In this post we are going to recommend the 15 best things to see and do in Oviedo so that you don't miss anything and enjoy your visit to the fullest. The capital of the Principality of Asturias knows how to make you feel at home. Of course, the cider helps, but its streets full of statues, the little squares with their terraces, or places as significant as the pre-Romanesque churches of Oviedo or its Cathedral (where the Camino de Santiago craze began), are a very good incentive to come here.
Oviedo is cool, and if you keep reading the post we will discover it together.
What to see and do in Oviedo
Clean, green and with a passion for the rich Asturian gastronomy, Oviedo is an essential stop on a trip to Asturias and if we can allow ourselves to give you some advice... don't just stop for a couple of hours: this city deserves to be discovered at a leisurely pace!
Ready to discover the main places to see in Oviedo?
1. Oviedo Cathedral, the city's great jewel
A visit to the Oviedo Cathedral is the best starting point to get to know the Asturian city. Its full name is Santa Iglesia Basílica Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador de Oviedo , almost exactly, but it is also known as Sancta Ovetensis . Various architectural styles were used in its construction, such as pre-Romanesque or Baroque, although it is clear that Gothic predominates.
If you prefer, you can take a guided tour. Information and prices.
Did you know that it was from here that Alfonso II the Chaste set out to the tomb of the Apostle Santiago in 834, marking the start of the Camino de Santiago (in this case, the “primitive way”)?
› Holy Chamber
It is worth paying the 6€ entrance fee to visit the famous Cámara Santa , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses several relics, including the Holy Shroud , the cloth that was placed over Jesus' face after he was taken down from the cross (according to tradition, of course!). The Cámara Santa also houses the Cruz de la Victoria , the symbol of the Principality of Asturias, and the Cruz de los Ángeles , the emblem of Oviedo that appears on its coat of arms.
2. Alfonso II El Casto Square
When you leave, don't stray too far. In Plaza de Alfonso II El Casto you can take a photo with the famous statue of Ana Ozores , the protagonist of Leopoldo Alas Clarín's book “La Regenta”. Without a doubt, it is one of the symbols of Oviedo.
From there you can get the best panoramic view of the Cathedral and its main façade, and a little further on the Gothic tower of the Monastery of San Pelayo , which resembles the Cathedral itself. This is also where the free tours meet , so book your place here in advance .
3. Plaza del Fontán, a must-see in Oviedo
If there's one thing Oviedo doesn't lack, it's squares. Seriously, there are squares everywhere! One of the prettiest is Plaza del Fontán , with a rectangular structure surrounded by arcades and balconies, it reminds us of a typical corral de comedias (in fact, it had this function for years, although today it is a terraced area).
Very close by you will find the Fontán Market , an iron and glass building that has housed fruit, vegetable and typical Asturian products under its roof since the late 1800s. For us, it is one of the best things to see and do in Oviedo.
4. Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts occupies several historic buildings in the centre of Oviedo, right in this very square. It exhibits works by artists such as Goya, Sorolla, Dalí, El Greco and Picasso. And if the love of art alone doesn't convince you, perhaps knowing that it's completely free will encourage you to come in... For us, it's one of the best things to visit in Oviedo.
5. Archaeological Museum of Asturias
Another interesting museum is the Archaeological Museum of Asturias , where you will not have to travel back in time thanks to some interesting exhibitions that cover the past of the Principality, from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Like the previous one, it is free.
6. Statues of Oviedo
Did you know that there are more than 100 statues spread throughout Oviedo? Some of the most popular are the one of Mafalda , in Campo de San Francisco, or the one of Woody Allen , in Calle Milicias Nacionales. And what is the American director doing here? This tribute was made to him after he won the “Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts” (now the Princess of Asturias Awards for the Arts) in 2002 and after visiting the city he declared that Oviedo was “a city with a London climate that is a delight.”
The Asturian Mafalda
Fun fact : the statue of Mafalda is exactly the same as the one in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of San Telmo (Buenos Aires). In this case, it is also a tribute to another “Prince of Asturias” award winner, specifically the father of the legendary girl: Quino (Joaquín Salvador Lavado).
Come on, going in search of the statues is one of the best things to see and do in Oviedo with children… or without them 😉
7. Calle Gascona, the street of cider houses in Oviedo
Ready for the first round of cider? The epicentre of cider shots and the nightlife in Oviedo is Calle Gascona . In its barely 200 metres you can find some of the best cider houses in Oviedo, such as Sidrería Tierra Astur (there are two: Gascona and Parrilla) or Sidrería La Pumarada .
