Leisure activities
4 Indoor Activities in Oviedo: Local Culture, Art, and Culinary Experiences
Get to know Oviedo's culture through these activities, from museums to culinary workshops, local markets, and more.
Discover local products at Mercado del Fontán covered market
Mercado del Fontán is Oviedo's premier covered market, operating since 1885 in a beautifully restored historic building. This vibrant marketplace showcases the best of Asturian gastronomy with local vendors selling fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, traditional chorizo, and seasonal produce. The market features specialty stalls offering regional delicacies like fabada beans, sidra natural, and locally-made preserves. Visitors can sample authentic Asturian flavors, interact with passionate vendors, and purchase high-quality ingredients. The atmospheric iron and glass architecture creates an authentic shopping experience where locals and tourists mingle. Many stalls offer tastings, making it perfect for food enthusiasts seeking genuine Asturian products.
How to get there. Located in Plaza del Fontán in the historic center. Walk from Oviedo Cathedral (5 minutes) or take bus lines 1, 2, or 7 to Plaza del Fontán stop. The distinctive iron and glass building is easily recognizable. Open Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays. Best visited mid-morning when selection is freshest.
Summary of reviews from
Traditional market offering fresh produce, seafood, meats, local cheeses, and Asturian cider. Features modern facilities with comfortable shopping and lively street vendors outside. Wide variety of gourmet prepared foods makes it perfect for experiencing authentic local culture. Less crowded than similar Spanish markets.
Reviews mention no significant negative aspects about this municipal market in Oviedo's old town.
Reviews summarized from between May 2018 and Jul 2025
Summary of reviews from
Travelers praise the market's authentic atmosphere and exceptional quality of local products. Visitors love the friendly vendors who offer samples and cooking advice. The historic architecture and variety of regional specialties receive consistent acclaim from food enthusiasts.
Some visitors note limited English spoken by vendors and occasional crowding during peak hours. A few travelers mention higher prices compared to supermarkets, though most acknowledge the superior quality justifies costs.
Attend classical concerts at Auditorio Príncipe Felipe
The Auditorio Príncipe Felipe is Oviedo's premier concert hall, hosting world-class classical music performances throughout the year. This modern venue attracts renowned orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists from across Europe. The auditorium features exceptional acoustics and elegant seating arrangements that create an intimate atmosphere for classical music lovers. Regular programming includes symphony concerts, recitals, and special seasonal performances. The venue also hosts the annual Oviedo Music Festival, drawing international artists. Located in the city center, it provides an accessible cultural experience for visitors exploring Asturias. Concert seasons typically run from September through June, with special summer programming.
How to get there. Located on Calle Schultz in central Oviedo, the auditorium is easily walkable from the Cathedral and city center. Take bus lines 1, 2, or 7 to Plaza de España, then walk 3 minutes. From the train station, it's a 10-minute walk. Limited street parking available; public parking at Plaza de la Escandalera recommended.
How to buy tickets. Tickets available through the venue's official website, box office, or authorized ticket vendors. Advance booking essential for popular performances. Season subscriptions offer discounts. Box office hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.
Summary of reviews from
The venue impresses visitors with its stunning architecture and serves multiple purposes as a concert hall, conference space, and political meeting place. The OSPA symphony orchestra delivers wonderful performances with excellent sound quality. Guests consistently praise the beautiful building design and call it a must-see destination.
Concert tickets lack English-friendly options, creating barriers for international visitors. The venue suffers from overly bright lighting that can be distracting during performances. These issues detract from an otherwise impressive cultural experience.
Reviews summarized from between Sep 2018 and Mar 2023
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the venue's outstanding acoustics and comfortable seating with excellent sightlines. The intimate size creates a personal connection with performers. Staff receives high marks for professionalism and helpfulness. Many appreciate the convenient downtown location and easy accessibility.
Some guests note limited parking near the venue during popular shows. A few mention that certain seats have restricted views of the stage. Occasional complaints about temperature control in the auditorium. Some find ticket prices higher than expected for smaller productions.
