Gijón is straightforward to reach and easy to navigate on foot, but there are a few things that trip up first-time visitors, from which airport to use to how to order cider without looking like a tourist. This guide covers arrivals, getting around, tipping customs, safety, and practical answers to the most common questions about visiting Gijón. For more on this, see the best time to visit Gijón guide.
Gijón Travel Tips and FAQ: Getting to Gijónthings to do in Gijón guideGijón events and festivals calendar. hours 30 minutes, from €30 one way if booked a month ahead) and medium-distance trains to Oviedo (30 minutes, €5.50), León (2 hours), and Santander via a connection. The narrow-gauge FEVE line (now operated by Renfe Cercanías AM) runs slow but scenic coastal services to Oviedo and towns along the Costa Verde. Book tickets at renfe.com or at the station machines (English available).
By Bus: ALSA
The ALSA bus station (Estación de Autobuses de Gijón) is next to the train station on Calle Magnus Blikstad. ALSA runs frequent services to Oviedo (€5-7, 30-40 minutes, every 20 minutes), Madrid (€35-55, 6-7 hours, 5 daily), Santander (€12-18, 2 hours 30 minutes), and Bilbao (€22-30, 5 hours). The airport bus to/from OVD departs from here. Tickets at alsa.es or from the ticket counters inside the station.
Gijón Travel Tips and FAQ: Getting Around
Gijón’s city centre and most tourist areas are walkable: Cimadevilla to San Lorenzo Beach is under 10 minutes on foot. For longer trips, the city bus network (EMTUSA) covers the entire metropolitan area. A single ticket costs €1.25 (pay the driver in cash, exact change appreciated), and a 10-trip bonobús card is €7.50 (available at estancos/tobacco shops and some kiosks). Bus lines 1, 2, and 18 connect the city centre with the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura and the Atlantic Botanical Garden. The Gijón City Tour open-top bus runs a hop-on-hop-off loop from June to September (€12/day). Taxis are metered: expect €6-8 for a trip within the city centre, €10-15 to Somió. Uber does not operate in Gijón; use FreeNow or call Radio Taxi Gijón (+34 985 170 000). Gijón is bike-friendly with dedicated cycle lanes along the seafront and through the city. Gijón Bici is the public bike-sharing scheme: €15 for a 7-day pass, with stations at San Lorenzo, the bus station, and the university.
Gijón Travel Tips and FAQ: Practical Information
- Language: Spanish (Castellano) is the primary language. Asturian (Asturianu) is spoken by some locals, particularly older residents. Most people in the tourist industry speak basic English, but in sidrerías and smaller restaurants you will get further with a few Spanish phrases. “Una botella de sidra, por favor” covers the essentials.
- Currency and payment: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but some smaller sidrerías and market stalls are cash-only. ATMs (cajeros) are plentiful in Centro. Tip 5-10% in restaurants if service is good; rounding up to the nearest euro in bars is standard.
- Tap water: Safe to drink throughout Gijón and Asturias. Restaurants automatically serve tap water if you ask for “agua del grifo.” Bottled water is the default otherwise.
- Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. Leave €1-2 in bars after a round of drinks, 5-10% for a full meal with table service. No need to tip taxi drivers beyond rounding up to the nearest euro.
- Safety: Gijón is a safe city by any measure. Violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded festival areas during Semana Grande and around the bus/train stations at night. Keep valuables out of back pockets in crowds. The emergency number is 112.
- WiFi and connectivity: Free municipal WiFi (Gijón WiFi) is available in Plaza Mayor, the Paseo del Muro, and near the tourist office. Most hotels and cafés offer free WiFi. Mobile coverage is good throughout the city on all Spanish networks (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange).
- Opening hours: Shops generally open 10:00-13:30 and 17:00-20:30 Monday-Saturday. Many close on Sunday except in tourist areas. Large supermarkets (Alcampo, Carrefour in Centro Comercial Los Fresnos) have continuous hours. Museums are typically closed on Mondays. Sidrerías serve food from about 13:00-16:00 and 20:00-23:30.
- Siesta: Yes, it is still a thing. Many smaller shops and businesses close between 14:00 and 17:00. Restaurants serve lunch from 13:00-16:00, and dinner does not really start until 21:00. If you want to eat at 19:00, look for a bar serving pinchos (small snacks) or a sidrería that keeps its kitchen open continuously.
Gijón Travel Tips and FAQ: Asturian Cider (Sidra)
Drinking cider in Gijón is a ritual, not just a drink order. Sidra natural (natural cider) is a flat, slightly tart apple cider served in small quantities because it oxidises quickly. The escanciado (pouring technique) involves holding the bottle above your head and pouring a thin stream into a wide glass held at waist level: this aerates the cider and releases the flavour. You drink the glass immediately, leaving a small amount to toss onto the floor (traditionally to “clean” the glass for the next pour). Sidrerías serve a bottle (€2.50-3.50) which the waiter will pour for you in rounds. Do not pour it yourself unless you have practised: the staff take pride in their technique. Sidrerías recommended by locals: La Galana (Calle Rosario), Tierra Astur (Calle San Bernardo), and El Parchís (Plaza Mayor).
Suggested Hotels in Gijón
Parador de Gijón
Gijón’s top luxury option: a restored 18th-century water mill with gardens, pool, and a restaurant serving Asturian classics. Rooms are spacious (30-40 m²) with garden views. Best for couples and those seeking a quiet, upscale retreat. Check rates and availability
Silken Ciudad Gijón
A modern four-star hotel near the marina with indoor pool, sauna, and gym. Comfortable rooms, some with sea views, and a generous breakfast buffet. Best for couples wanting modern comfort with spa access. Check rates and availability
Hotel Myro
A small, well-rated two-star hotel near the train station. Clean, functional rooms with private bathrooms and helpful owners. Best for budget travellers who want a reliable, central base. Check rates and availability
For detailed hotel recommendations by area with more options at every budget, see the where to stay in Gijón guide. For area character and who each neighbourhood suits, see the Gijón neighborhoods guide. For monthly weather and the best months to visit, see the Gijón weather by month guide.
By Bus: ALSA
The ALSA bus station (Estación de Autobuses de Gijón) is next to the train station on Calle Magnus Blikstad. ALSA runs frequent services to Oviedo (€5-7, 30-40 minutes, every 20 minutes), Madrid (€35-55, 6-7 hours, 5 daily), Santander (€12-18, 2 hours 30 minutes), and Bilbao (€22-30, 5 hours). The airport bus to/from OVD departs from here. Tickets at alsa.es or from the ticket counters inside the station.
Gijón Travel Tips and FAQ: Getting Around
Gijón’s city centre and most tourist areas are walkable: Cimadevilla to San Lorenzo Beach is under 10 minutes on foot. For longer trips, the city bus network (EMTUSA) covers the entire metropolitan area. A single ticket costs €1.25 (pay the driver in cash, exact change appreciated), and a 10-trip bonobús card is €7.50 (available at estancos/tobacco shops and some kiosks). Bus lines 1, 2, and 18 connect the city centre with the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura and the Atlantic Botanical Garden. The Gijón City Tour open-top bus runs a hop-on-hop-off loop from June to September (€12/day). Taxis are metered: expect €6-8 for a trip within the city centre, €10-15 to Somió. Uber does not operate in Gijón; use FreeNow or call Radio Taxi Gijón (+34 985 170 000). Gijón is bike-friendly with dedicated cycle lanes along the seafront and through the city. Gijón Bici is the public bike-sharing scheme: €15 for a 7-day pass, with stations at San Lorenzo, the bus station, and the university.
Gijón Travel Tips and FAQ: Practical Information
- Language: Spanish (Castellano) is the primary language. Asturian (Asturianu) is spoken by some locals, particularly older residents. Most people in the tourist industry speak basic English, but in sidrerías and smaller restaurants you will get further with a few Spanish phrases. “Una botella de sidra, por favor” covers the essentials.
- Currency and payment: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but some smaller sidrerías and market stalls are cash-only. ATMs (cajeros) are plentiful in Centro. Tip 5-10% in restaurants if service is good; rounding up to the nearest euro in bars is standard.
- Tap water: Safe to drink throughout Gijón and Asturias. Restaurants automatically serve tap water if you ask for “agua del grifo.” Bottled water is the default otherwise.
- Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. Leave €1-2 in bars after a round of drinks, 5-10% for a full meal with table service. No need to tip taxi drivers beyond rounding up to the nearest euro.
- Safety: Gijón is a safe city by any measure. Violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded festival areas during Semana Grande and around the bus/train stations at night. Keep valuables out of back pockets in crowds. The emergency number is 112.
- WiFi and connectivity: Free municipal WiFi (Gijón WiFi) is available in Plaza Mayor, the Paseo del Muro, and near the tourist office. Most hotels and cafés offer free WiFi. Mobile coverage is good throughout the city on all Spanish networks (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange).
- Opening hours: Shops generally open 10:00-13:30 and 17:00-20:30 Monday-Saturday. Many close on Sunday except in tourist areas. Large supermarkets (Alcampo, Carrefour in Centro Comercial Los Fresnos) have continuous hours. Museums are typically closed on Mondays. Sidrerías serve food from about 13:00-16:00 and 20:00-23:30.
- Siesta: Yes, it is still a thing. Many smaller shops and businesses close between 14:00 and 17:00. Restaurants serve lunch from 13:00-16:00, and dinner does not really start until 21:00. If you want to eat at 19:00, look for a bar serving pinchos (small snacks) or a sidrería that keeps its kitchen open continuously.
Gijón Travel Tips and FAQ: Asturian Cider (Sidra)
Drinking cider in Gijón is a ritual, not just a drink order. Sidra natural (natural cider) is a flat, slightly tart apple cider served in small quantities because it oxidises quickly. The escanciado (pouring technique) involves holding the bottle above your head and pouring a thin stream into a wide glass held at waist level: this aerates the cider and releases the flavour. You drink the glass immediately, leaving a small amount to toss onto the floor (traditionally to “clean” the glass for the next pour). Sidrerías serve a bottle (€2.50-3.50) which the waiter will pour for you in rounds. Do not pour it yourself unless you have practised: the staff take pride in their technique. Sidrerías recommended by locals: La Galana (Calle Rosario), Tierra Astur (Calle San Bernardo), and El Parchís (Plaza Mayor).
Suggested Hotels in Gijón
Parador de Gijón
Gijón’s top luxury option: a restored 18th-century water mill with gardens, pool, and a restaurant serving Asturian classics. Rooms are spacious (30-40 m²) with garden views. Best for couples and those seeking a quiet, upscale retreat. Check rates and availability
Silken Ciudad Gijón
A modern four-star hotel near the marina with indoor pool, sauna, and gym. Comfortable rooms, some with sea views, and a generous breakfast buffet. Best for couples wanting modern comfort with spa access. Check rates and availability
Hotel Myro
A small, well-rated two-star hotel near the train station. Clean, functional rooms with private bathrooms and helpful owners. Best for budget travellers who want a reliable, central base. Check rates and availability
For detailed hotel recommendations by area with more options at every budget, see the where to stay in Gijón guide. For area character and who each neighbourhood suits, see the Gijón neighborhoods guide. For monthly weather and the best months to visit, see the Gijón weather by month guide.
