Gijón, a vibrant coastal city in Asturias, Spain, offers a fantastic blend of traditional Asturian culture, beautiful beaches, and a lively modern atmosphere.
Here’s a breakdown of clubs, hotels, lifestyle, and entertainment locations in Gijón:
Clubs & Nightlife:
Gijón’s nightlife is energetic and diverse, with several distinct areas.
Cimadevilla (Old Town): This historic fishermen’s quarter is the heart of Gijón’s nightlife. Its steep, narrow, pedestrian streets are packed with traditional chigres (cider houses), pubs, and smaller clubs. It’s a great place to start your night, especially if you want to experience the local cider-pouring tradition.
Plaza del Lavaderu: A bustling square within Cimadevilla, lined with terraces perfect for enjoying Asturian tapas and cider.
El Lavaderu & Sidrería Casa Rober: Popular traditional spots in Cimadevilla.
Trisquel: One of the most famous pubs in Cimadevilla, good for pre-dinner beers on its terrace.
Gijón Marina / Fomento: Located near the beach, this area offers a more upscale clubbing experience with spacious venues playing mainstream music.
Ocean: A popular nightclub by the marina with a stylish terrace and elaborate cocktail menu.
Café Trisquel: A more laid-back pub on the left side of the port, known for folk music.
“Street of the Arches” (Marqués de San Esteban): This street in Fomento is known for its Latin-flavored pubs and clubs.
Pub Bananas & Pub La Habana: Prime examples for dancing to Latin beats.
Pub Buddha: Known for its unique Buddhist-themed decor and music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, often playing current hits during busy times. It even has a photo-call at the entrance.
Other notable clubs/venues:
La Mina Brewery Bar: A good spot for rock and retro lovers, offering a variety of beers and arcade games.
Gallery Gijón: Popular for 80s music and a more adult crowd, often hosting cocktail tasting events.
Mubarak: A temple for indie music in Gijón, sometimes featuring live music and known for its friendly service and generous snacks with drinks.
La Vida Alegre: A quiet bar by day that becomes lively at night with live music, original sandwiches, and quality wine.
Savoy Club: A good place to catch live music gigs.
Bulevar, Tarantino: Other mentioned clubs.
Lifestyle and Entertainment Locations:
Gijón’s lifestyle is deeply tied to its maritime heritage, green spaces, and vibrant Asturian culture.
Beaches & Coastal Areas:
Playa de San Lorenzo: Gijón’s iconic urban beach, a mile-long stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Its 4 km promenade, “El Muro,” is ideal for strolls and connects to city amenities.
Playa de Poniente: Located by the marina, this restored beach is popular with locals and visitors. It’s home to the Thalassotherapy center and the Gijón Aquarium.
Playa del Arbeyal: An artificial beach known for its calm waters.
Cerro de Santa Catalina: A headland overlooking Cimadevilla and the sea, offering magnificent panoramic views. It’s crowned by Eduardo Chillida’s striking sculpture, “Elogio del Horizonte” (Eulogy to the Horizon), a symbol of the city.
Historical & Cultural Landmarks:
Cimadevilla: The oldest part of Gijón, this charming former fishermen’s quarter is a must-explore for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the “Las Letronas” (the red sculpted letters spelling Gijón) for a photo opportunity.
Roman Baths of Campo Valdés: Well-preserved Roman remains from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, offering a fascinating glimpse into Gijón’s Roman past. Free entry.
Revillagigedo Palace: An 18th-century palace located in Plaza del Marqués, now an International Centre of Art.
Jovellanos Birthplace Museum: The house-palace where the famous Asturian Enlightenment figure Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was born and lived, showcasing local art and history.
Church of San Pedro: An emblematic building strategically located at one end of San Lorenzo Beach.
Plaza Mayor: The city’s main square, a great spot to relax, people-watch, and enjoy food and drink.
Muséu del Pueblu d’Asturies (Museum of the Asturian People): An open-air museum showcasing Asturian culture, heritage, and traditional life, including a cider press and typical country homes.
Gijón Aquarium (Bioparc Acuario de Gijón): Features over 60 freshwater and saltwater aquariums with diverse marine life.
Asturias Railway Museum (Museo del Ferrocarril de Asturias): Explores the region’s industrial heritage.
Parks & Green Spaces:
Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura: A monumental former university complex transformed into a vibrant cultural center. Its tower is the tallest stone construction in Spain, offering fantastic views. It hosts art exhibitions, music performances, and theater shows.
Atlantic Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Atlántico): A modern botanical museum specializing in Atlantic flora, with diverse landscapes and over 2,000 plant species.
Parque del Cerro de Santa Catalina: Offers great views over the city and sea, home to the “Elogio del Horizonte” sculpture.
Parque de Isabel La Católica: A beautiful park with gardens and ponds.
Food & Drink Culture:
Sidrerías (Cider Houses): Experiencing Asturian cider is a must. The unique way of pouring cider (“escanciado”) to aerate it is a cultural ritual. Many sidrerías also serve traditional Asturian cuisine.
Mercado del Sur: A vibrant market for local delicacies.
Festivals & Events:
Gijón International Film Festival: A classic film festival held annually.
Gijón Sound Festival: A diverse urban music festival.
Lev Festival: Focuses on audiovisual creation and electronic music.
Tsunami: A punk, indie, and psychedelic rock festival in July.
Noir Week: A summer festival centered around culture, leisure, and reading.
Asturias Trade Fair (Feria de Muestras de Asturias): A major annual event held at the fairgrounds.
Understanding Weed Laws in Gijón
Before diving into the cannabis culture of Gijón, understanding Spain’s legal stance on cannabis is essential:
Key Points:
- Private Consumption: weed use and possession are legal in private spaces. However, public consumption or possession can result in hefty fines.
- Cannabis Social Clubs: Gijón has several weed social clubs operating under strict regulations. To become a member, you must be 18 or older (some clubs require members to be 21) and usually need a local sponsor.
- Sales and Trafficking: The sale of weed is illegal and carries severe penalties. Only regulated clubs provide legal access for personal use.
Knowing these regulations is crucial for a safe and legal weed experience in Gijón.
When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.
How to Legally Experience cannabis in Gijón
To explore Gijón’s cannabis scene responsibly, consider these options:
- Join a cannabis Club
- Membership Process: A local sponsor, valid ID, and a membership fee are typically required. Clubs such as Gijón cannabis Lounge and Euskadi Green Society are popular choices.
- Visit CBD Shops
- Gijón has several CBD stores offering oils, edibles, and wellness products, providing therapeutic benefits without psychoactive effects.
- Attend Educational Workshops
- Learn about cultivation, responsible use, and legal considerations through local workshops hosted by community organizations.
- Participate in cannabis-Friendly Experiences
- Some tour operators offer experiences combining weed with Gijón’s cultural highlights, such as art tours or culinary adventures.
Tips for Responsible Cannabis Exploration in Gijón
- Follow Local Laws: Only consume weed in private areas or licensed clubs.
- Choose Reputable Clubs: Avoid street dealers; join recognized social clubs.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local regulations, as cannabis laws can change.
- Be Discreet: Respect local customs by consuming weed privately.
- Prioritize Safety: Obtain cannabis from reputable clubs for quality assurance.
Summary
Gijón provides a unique opportunity to explore cannabis culture within a rich cultural setting. By respecting local laws and engaging responsibly, visitors can enjoy Gijón’s weed scene safely. Beyond cannabis, Gijón’s world-class museums, culinary experiences, and picturesque landscapes ensure an unforgettable visit to the Basque Country’s most dynamic city.
