From its magnificent Gothic cathedral to a world-class fine arts museum, Oviedo is packed with big-ticket attractions. The town is nestled between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains, making Oviedo both cultured and incredibly beautiful. A year-round student population and street dedicated to traditional cider bars give Oviedo an upbeat feel.
Things to do in Oviedo
Small but charming, the historic old town is filled with medieval architecture. Catedral de San Salvador towers over a sun-drenched plaza and is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in France. Inside is Cámara Santa, an 8th-century chapel with UNESCO World Heritage status. Upstairs is a museum dedicated to religious art.
The Archaeological Museum of Asturias occupies a 16th-century monastery and is filled with local artefacts. The collection is diverse, with prehistoric cave paintings showcased alongside Roman ceramics. Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias is housed in two magnificent palaces and features works by heavyweights such as Picasso, El Greco, Dali and Goya.
From chef-driven restaurants to trendy tapas bars, Oviedo has a thriving culinary scene. Dine on classic Asturian dishes like white bean stew, pork shoulder and “morcilla” blood sausage. The city is famous for traditional “sidreria” bars where you can sip on locally made cider. Find some of the best bars along Calle Gascona, also known as Cider Boulevard. Mercado El Fontán has been welcoming patrons since the 1500s and is brimming with stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and fish.
Getting around Oviedo
Oviedo is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while local buses are a fast and easy way to get around the city. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. The city is a three-hour drive from Bilbao and 3.5 hours from Bilbao Airport.