Gijon City Guide

Local dishes include fabada asturiana, cachopo, and fresh seafood. The city is known for its cider. International options range from Italian to Asian. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Food is often available late, especially on weekends.

Nightlife centers around Cimadevilla and Fomento with bars, pubs, and clubs offering a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Coffee culture is strong, with many traditional and specialty cafés. Local style often pairs coffee with pastries.

Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Restaurants usually get 5-10% or rounding up. Taxis often see rounding up. Bars accept small coin tips. Services like hairdressers don't typically expect tips.

SIM cards can be bought at Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, Yoigo stores in the city center. eSIMs are becoming more common. You need an ID or passport for registration.

The city is generally clean with good waste management and recycling programs.

Some pharmacies operate 24/7 on a rotating schedule. Convenience stores like Opencor can be open late or 24/7. Emergency hospital services are 24/7. Some bars and eateries serve food late on weekends.

Supermarkets like Mercadona, Carrefour, Alcampo, and Lidl carry international and local products. Fresh markets like Mercado del Sur are good for local produce. Most shops close Sundays and holidays.

Card payments are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels, but carrying some cash is useful for markets and smaller places.

ATMs are common across the city at bank branches and commercial areas. Major banks include CaixaBank, Santander, and BBVA. Check with your bank about fees before withdrawing.

There are public and private schools, mainly teaching in Spanish. The International School of Asturias offers an English curriculum nearby.

Nomad community is small but growing. There are coworking spaces and cafes with good Wi-Fi. Networking may require extra effort.

Excellent access to green spaces like Parque de Isabel la Católica, Jardines de Begoña, and Atlantic Botanical Garden.

Safe and scenic running routes include the Playa de San Lorenzo promenade and city parks. Running groups and events exist.

Multiple gyms and sports centers are available throughout the city.

Tennis courts are available at clubs like Club de Tenis Gijón and Real Grupo de Cultura Covadonga. Equipment and coaching often available.

Padel courts are common with clubs such as Padel Gijón and RGCC providing facilities and coaching.

Multiple yoga studios offer various classes including Hatha and Vinyasa. Some have English-speaking instructors.

Offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and karate at various clubs. English instruction may be available.

Ski resorts like Valgrande-Pajares are about 1–1.5 hours away. Season runs December to April with beginner to advanced slopes.

Popular water sports include kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing with rentals and tours in warmer months.

Playa de San Lorenzo offers consistent waves for beginners and intermediates. Nearby Rodiles Beach has more advanced surfing. Wetsuits are recommended year-round.

Diving is available along the Asturian coast, but Gijón is not a main diving hub. Best in summer and early autumn.

Gijón has public hospitals like Hospital de Cabueñes and private clinics. English-speaking staff may be found in larger hospitals and private clinics. Pharmacies are common and identifiable by a green cross. Emergency number is 112.

Tap water meets European standards and is safe to drink.

Many playgrounds and family attractions like the Aquarium and Botanical Garden. Cafés are family-friendly and baby supplies are easy to find.

Gijón is welcoming and inclusive with safe spaces and events. Legal protections for LGBTQ+ people exist.

Generally pet-friendly with many dog-friendly parks and accommodations. Veterinary and pet supplies are easy to find.