Gijón on a Budget: Your Guide to the Cheapest (and Best!) Bars

Hola, amigos! As a proud resident of Gijón, I know a thing or two about enjoying this beautiful Asturian city without breaking the bank. While Gijón boasts sophisticated dining and trendy spots, it also treasures its more traditional, wallet-friendly watering holes. If you’re looking to experience the authentic Gijón social scene, grab a cheap drink, and soak in the local atmosphere, you’ve come to the right place. Forget overpriced tourist traps; we’re diving into the heart of where the locals go to unwind and socialize.

The Art of the ‘Chigre’ and ‘Sidrería’

Before we hit the streets, let’s talk about two quintessential Asturian establishments that are often your best bet for affordable drinks: the ‘chigre’ and the ‘sidrería’. A ‘chigre’ is a more informal, often smaller bar, typically serving local cider and simple tapas. ‘Sidrerías’, while primarily known for their cider (sidra), also offer very reasonably priced beer (cañas) and wine, often accompanied by delicious, inexpensive bites.

The key here is the culture. In Asturias, drinking is a social activity. You don’t just order a drink and sit in silence. You share conversation, you share tapas, and you enjoy the communal spirit. This inherently keeps prices down as the focus is on the experience and the company, not just the individual consumption of expensive beverages.

Neighborhoods for Budget-Friendly Sips

While you can find affordable options scattered throughout the city, certain neighborhoods stand out for their concentration of cheap bars:

Cimadevilla (The Old Town): While some parts of Cimadevilla can be a bit pricier due to its charm and proximity to the sea, wander into its smaller, less-trodden alleys, and you’ll find gems. Look for bars that are packed with locals, especially older gentlemen discussing politics or football.
El Llano: This is a large, working-class neighborhood that is generally more affordable than the more central tourist areas. It’s a great place to find authentic, no-frills bars where the prices reflect the local cost of living.
La Arena: Especially the streets further away from the beach and the El Molinón stadium, La Arena offers a good mix of local life and budget-friendly establishments.
Centro (Further Inland): While the main pedestrian streets closer to the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) can be a bit more expensive, venture a block or two away, and you’ll discover less ostentatious bars with better prices.

Top Picks for Cheap Drinks in Gijón

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. These are places where you can enjoy a ‘caña’ (small draft beer), a glass of wine, or even a shot of ‘Tinto de Verano’ (a popular summer drink made with red wine and lemon soda) for under €2, often much less. And the best part? They usually come with a small tapa!

Sidrerías: More Than Just Cider

Don’t let the name fool you. While cider is king, most sidrerías serve excellent, cheap beer and wine. They are also the birthplace of the tapa!

Sidrería El Requexu (Calle de Munuza, 9): A classic in Cimadevilla. It’s always buzzing with locals. Expect a lively atmosphere, good cider, and very affordable beer. They often serve simple but tasty tapas like ‘tortilla de patatas’ (Spanish omelet) or cured meats with your drink. The prices here are incredibly reasonable, making it a go-to for an early evening pint.
Sidrería La Tonada (Calle del Marqués de San Esteban, 22): Located near the port, this is another reliable spot for a cheap and cheerful experience. The atmosphere is authentic, and you can easily spend a few hours here with friends without spending much. Their ‘pinchos’ (small snacks) are also worth trying.
Sidrería La Botica (Calle del Marqués de San Esteban, 10): Close to La Tonada, this sidrería offers a similar vibe. It’s a fantastic place to get a feel for Gijón’s social drinking culture without the inflated prices you might find closer to the main tourist drag.
Casa Kilo (Calle de San Antonio, 11): While perhaps slightly more known for its food, Casa Kilo in El Llano offers incredibly good value for drinks. It’s a true neighborhood spot, and you’ll feel like a local the moment you walk in.

Chigres and Traditional Bars

These are the heart and soul of Gijón’s budget nightlife. They might not look fancy, but they’re where the real magic happens.

