Plaza del Paraguas, Oviedo

Courtyard, Historic Site and Square in Oviedo

Plaza del Paraguas
Plaza del Paraguas
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jorge Franganillo

Plaza del Paraguas is a small, cobbled square tucked into Oviedo's historic old town, best known for its intimate feel and the umbrella-like structure that gives the plaza its name. It's the kind of place that rewards slow travel: a quick pause for a coffee, a sunny bench with a book, or a relaxed drink as the city's evening energy builds.

Because it sits right in the Casco Antiguo, Plaza del Paraguas fits naturally into a walking tour of Oviedo's most atmospheric streets—pair it with nearby lanes, churches, and sidrerías for a classic old-town loop. It's also a handy “reset point” between bigger sights: a calm square where you can people-watch and decide your next stop.

History and Significance of the Plaza del Paraguas

Plaza del Paraguas is part of the lived-in fabric of Oviedo's old town—less a monumental plaza and more a neighborhood square where daily life plays out. Its charm comes from scale: tight edges, historic paving, and the sense that you've stepped into a pocket of the city that hasn't been designed for crowds.

The plaza’s name and identity are tied to the distinctive umbrella-like feature that has become a local landmark and an easy meeting point. Over time, the square has also become a social node for the surrounding bars and restaurants, especially on weekends when the old town feels at its most animated.

Today, its significance is experiential rather than museum-like: it’s a place to feel Oviedo’s rhythm—quiet in the morning, sociable later on, and often at its best when the weather turns the cobbles warm and the terraces fill.

Things to See and Do in the Plaza del Paraguas

Start by simply taking in the setting: the cobbled ground, the compact architecture, and the way the square catches sunlight. It’s an excellent spot for a short break on an old-town walk—ideal for a drink, a snack, or a few minutes of people-watching before continuing to nearby landmarks.

If you’re traveling with kids, the square’s contained layout can feel more manageable than busier streets, especially during daytime. On weekends, the atmosphere can shift from calm to lively as nearby venues fill up, which is great if you want a taste of local social life.

Keep an eye out for occasional live music and the general buzz around the surrounding terraces. Even when nothing “special” is scheduled, Plaza del Paraguas works as a simple, pleasant destination: a place to sit, chat, and enjoy the old town without an agenda.

How to Get to the Plaza del Paraguas

The nearest airports for Oviedo are Asturias Airport (OVD) and, for more flight options, Santander Airport (SDR) or León Airport (LEN). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Oviedo on Booking.com.

Oviedo is well connected by rail, and arriving by train is straightforward via Oviedo's main station, from where you can continue on foot, by taxi, or by local bus into the old town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for a central parking garage and finish the last stretch on foot, since the historic center has narrow streets and limited access in places. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Plaza del Paraguas

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning to early afternoon for sunshine and a calmer feel, or early evening if you want more atmosphere from nearby bars.
  • How long to spend: 15–30 minutes for a quick stop, or up to an hour if you’re settling in for a drink and people-watching.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven cobblestones and tight old-town streets; step-free routes may be limited depending on your approach.
  • Facilities: No dedicated visitor facilities in the square itself, but plenty of nearby cafés and bars for restrooms and refreshments.

Where to Stay Close to the Plaza del Paraguas

Base yourself in central Oviedo (the old town or just beside it) so you can walk everywhere and enjoy the evenings without worrying about transport.

Barceló Oviedo Cervantes A polished, comfortable option near the center that’s great if you want reliable service and an easy walk to the old town.

Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista A classic, landmark-style stay that suits travelers who want a sense of occasion and a more historic, grand-hotel feel.

NH Oviedo Principado A practical, central base with a straightforward city-hotel setup—ideal for short stays and efficient sightseeing days.

Hotel Fruela A convenient mid-range pick that works well for couples and solo travelers who want comfort close to the action.

Soho Boutique Oviedo A stylish choice for travelers who like modern design and want to be within easy walking distance of the old town’s food and drink scene.

Is the Plaza del Paraguas Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you're already exploring Oviedo's old town. Plaza del Paraguas is not a “big-ticket” sight, but it's a memorable little pause point: sunny, quaint, and full of local texture, with good options nearby for a drink or a bite.

Honest Pivot: If your time in Oviedo is extremely limited and you prefer major monuments or museums, you can skip making a special trip and simply let it be a pass-through on a broader walking route. It's best appreciated by travelers who enjoy atmosphere, small details, and lingering rather than ticking off headline attractions.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (1,135)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, describing Plaza del Paraguas as a charming, sunny old-town square that's ideal for a relaxed drink, a short break, or reading in good weather. Visitors often highlight the cobbled setting, quaint atmosphere, and the lively feel from nearby bars—sometimes with live music—especially on weekends. A few reviewers note it can be quiet or simply a small stop rather than a major attraction, and it may feel crowded when the surrounding venues are busy.

