Gijon Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

If you’re visiting Gijón and looking for a way to combine sightseeing with a bit of detective fun, the Sherlock Holmes City Game might just catch your interest. This self-guided mystery adventure lets you step into the shoes of a detective, solving puzzles and following a compelling storyline right through the city’s streets. It’s a flexible activity that works well for small groups, families, or solo travelers, and it’s designed to be enjoyed at your own pace.

One of the things we love about this experience is its story-driven approach. Instead of just wandering around with a map, you get immersed in a narrative about a suspicious murder that needs solving. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of Gijón you might otherwise overlook. That said, some reviews point out that it doesn’t always interact deeply with the city’s landmarks, and puzzles can sometimes feel disconnected from the local surroundings.

This activity is ideal if you’re after a fun, lighthearted challenge that combines city exploration with detective storytelling. It’s less about guided tours and more about creating your own adventure, making it perfect for those who want a personalized experience without the rush of a group tour.

Key Points

• Flexible Timing and Group Size: Play whenever suits you; up to four per device, making it accessible for small groups or solo players.
• Story-Driven Mystery: Engage with a suspenseful plot unraveling a murder, with puzzles and riddles along the way.
• Accessible Difficulty: Rated as easy, ideal for families with kids or casual puzzle enthusiasts.
• Affordable and Convenient: Priced at around $31 for a group of up to four, providing good value for an interactive city experience.
• City Interaction: The game uses local scenery as a backdrop, although some reviews mention limited direct engagement with landmarks.
• App-Based Play: Requires downloading the Loquiz app, with instructions sent via email, making it easy to start when you’re ready.
• Includes Digital Characters and Tasks: Expect to meet virtual characters, crack codes, and complete fun photo challenges.
• Not a Guided Tour: No human guide involved; this is a self-guided experience, so some might miss the personal touch.

The self-guided murder mystery takes you through Gijón’s scenic streets, blending puzzle-solving with city sightseeing. Starting at Plaza Mayor, you’ll follow clues that lead you to various points around the city. The game’s storyline revolves around the murder of Balthasar, and your goal is to piece together the clues to uncover the culprit.

What makes this experience appealing is how it transforms the city’s scenery into a game board, making each stop feel more interactive and engaging. Instead of just passing by, you’re actively searching for hints, scanning your environment for clues, and decoding riddles. According to one reviewer, “We didn’t know what to expect but really enjoyed playing and had a good laugh. It also gave us a chance to see parts of the city we wouldn’t have otherwise explored.”

However, not all feedback is glowing. A reviewer pointed out that the puzzles didn’t provide much context about Gijón, and some locations felt disconnected from the storyline. They mentioned, “The puzzles don’t tell you anything about the city. You are sent to certain locations to unlock new puzzles, but there’s little interaction with the actual place.” This suggests the activity leans more toward a scavenger hunt with a mystery theme rather than a deep local exploration.

The game ends back at the starting point, making it easy to plan the rest of your day in Gijón. Given it’s a 2-hour activity, it fits well into a flexible itinerary, especially if you’re eager to combine sightseeing with some brain-teasing fun.

Starting Point: The adventure kicks off at Plaza Mayor, a lively hub that’s perfect for gathering your team or just setting out on your own. After booking, you’ll receive detailed instructions and access to the Loquiz app, which guides your journey step-by-step.

Gameplay Mechanics: The game involves cracking digital codes, completing photo tasks, and interacting with virtual characters. The puzzles are rated as easy, making them accessible for kids and casual players alike. You might find that some of the clues require simple observation skills, while others challenge your logic.

City Interaction: While the game uses the city’s scenery as a backdrop, reviewers mention that it doesn’t always connect deeply with the local environment. For example, one noted that “the places visited have nothing to do with the storyline,” which could be a disappointment if you’re hoping for a more immersive local experience.