Bar El Pilo (Calle de Gascón, 11): A legendary spot in El Llano. This is the epitome of a local bar. You’ll find people of all ages here. The prices are rock bottom, and the atmosphere is pure Gijón. It’s unpretentious and incredibly welcoming.
Bar La Luna (Calle de la Luna, 17): Another gem in Cimadevilla’s labyrinthine streets. It’s small, often crowded, but the energy is fantastic. Grab a cheap beer and a tapa and enjoy the lively chatter.
Bar Los Álamos (Calle de los Álamos, 14): Located in the La Arena neighborhood, this bar is a solid choice for affordable drinks. It’s a place where you can have a relaxed chat with friends over a few ‘cañas’ without worrying about your wallet.
El Rincón de Pelayo (Calle de Munuza, 7): Just around the corner from El Requexu, this bar offers a similar traditional experience. It’s a great place to hop between if you’re exploring Cimadevilla’s more authentic side.
Bar La Txosna (Calle de Covadonga, 6): Situated in El Llano, this bar is known for its friendly service and very low prices. It’s a good example of the kind of neighborhood bar that keeps Gijón so affordable and enjoyable.

Modern Spots with Budget-Friendly Options

While traditional bars dominate the cheap drink scene, some newer establishments also offer good value, especially if you time it right or look for specific deals.

La Galana (Plaza Mayor, 4): While the Plaza Mayor can be a bit more upscale, La Galana often has promotions or happy hours that make it surprisingly affordable for a drink with a view. It’s worth checking their daily specials. The atmosphere is lively, and it’s a great spot to people-watch.
Several bars along Calle Corrida (near the town center): While not all bars here are cheap, if you walk along Calle Corrida and the surrounding streets, you’ll find places offering ‘raciones’ (larger portions of tapas) and drinks at reasonable prices, especially if you go slightly off the main thoroughfare.

Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Budget

Embrace the ‘Tapa’: In Gijón, a drink often comes with a small tapa. This is a fantastic way to sample local flavors and stave off hunger without ordering extra food. Don’t be shy about asking what the tapa is!
Order ‘Cañas’ and ‘Tercio’: A ‘caña’ is a small draft beer, usually around 200ml. A ‘tercio’ is a small bottled beer, typically 330ml. Both are generally cheaper than larger formats.
Look for ‘Cubos’ or ‘Botes’: In some bars, you can order a ‘cubo’ (bucket) of small bottled beers (usually 5) or a ‘bote’ (bottle). This can be very cost-effective if you’re in a group.
‘Tinto de Verano’ is Your Friend: This refreshing drink is usually cheaper than a full glass of wine or a cocktail and is perfect for warmer days.
Avoid the Absolute Beachfront: While the views are amazing, bars directly on San Lorenzo beach or the most prominent parts of the promenade tend to be more expensive. Venture a street or two inland for better value.
Happy Hour is Real: Many bars, especially those catering to a younger crowd, have happy hours. Keep an eye out for signs or ask the bartender.
Learn a Few Spanish Phrases: A simple ‘Una caña, por favor’ (A small beer, please) or ‘¿Qué tapa tienes?’ (What tapa do you have?) goes a long way and helps you connect with the locals.
Check out local apps and websites: For up-to-date deals and new spots, consider looking at local listings or even exploring platforms like dropt.beer which aims to connect beer enthusiasts with great bars and breweries. They often feature news and insights into local drinking scenes, which can be invaluable for finding hidden gems. You might even find special offers or news about craft beer events at dropt.beer/insights-news-blog/. If you’re looking to grab some brews to enjoy at home or a picnic in the park, dropt.beer/shop/ offers a curated selection.
Go Local, Stay Late (or Early!): The cheapest drinks are often found in bars that are busy with locals throughout the day and into the evening. These places are the backbone of Gijón’s social life and offer the best value.

Beyond the Beer: Other Budget Delights

While this guide focuses on cheap drinks, remember that the value in Gijón extends to its food culture too. Many of the bars mentioned above serve affordable ‘raciones’ (larger sharing plates) of local specialties like ‘bollos preñaos’ (bread rolls with chorizo), ‘calamares’ (fried squid), or ‘tortilla de patatas’. Don’t hesitate to order a few to share with your drinks!

Gijón is a city that rewards exploration. By venturing slightly off the beaten path and embracing the local customs, you can enjoy its vibrant social scene and delicious beverages without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends, practice your Spanish, and get ready to discover the true spirit of Gijón, one cheap and cheerful drink at a time!