Ana S
6 months ago
"A place to have a drink or read something in a su y day. Cobbled square at the heart of the old town. Good for children during the weekend."
Nanita
10 months ago
"Plaza del Paraguas is a quiet public square in the old historic center of Oviedo."
Luis Menendez
2 years ago
"Beautiful, su y and quaint. Oviedo's old town is not to be missed. The food at Meraki is really good and Raquel, the waitress, is possibly the bestin town. Wonderful city, wonderful Plaza del Paraguas. I dream of going back..."

For Different Travelers

Plaza del Paraguas is flexible: it can be a quick photo stop, a calm break between sights, or the start of an easygoing evening in the old town. How much you'll love it depends on whether you value ambiance and street life over structured attractions.

Families with Kids

For families, the appeal is simplicity: a small square where you can pause without committing to a long visit. In daytime, it can feel calmer than busier streets, making it a useful reset spot during a walking tour.

Plan it as a short break rather than a destination with activities. Pair it with a snack stop nearby and continue to other family-friendly sights in central Oviedo.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate the old-town setting and the way the plaza feels especially pleasant in good weather. It’s a natural place to slow down—coffee in the sun, a shared drink, and a gentle wander through surrounding lanes.

For a more romantic vibe, aim for early evening when the area starts to feel lively but not rushed. Use it as a starting point for a tapas or sidra crawl nearby.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can enjoy Plaza del Paraguas as a free, low-effort highlight that still feels distinctly “Oviedo.” It's ideal for building a self-guided walking route through the old town without paying entry fees.

Bring a refillable water bottle, take your time, and treat the square as a scenic rest stop between other free sights. If you do spend, keep it simple with a single drink on a terrace.

FAQs for Visiting Plaza del Paraguas

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the historic center and is typically easy to reach on foot from most central hotels. Expect narrow streets and some uneven paving as you approach.
A taxi is the quickest option, but walking is doable if you’re comfortable with a short urban stroll. If you walk, allow extra time to navigate old-town streets.
Local buses can get you close to the center, but the final approach is usually best done on foot. Choose a stop near the old town and follow signs toward the Casco Antiguo.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public square and open to everyone. You can visit at any time.
Not typically; the square itself is simply a public space. Any costs are usually from nearby cafés, bars, or events.
No, you can visit independently. Guided walking tours may include it as a scenic stop.

Visiting Experience

It often feels calm during the day, but it can get livelier when nearby bars fill up, especially on weekends. The vibe shifts with weather and time of day.
Yes as a quick stop on a walking route through the old town. It’s best treated as a short pause rather than a standalone attraction.
Focus on the atmosphere: the cobbles, the compact square, and the umbrella feature that gives it character. It’s a great place to slow down for a few minutes.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Often, yes, because it’s a photogenic old-town spot. If you’re self-guiding, it fits neatly between other central landmarks.
Combine it with a loop through Oviedo’s old town streets, then continue to nearby churches, plazas, and sidrerías. It works well as a mid-walk break.
Either works, but it’s especially pleasant as a pre-lunch stroll in good weather. After lunch, it’s a nice place to linger if you want a slower pace.

Photography

Sunny late mornings and afternoons tend to flatter the cobbles and bring the square to life. Overcast days can still work for moodier old-town shots.
Yes—arrive earlier in the day for fewer people and cleaner compositions. Weekends and evenings can be busier.
Yes, because it captures everyday old-town life and terrace culture. Be respectful when photographing people at close range.

Accessibility & Facilities

It can be challenging due to cobblestones and narrow approaches. Some routes may be smoother than others, so plan your approach carefully.
Not dedicated ones in the plaza itself. Nearby cafés and bars are the most practical option if you need facilities.
There may be limited public seating, but terrace seating is common around the square. If you want a guaranteed seat, plan for a café stop.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the surrounding old-town streets have plenty of bars and restaurants. It’s a convenient place to plan a casual break.
Yes, especially on a sunny day when terraces are appealing. It’s an easy, low-commitment stop during sightseeing.
Usually yes, since central areas tend to have simple options like snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Visit earlier in the day for a calmer family experience.

Safety & Timing

Generally, central old-town areas are active in the evening due to nearby bars. As with any nightlife area, keep an eye on belongings.
It can, particularly when nearby venues are busy. If you prefer quiet, visit earlier in the day.
Weekend evenings are the most likely to feel packed. Aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons for a calmer visit.

Nearby Attractions to the Plaza del Paraguas

The Plaza del Paraguas appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Oviedo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: C. Ecce-Homo, 10, 20, 33009 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
Oviedo: 1 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs