Actuación del Grupo Folclórico Trebeyu en la Plaza Mayor de Gijón, Asturias, un 4 de Agosto de 2023 es otra historia que no te la cuenten hay que vivirla. #folclore #folcloreasturiano #atrapandomomentos #atrapandolavida #gijón #asturias #addictet_to_gijón #addicted_to_asturias #asi_es_gijón #asi_es_asturias #mifotodeasturias #MiFotoDeGijón #MiVideodeGijón #igers_asturias #igers_gijón #ig_gijon...
totomiguel
15 likes • 504 views

🌳 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:

😍 Visitas inesperadas en La Botica Indiana de la Plaza Mayor de Gijón. La tuna, ayer por la tarde, animando el ambiente a los clientes de nuestra terraza. #LaBoticaIndiana #Gijón #Asturias #latuna #terraza #septiembre2024
laboticaindiana
23 likes • 374 views

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

4.5
(2k reviews)

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

Beautiful central plaza
Lively atmosphere
Unique landmarks

What People Dislike

Quiet late afternoons
Limited dining options (afternoon)

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

Plaza Mayor Gijón is a fantastic spot for families. The open space allows children to move around, and the lively atmosphere is engaging. Grab an ice cream and enjoy the street performers, or simply let the kids marvel at the unique 'Magical Experience' building. It's a safe and central location to start your Gijón adventures, with plenty of restaurants nearby offering kid-friendly options. Remember to keep an eye on them, especially during peak hours when it can get busy.

🚶 Budget Travelers

As a public square, Plaza Mayor itself is free to enjoy, making it a budget traveler's dream. You can soak in the atmosphere, people-watch, and enjoy the street entertainment without spending a dime. For affordable eats, look for 'pinchos' or 'tapas' deals at the bars surrounding the plaza, especially during happy hour. Walking to the plaza from other parts of Gijón, like the beach, also saves on transportation costs.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Plaza Mayor offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. Capture the architectural details of the surrounding buildings, the vibrant street life, and the unique landmarks like the Sidra Bottle Tree and the 'Magical Experience' building. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset provide stunning light for dramatic shots. Don't miss the chance to photograph the plaza illuminated at night, showcasing its lively evening ambiance.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heartbeat of Gijón: Plaza Mayor's Role

Plaza Mayor is more than just a square; it's the vibrant heart of Gijón, a central meeting point for locals and a lively hub for visitors. Its architecture, a blend of traditional Asturian style, creates a charming backdrop for daily life. The plaza frequently hosts events, from traditional Asturian folklore performances Instagram to concerts by popular artists,Instagram and even New Year's Eve celebrations.Instagram This constant activity ensures there's always something to see and experience, making it a dynamic focal point of the city.

Beyond organized events, the plaza thrives on spontaneous moments. Street musicians often serenade passersby,Instagram 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,Reddit the evenings and weekends are when the plaza truly comes alive with people enjoying tapas and drinks at the surrounding establishments.Instagram

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.Instagram The unique 'Magical Experience' building and the quirky Sidra Bottle Tree nearby add distinctive visual elements that are popular with visitors and photographers alike.Reddit

Experiencing Gijón's Gastronomy Around Plaza Mayor

The area surrounding Plaza Mayor is a gateway to Gijón's rich culinary scene, particularly its traditional Asturian cuisine. Restaurants like La Galana, located right on the plaza, offer authentic dishes with a focus on local ingredients and professional service.Instagram This makes the plaza an excellent spot to begin a gastronomic tour of the city.

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,Reddit 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.

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