Puzzles and Stories: The murder plot is suspenseful enough to keep you engaged, with twists and turns along the way. As you follow the clues, you’ll encounter digital characters that add a layer of storytelling, although these are virtual rather than real interactions.

Duration and Flexibility: With an estimated duration of around 2 hours, this activity can be easily slotted into your day. The ability to start at any time on your chosen date offers flexibility—perfect for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Group Size and Cost: The price is approximately $31.07 per group for up to four players, which is quite reasonable considering the entertainment and the opportunity to explore Gijón’s streets in a new way. Larger groups can simply purchase additional tickets.

One reviewer, Maria_E, shared that “we really enjoyed the game and had a good laugh,” emphasizing how fun the experience was. She appreciated that it led her group to parts of the city they might not have otherwise explored, making it a good balance of sightseeing and entertainment.

On the flip side, Katharina_R found the experience less satisfying, citing that “the puzzles don’t tell you anything about the city,” and the locations visited felt disconnected from the storyline. She also mentioned that the game didn’t interact much with the actual places, which could be a drawback for those seeking deeper city engagement.

Meanwhile, Thomas_S highlighted that “this event takes them to beautiful places they might not otherwise have found,” praising it as a fun way to discover hidden gems in Gijón. His comment underscores that, despite some limitations, the activity can enhance your appreciation of the city’s scenery.

• Download the app in advance: To avoid delays, have the Loquiz app ready before your scheduled start.
• Start at Plaza Mayor: It’s a central, easily accessible meeting point with plenty of nearby amenities.
• Play at your own pace: Since you can start whenever you like, choose a time when you’re alert and ready for some thinking.
• Bring a smartphone charged: The game relies entirely on your device, so ensure it’s fully powered.
• Enjoy the scenery: Even if some puzzles don’t connect deeply with the city, take the time to appreciate your surroundings.
• Coordinate with your team: Communication is key to solving clues smoothly, especially in a small group.

This self-guided Sherlock Holmes game offers a lighthearted, engaging way to explore Gijón, especially if you enjoy puzzles and storytelling. It’s a particularly good value considering the price and the personal freedom it offers. It’s best suited for families, friends, or solo travelers looking for a unique activity that combines city sightseeing with a bit of detective work.

If you’re a history buff or someone who loves getting into the details of local culture, keep in mind that this activity might not provide the depth of local context you might find on a guided tour. However, for those who simply want to have fun, see the city through a different lens, and challenge their problem-solving skills, this game delivers.

To sum it up, the Sherlock Holmes City Game in Gijón is a clever, interactive option that transforms a sightseeing walk into an adventure filled with puzzles and surprises. While it’s not a comprehensive city tour, it’s a fantastic way for small groups or individuals to add some mystery and excitement to their visit.

How long does the game take to complete?
Approximately 2 hours, making it a flexible activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing.

Can I start the game at any time?
Yes, you can begin whenever you choose, as long as you have your instructions and app ready.

What group size is allowed?
Up to four people per device, with larger groups needing to purchase additional tickets.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the game is rated as easy, making it accessible for families with kids.

Do I need to have a guide or tour guide?
No, this is a self-guided experience; there’s no human guide involved.

What is included in the price?
You get access to the murder mystery game and the digital storyline. No physical souvenirs or guided interaction.

What do I need to bring?
A smartphone charged with the Loquiz app installed, and your curiosity ready for a detective challenge.

Does the game involve interaction with real landmarks?
While it uses city scenery as a backdrop, some reviews mention limited engagement with specific landmarks, so it’s more about solving puzzles than exploring the city’s history.

Is the activity fully private?
Yes, only your group will participate in the game, making it a personalized experience.

Whether you’re a die-hard Sherlock fan or just love a good puzzle, this city game offers a fun, light-hearted way to explore Gijón. It’s affordability, flexibility, and storytelling make it a memorable addition to any itinerary—perfect for spontaneous adventures or planned mysteries.