Take fabada cooking class at Escuela de Hostelería de Oviedo
Learn to prepare Asturias' most famous dish at Oviedo's premier culinary school. Professional chefs guide students through traditional fabada asturiana preparation, teaching authentic techniques passed down through generations. The hands-on class covers selecting quality ingredients like fabes beans, chorizo, and morcilla. Students discover regional cooking secrets while preparing this hearty white bean stew. The experience includes ingredient preparation, cooking methods, and cultural history behind the dish. Classes conclude with enjoying the freshly prepared fabada alongside local cider or wine.
How to get there. Located on Calle Melquiades Cabal in central Oviedo. Take bus lines 1, 2, or 4 to Plaza de la Escandalera, then walk 5 minutes northeast. The school entrance faces the street with clear signage. Arrive 15 minutes early for registration and preparation.
How to buy tickets. Book directly through the school's website or call their reservation line. Classes fill quickly, especially weekend sessions. Payment required at booking. Cancellation policy allows changes up to 48 hours prior.
Summary of reviews from
Students praise the cooking school's excellent facilities and spacious, well-equipped kitchens. Professor Jose receives outstanding reviews for his engaging teaching style that makes complex pastry and baking techniques easy to understand. Classes blend theory with hands-on practice in an entertaining format that keeps students excited to return. The comprehensive curriculum covers fundamental operations while maintaining an enjoyable learning atmosphere.
The reviews provided contain minimal negative feedback about this cooking school. No significant complaints or criticisms were mentioned by students regarding facilities, instruction quality, or course content.
Reviews summarized from between Sep 2020 and Sep 2023
Summary of reviews from
Students praise the knowledgeable instructors and authentic techniques taught. Many highlight learning proper bean preparation and seasoning methods. Participants enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and tasting their creations. The cultural context provided enhances the experience significantly.
Some find the class duration lengthy for the complexity involved. A few mention limited English instruction availability. Occasional complaints about class sizes being too large for individual attention. Some students expected more recipe variations covered.
Visit historic archive at Archivo Municipal de Oviedo
The Archivo Municipal de Oviedo houses Asturias' most important historical documents dating back to medieval times. Located in a beautifully restored 16th-century building, this municipal archive contains royal charters, ancient maps, genealogical records, and manuscripts that chronicle the region's rich history. Visitors can explore permanent exhibitions showcasing original documents from the Kingdom of Asturias, including privileges granted by Spanish monarchs. The archive offers guided tours that reveal fascinating stories behind historical papers, making centuries-old documents accessible to modern travelers. Special collections include civil registry records, property deeds, and administrative documents that shaped Oviedo's development over the centuries.
How to get there. Located on Calle Rua in Oviedo's historic center, the archive sits near the Cathedral. Walk from Plaza de la Constitución toward Calle Rua. The building features distinctive stone architecture. Contact the archive in advance to arrange visits and confirm availability of guided tours.
How to buy tickets. Free admission but advance booking recommended. Contact the archive directly by phone or email to schedule visits and arrange guided tours in Spanish.
Summary of reviews from
This historical archive in Oviedo occupies a beautifully restored former prison building from 1886-1905. The impressive architecture features innovative reinforced concrete and houses nearly 65km of important archival records. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Guided tours reveal fascinating history and services.
Limited public access restricts visitors to only the exterior courtyard and researchers' room. The interior requires more time to fully appreciate. The facility needs additional institutional funding for improvements and expanded visitor experiences.
Reviews summarized from between Jul 2018 and Mar 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the knowledgeable staff who provide excellent explanations of historical documents. Many appreciate the well-preserved medieval manuscripts and the building's beautiful architecture. Travelers enjoy learning about Asturian history through original sources.
Some visitors find the archive appeals mainly to history enthusiasts rather than general tourists. Limited English signage can make the experience challenging for non-Spanish speakers. Opening hours are restricted and appointments may be needed.
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