Girona, located in northern Catalonia just a short train ride from Barcelona, is one of the most atmospheric and historically rich cities in Spain. Featuring a beautifully preserved Jewish Quarter, ancient Roman fortress walls, and colorful houses lining the Onyar River, this city feels like a living museum. Its fairy-tale streets even served as a primary filming location for the legendary TV series Game of Thrones.
Whether you are planning a day trip to escape the crowds of Barcelona or looking for a romantic weekend getaway, Girona delivers an incredible experience filled with culture, history, and world-class gastronomy. Here are the absolute best things to see, eat, and do in Girona.
The Best Things to Do in Girona
1. Cross the Iconic Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)
The perfect introduction to Girona is walking across the famous red iron bridge spanning the Onyar River. Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1877—just a few years before he constructed his famous Eiffel Tower in Paris—this striking bridge offers the absolute best views in the city. From here, you can photograph the postcard-perfect rows of brightly colored hanging houses (Cases de l’Onyar) reflecting beautifully in the water below.
2. Admire the Grand Girona Cathedral
Dominating the city skyline is the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona. To reach the entrance, you must climb the iconic 91 stone steps—a location famous worldwide as the Great Sept of Baelor in Game of Thrones. Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, the cathedral boasts the widest Gothic nave in the entire world! Step inside to explore its peaceful cloisters and see the legendary 11th-century Tapestry of Creation inside the cathedral museum.
👉 Tip: To explore the majestic interior and secure your entry pass ahead of time, make sure to book your admission directly through the Girona Cathedral Official Site.
3. Get Lost in the Ancient Jewish Quarter (El Call)
Girona’s historic Jewish Quarter, known locally as El Call, is one of the best-preserved medieval residential areas in all of Europe. This fascinating labyrinth of incredibly narrow cobblestone alleyways, steep stone staircases, and hidden courtyards dates back over 500 years. Walk slowly through the shadows of the ancient buildings and visit the Museum of Jewish History to learn about the deep heritage of the community that once thrived here.
4. Walk Atop the Ancient Roman City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla)
For a spectacular, high-altitude view of the entire city and the distant Pyrenees mountains, take a walk along the Passeig de la Muralla. These are the ancient defensive stone walls originally constructed by the Romans and expanded during the medieval era. The path along the top of the ramparts is completely free to access and features several watchtowers you can climb for breathtaking 360-degree photography spots.
5. Relax in the Beautiful Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
Tucked away near the foot of the cathedral is the beautifully preserved structure of the Arab Baths. Despite the name, this Romanesque public bathhouse was actually constructed by Christians in the 12th century, heavily inspired by the Moorish thermal style. The most stunning room is the central entrance hall, featuring a beautiful octagonal pool surrounded by slender stone columns and a star-shaped skylight that lets in soft rays of sunshine.
6. Explore the Historic Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants
Located just a short stroll from the old walls, this 12th-century Benedictine monastery is a masterpiece of Catalan Romanesque architecture. The building features an incredibly intricate bell tower and a beautiful quiet cloister filled with carved stone pillars. Today, the historic space houses the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, displaying fascinating ancient artifacts discovered around the Girona province.
7. Sip Coffee at Plaça de la Independència
When you need a break from sightseeing, head over to the modern side of the river to find Plaça de la Independència. This grand, symmetrical 19th-century square is lined with beautiful neoclassical arches and columns. It is the beating heart of local social life and the perfect spot to sit at an outdoor terrace cafe, enjoy a traditional cortado coffee, and watch everyday Catalan life pass by.
Where to Stay in Girona
Staying inside the historic Old Town (Barri Vell) keeps you within easy walking distance of all the main historical monuments, traditional taverns, and bridges. Here are the top hotel choices:
- Boutique Luxury: Hotel Carlemany Girona – Located just a short walk from both the train station and the old town, offering ultra-modern, stylish rooms and an exceptional internal cocktail bar.
- Historic Elegance: Historic Girona – Set inside a beautifully converted 18th-century building in the very heart of the old town, masterfully blending original stone walls with modern comfort.
- Cozy Mid-Range: Ciutat de Girona – A highly rated, eco-friendly hotel located right in the historic center, known for its warm hospitality, indoor pool, and fantastic local breakfast buffet.
🎒 Planning your medieval Catalan escape? Check out the absolute best room rates and real-time availability on Booking.com.
Plan Your Trip to Girona
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) offer lovely warm weather that is perfect for walking. If you visit in mid-May, you will experience the famous Temps de Flors (Girona Flower Festival), when the entire historic old town is spectacularly decorated with millions of colorful floral art displays.
Getting There
Girona is incredibly accessible from Barcelona. By the high-speed AVE train departing from Barcelona Sants station, the journey takes just around 38 minutes, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in northeastern Spain.
🗺️ Looking to unlock the deep medieval secrets and Game of Thrones stories of this historic city? You can book guided walking tours, old town food tastings, and day trips to the Dalí Museum through Viator.