Curator’s statement
Some destinations invite you to follow an itinerary. Oviedo invites you to forget it. My wife and I chose Oviedo for a simple reason: We wanted to slow down. From the very beginning, the journey became part of the experience. Rather than driving, we traveled by train from Madrid, enjoying the changing landscapes of northern Spain and the rare opportunity to disconnect, talk, and simply enjoy the time together. By the time we arrived, we already felt we had left the pace of everyday life behind. Oviedo is one of those rare cities where the best experiences are rarely planned. Elegant streets naturally lead to lively squares, museums, cafés, historic landmarks, and remarkable restaurants, making it easy to spend entire days simply wandering without ever feeling rushed. What I remember most is not a single monument, but the atmosphere. Oviedo feels peaceful, impeccably maintained, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant. Its residents are genuinely warm and take pride in sharing their city, making every visitor feel immediately at home.
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Things to do in Oviedo
Take a break in the magnificent lobby of the Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista, where a coffee or evening cocktail becomes part of the Oviedo experience.
One of Oviedo’s greatest pleasures is discovering how naturally the city reveals itself.
During our stay, we rarely found ourselves checking a map or following a schedule. Instead, we simply let curiosity guide our way, discovering elegant streets, lively squares, museums, cafés, and traditional sidrerías almost by accident.
One stroll naturally led us from Plaza de la Escandalera and the iconic Botero sculpture to Calle Uría, the Cathedral of San Salvador, the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias, the charming Mercado de El Fontán, the elegant Teatro Campoamor—home of the internationally renowned Princess of Asturias Awards—and the beautiful Campo de San Francisco, the city’s historic urban park, where statues of Woody Allen and Mafalda quietly remind visitors of Oviedo’s unique personality.
One of my favorite moments, however, wasn’t a monument at all. Taking a coffee or an evening cocktail in the magnificent lobby of the Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista became an experience in itself. Surrounded by its timeless architecture and elegant décor, it is the perfect place to slow down, observe the gentle rhythm of the city, and appreciate why this iconic hotel has become one of Oviedo’s enduring landmarks.
What I enjoyed most was not reaching a particular landmark, but the journey between them. Every walk became an opportunity to stop for authentic Asturian cuisine, discover another beautiful square, or simply enjoy the elegant and relaxed atmosphere that makes Oviedo so memorable.
One more reason to return to Oviedo is to discover the iconic Church of Santa María del Naranco and take in the spectacular panoramic views from Monte Naranco.
Places to eat & drink in Oviedo
Finish your meal at Casa Lobato with their exceptional homemade assortment of artisan chocolates.
Lobby Bar – Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I highly recommend taking time for a coffee, afternoon tea, or an evening cocktail in the magnificent lobby of the Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista. Surrounded by timeless architecture and elegant décor, it is one of Oviedo’s most refined places to pause, unwind, and simply enjoy the city’s unhurried rhythm.
La Corte de Pelayo
Located beside Campo de San Francisco, La Corte de Pelayo is an elegant introduction to traditional Asturian cuisine. We particularly enjoyed their award-winning Fabada Asturiana, a dish that perfectly reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Tierra Astur Gascona
If you want to experience the true essence of Asturian gastronomy, Tierra Astur Gascona is difficult to surpass. Located on Oviedo’s famous Cider Boulevard, it combines a lively atmosphere, regional specialties, and traditional cider, offering one of the city’s most authentic dining experiences.
Calle Gascona (The Cider Boulevard)
More than a street, Calle Gascona is one of Oviedo’s signature experiences. I recommend stopping at several traditional sidrerías and enjoying a culín of cider in each one—the small serving poured through the traditional escanciado ritual—which is undoubtedly the most authentic way to experience Asturias’ celebrated cider culture.
Gloria Oviedo
Created by renowned Asturian chef Nacho Manzano, Gloria presents a contemporary interpretation of regional cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed setting. We especially enjoyed the tacos de bonito and the gyozas de pitu de caleya with ponzu sauce, two dishes that beautifully showcase the restaurant’s creative personality.
Casa Lobato
Casa Lobato was one of the culinary highlights of our stay in Oviedo, combining genuine hospitality with authentic Asturian flavors. Don’t miss the Medallón de Solomillo de Ternera Asturiana al Foie, and be sure to save room for their outstanding homemade assortment of international-origin chocolates.
Classic pastry shops of Oviedo
No visit to Oviedo would be complete without discovering its historic pastry tradition. Confitería Rialto, Confitería Camilo de Blas, and Repostería Casino have delighted generations of locals and visitors alike—don’t leave without trying their iconic carbayones, duquesitas, suspiros, and moscovitas, four of Asturias’ most celebrated sweet specialties.
Need to know
Oviedo is remarkably walkable. Most of the city’s main attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas can be comfortably explored on foot from the historic center.
Traveling by train is part of the experience. High-speed rail connections from Madrid make Oviedo an excellent choice for a relaxing long weekend without the need for a car.
Allow yourself to wander. Oviedo rewards curiosity more than careful planning, and many of its most memorable moments happen between the landmarks.
Reserve restaurants in advance. Popular restaurants, particularly on weekends, tend to fill quickly.
Plan extra time for Asturias. Oviedo is the perfect base for exploring the region, from the vibrant waterfront of Gijón and the colorful harbor of Cudillero to the coastal charm of Llanes, the breathtaking Picos de Europa, and the historic Sanctuary of Covadonga.
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