Be careful, we know from experience that ciders are treacherous: you go down so hard that you suddenly find yourself arguing in Asturian about which is better, Gijón or Oviedo.
8. Eat the best cachopo: a must-do in Oviedo
The trick to keep cider from going too high is to eat! And that, my dear friends, is no problem in Asturias. One of the first questions that came to mind when we planned the trip was : Where can we eat the best cachopo in Oviedo ? And after a hard and close investigation, we have two winners: Tablas del Campillín and Sidrería Pichote .
Here we also leave you some recommendations of restaurants where you can eat well, cheaply and end up feeling fat in Oviedo .
9. Bars in Oviedo
Are you not really into cider and would rather opt for a traditional wine? You won't get dehydrated: in fact, there are two streets full of bars and taverns where you can alternate: Calle Manuel Pedregal and Calle Campoamor .
10. Pre-Romanesque churches, one of the treasures of Oviedo
One of the best things to see and do in Oviedo is to visit its pre-Romanesque churches : they are unique and surprising. We are talking about the Church of Santa María del Naranco , the Church of San Miguel de Lillo and, a little further away, the Church of San Julián de los Prados . They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as one of the best examples of pre-Romanesque architecture in all of Europe.
⭐ The first two are on the way up to Monte Naranco and can only be visited on the inside with a guided tour booked at the Church of Santa María del Naranco (€4, more info ). Nearby is the Asturian Pre-Romanesque Reception and Interpretation Centre , where you can find out more about these monuments. And since you've made it this far, make an extra effort and go to the Monte Naranco viewpoint . The reward will be having the city under your feet.
11. Skate Church
Another church, which has nothing to do with the previous ones, but is just as curious or more, is the church of Santa Barbara, known as the " Skate Church ". It was built at the beginning of the 20th century as a private place of worship (it never belonged to the Holy See), after the Civil War it was abandoned and today it houses a skate park and is full of super colorful street art by the artist Okuda (with a style very similar to the brilliant Eduardo Kobra ). How do you feel?
It is located about 10 km from Oviedo, in Llanera, and be careful because it is currently closed for renovations. If you want to visit it, it is best to contact them through the website .
› Extra; Fernando Alonso Museum and Circuit
Tip : If you are a fan of Fernando Alonso , you should know that right next door there is the Museum and Circuit dedicated to the Asturian driver. Entry costs €15 and you can see ALL the cars he has raced in and objects from his entire career, such as suits, helmets from a lot of drivers (also from MotoGP), trophies, etc…
12. Constitution Square
The Plaza de la Constitución , where there are important buildings such as the Town Hall or the Church of San Isidoro El Real, which once formed part of the Jesuit school of San Matías, is another essential stop in Oviedo.
13. Campoamor Theatre
You probably already know that the Princess of Asturias Awards are presented in Oviedo, but perhaps you don't know where... the answer is at the Campoamor Theatre ! If you have the chance to attend a play, you can entertain yourself for a few hours with the show, and be amazed by the huge crystal and bronze chandelier that, according to what we read, weighs 900 kg. And you'll have to worry about gaining a few extra pounds.
14. Exhibition and Congress Palace
There are those who love it and those who hate it, but it certainly doesn't go unnoticed. Who – or rather, what – are we talking about? The Oviedo Exhibition and Congress Palace , which, like all buildings bearing Calatrava's signature, generates controversy. We personally thought it was beautiful. What about you?
15. Caldas Spa
After walking around the city and trying a few ciders on Calle Gascona, do you need to relax a bit? No sooner said than done: go and spend (at least) a few hours at the Balneario de las Caldas , a complete thermal village with several buildings that was built in 1776 to take advantage of the warm waters with healing properties. And if you want to treat yourself completely, you can stay overnight ( see offers here ).
These are our recommendations of the best places to visit in Oviedo , although there are many more, such as taking shelter under the huge umbrella in the Plaza del Paraguas, visiting the University building, the Plaza de Trascorrales or the palace of the Marquis of San Felipe… Or taking a souvenir photo with the statue of Culis Monumentalibus (yes, a very nice ass). And of course… keep exploring Asturias !
Do you know more things to see and do in Oviedo ? Help us expand this list with the best places to visit in the Asturian capital.
