Stuck for things to do in Oviedo? We’ve got you covered

What northern Spain lacks in sunshine it makes up for in cultural highlights. What’s more, Oviedo is a city that can be visited all year long, provided you don’t mind the rain, of course. It is said that rainfall occurs once every three days, covering the city in glistening droplets ‘to make it sparkle’ as the locals say. Late spring and early autumn provide the best time to explore the things to do in Oviedo as the weather is dryer and you will miss the crowds. However, Easter is a big celebration in the city so if you plan to visit in March or April, check if your trip coincides with the spectacular Holy Week celebrations. Likewise, the city’s San Mateo Festival takes place in late September and is one of the city’s largest celebrations. Fancy a bit of Christmas shopping? The Porlier Square houses over 100 different stalls offering unique gifts and handmade treasures filling the city with a magical, festive spirit to get you in the holiday mood.

When enjoying a spot of Oviedo Sightseeing, there are key landmarks that cannot be missed. From ancient cathedrals to cobblestone streets discover the enchanting sights of this timeless city.

Visitors to Oviedo cannot say they have seen the city without stepping inside Oviedo Cathedral. It is one of the city’s most emblematic buildings and its official name is the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of San Salvador de Oviedo. Admire its stunning Gothic architecture from afar but don’t pass up the opportunity to marvel at its impressive interiors. 

The cathedral is also an important stop on the famous Camino de Santiago whose first pilgrim, King Alfonso II made his way from the royal palace here in 813 to see the Sudarium - the cloth believed to have wrapped around Jesus’ head after the crucifixion. Also, look out for the tiny face of Christ carved into the portico of the Cathedral by a mediaeval vandal. 

Are you more of a history buff than an art lover? Switch the art museum for the Asturias Archeological Museum and enjoy a day travelling between the prehistoric age and the mediaeval period. Discover Oviedo’s ancient heritage through reconstructions, interactive scenes, conferences, seminars and temporary exhibitions. 

If you are in the mood to appreciate more grand architecture, head to Calle Santa Ana where the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias occupies not one but three old, classic houses. Inside this cultural institution, visitors can find a rich collection of works spanning the Middle Ages to the modern day. Expect to find paintings, sculptures and engravings by renowned Austurian and Spanish artists in addition to classic works by established European masters. Works by El Greco, Goya, Picasso, Miró, Dalí as well as Titian and Rubens are just some of the museum’s big exhibits. 

Remember the names Calle Uria and Calle Palacio Valdes if you want to hit the shops during your stay. These two streets form the main shopping area and are home to the Spanish giants: Mango, Zara and El Corte Inglés amongst others. Yet, if you want to enjoy a more local experience, it is best to visit the following places in Oviedo’s old town in order to find unique souvenirs to take home. 

The old market square still remains an important nucleus for the city and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays visitors can enjoy the open-air market. Yet, shopping for local produce in the glass arcade is one of the best things to do in Oviedo. Cheese, beans and pork are the stars of the show. Look out for the four protected varieties of Asturian cheese: gamoneu del puerto, casin, afuega’l pitu and cabrales and savour their rich flavours as you browse the tasty treats on display.

Asturias is home to talented artisans who celebrate the traditional crafts of the region. If you are looking for something unique to take back with you head to the Plaza de Trascorrales. Once home to a fish market, today this space is a cultural hub that showcases the work of local artisans. Not sure what to take back with you? If you have checked luggage, handmade Taramundi knives are a wonderful example of local craftsmanship. 

Jet figa amulets made from Asturian semi-precious jet stones can be treasured forever and are said to ward off the ‘evil eye’. Black pottery from Llamas de Mouro, made using traditional ceramic methods will add an eye-catching touch to your home. And, wooden clogs called Madreñas are a nod to Asturias’ rainy climate and the bygone era when this was the footwear of choice within the region. 

One thing that will never happen in Oviedo is a rumbling stomach. With so many foodie highlights to enjoy, you need a weekend just to tuck into all the delicious delicacies the region offers. Yet, if you want to dive straight in, here are our gastronomic highlights. 

Like a refreshing tipple? Head to Calle Gascona, one of the top things to do in Oviedo for cider lovers. Here you will find a dozen cider houses where you can enjoy it by the bottle together with a plate of tasty tapas. Yet take time to learn the escanciado method of pouring to taste Oviedo cider like a local. This involves pouring the cider from the bottle held high above your head into a glass held at knee height. According to Oviedo residents, this results in a natural effervescence that makes the cider irresistible to drink.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Asturians emigrated to the Americas in search of a better life, returning to their homeland years later with great fortunes. Their nickname? Los Indianos. In honour of these brave locals, La Palmera del Indiano, a restaurant inside the Barceló Oviedo Cervantes Hotel, has selected traditional recipes inspired by the essence of the Americas to offer a complete gastronomic experience. Expect Asturian produce and typical dishes such as Fabada bean stew, Cachopo - a deep-fried ham and cheese sandwich with steaks instead of bread and Callos Asturianos which is essentially a tripe stew. 

Think you have exhausted all the things to do in Oviedo? Think again. On the fringes of the city lie a wealth of interesting places to visit for those with extra time on their hands. 

Just northwest of Oviedo lies Monte Naranco, home to the most incredible pre-Romanesque buildings. If you get the chance to explore this green-clad landscape, aim for the Palacio de Santa María del Naranco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was thought to be an old hunting lodge built for King Ramiro I during the 9th century. Close by, the Miguel de Lillo Church, another UNESCO-protected site from the same era, is also worth a visit. 

Rio may have the statue of Christ the Redeemer but Oviedo has the Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This iconic landmark located on top of Monte Naranco is one of the top things to do in Oviedo if you enjoy panoramic city views. Built during the 1950s, this 30-metre-tall statue depicts Jesus with his arms outstretched as if blessing the city of Oviedo. The sculpture is surrounded by luscious green countryside scored by footpaths that guide visitors through the tranquil surroundings of Monte Naranco. If you want to make your visit more romantic, head here at sunset to enjoy a colourful cityscape.