Girona is the sort of city that catches people off guard. Most visitors arrive on a day trip from Barcelona, planning to tick off the cathedral and those photogenic colourful houses along the river before heading back. Then they find themselves lingering far longer than intended, pulled in by medieval walls that you can actually walk along, atmospheric alleyways that feel genuinely ancient rather than theme-park preserved, and a food scene that punches well above what you’d expect from a city this size.
Sitting about 100 km north-east of Barcelona, Girona has played the role of frontier city throughout much of its history. Romans established it as Gerunda along the Via Augusta, then came Visigoths, Moors and Franks, each leaving their mark on the fortifications. Medieval Girona had one of Europe’s most important Jewish communities until the expulsion in 1492. Napoleon’s forces besieged it repeatedly during the Peninsular War. The layers just keep accumulating.
What makes Girona work is its human scale. You can walk from one end of the old town to the other in fifteen minutes, yet spend days discovering hidden courtyards, climbing medieval towers and getting pleasantly lost in the Jewish Quarter’s maze of lanes. It’s got proper cultural institutions – museums, galleries, a renowned gastronomy scene – but never feels overwhelming the way Barcelona can.
Recently, Game of Thrones filming has added another dimension to Girona’s appeal. The cathedral steps became the Great Sept of Baelor, the Jewish Quarter doubled as Braavos, and suddenly fans were making pilgrimages alongside history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. The attention hasn’t gone to Girona’s head though – it remains refreshingly unselfconscious about its charms.
When it comes to things to do in Girona, you’ve got enough variety for a proper city break whilst being perfectly positioned for exploring the Costa Brava, the volcanic landscapes of La Garrotxa and the Dalí triangle. Here’s what deserves your time.
Best Things to Do in Girona
Right, ten attractions might seem modest compared to some cities, but Girona’s concentrated appeal means each one packs considerable weight. Some are absolute essentials – skip the walls or cathedral and you’ve rather missed the point. Others reveal different facets of the city’s character. Take your time with them rather than rushing through a checklist.
Walk the Medieval Walls
The Passeig de la Muralla – Girona’s medieval wall walk – ranks among the best urban rampart experiences in Spain, and I’m including Ávila and Toledo in that assessment. The earliest sections date from Roman times, with Visigoths, Moors and Franks each reinforcing and expanding them over the centuries. At their medieval peak, the fortifications stretched nearly three kilometres around the city.
Much of the circuit’s been carefully restored, letting you trace Girona’s outline from above. You’re walking through actual defensive towers, looking down over terracotta roofs, with the cathedral’s bulk dominating one direction and the Pyrenees visible on clear days to the north. It’s not just pretty views though – you start understanding why this location mattered strategically, how the geography shaped the city’s role as a contested frontier.
The walk takes 45 minutes to an hour if you’re moving steadily, longer if you’re stopping at every viewpoint (which you will be). Sunset’s particularly lovely when the stone glows golden and swifts dart overhead, though mornings are cooler if you’re visiting in summer. Parts of the walk involve steps and uneven surfaces, so proper footwear matters more than looking stylish.
Admire the Cathedral
Girona’s cathedral demands attention – both for its architecture and its sheer dramatic presence. Built on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, it was reconstructed in Gothic style from the 14th century onwards. The defining feature is the nave: 22 metres wide, making it the widest Gothic nave in the world. Standing inside, the single vast space creates this effect of unity and grandeur that’s genuinely breathtaking.
The approach is half the experience. You ascend a sweeping staircase of 90 steps (yes, someone counted) built in the 17th century, which builds anticipation nicely – or leaves you gasping depending on your fitness level. Inside, the 11th-century Tapestry of Creation is one of Europe’s finest surviving examples of Romanesque textile art, whilst the silver altar dedicated to Saint Narcissus and the carved choir stalls repay close attention.
For modern visitors, there’s an additional draw: Game of Thrones filmed here extensively. These steps became the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing, whilst the nave was digitally transformed for Braavos scenes. Even if you’re not a fan, knowing that adds an interesting layer to the visit – seeing how medieval architecture translates to fantasy television.
Wander the Jewish Quarter (El Call)
El Call is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters, and wandering through it feels genuinely transportive in ways that heritage sites often don’t quite manage. Between the 12th and 15th centuries, Girona had a thriving Jewish community contributing significantly to intellectual life across the Mediterranean. Nahmanides, the philosopher and scholar, lived and taught here, establishing a legacy that extended far beyond Catalonia.
The narrow cobbled alleys twist between tall stone houses, archways create sudden shifts between light and shadow, and quiet courtyards hint at lives lived centuries ago. It’s atmospheric as hell, particularly early morning or evening when day-trippers have gone. The Jewish History Museum, located in a former synagogue, documents this community’s story through manuscripts, ritual objects and personal histories that make the abstract concrete.
Game of Thrones used El Call extensively for Braavos street scenes, and once you know that, it’s impossible not to picture Arya Stark navigating these lanes. Several companies offer themed walking tours if you’re into that, though honestly the quarter’s compact enough to explore independently with just a decent map.
Visit the Arab Baths
Despite the name, Girona’s “Arab Baths” were actually built by Christians in 1194, though they consciously imitated Moorish hammam designs. The layout mirrors Islamic baths – cold, warm and hot rooms arranged around a central octagonal pool, with Romanesque stone columns supporting vaulted ceilings.
They functioned as public baths until the 15th century, then served as a convent laundry for a few hundred years before being restored. It’s a relatively quick visit – you can see everything in 20 minutes – but the cool chambers offer an evocative glimpse of medieval daily life and the cultural cross-pollination that shaped this region.
Another Game of Thrones location, used for a scene where Arya hides whilst being pursued through Braavos. The connection feels apt given the baths’ own history of cultural borrowing and adaptation.
Stroll Along the Onyar River
The Onyar River slices through Girona, dividing the medieval quarter from the modern city, and its banks are lined with those tall narrow houses painted in ochres, pinks and reds that feature in every promotional photo of the city. Their reflections shimmer in the water, and whilst it’s undeniably photogenic, the houses also serve as a visual reminder of how Girona straddles different eras.
Several bridges cross the Onyar, each with distinct character. The Pont de Ferro, built in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel’s workshop (yes, that Eiffel), is the most famous – an elegant iron structure erected shortly before his tower in Paris. The stone Pont de Pedra links busy shopping streets with the old quarter. Standing mid-bridge with the cathedral visible above the rooftops gives you one of Catalonia’s most iconic views.
Early morning, before the crowds arrive, is when the riverside’s at its best. The light’s softer, locals are going about their business, and you can actually appreciate the architecture without dodging selfie sticks.
Discover Sant Pere de Galligants
Just beyond the old town sits the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 12th. Its church and cloister represent some of Catalonia’s finest Romanesque architecture – sturdy columns, carved capitals depicting biblical scenes and fantastical creatures, and that characteristic sense of monastic sobriety.
Today it houses Girona’s branch of the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, with collections spanning prehistoric tools to medieval artefacts. You’re essentially getting two attractions in one – the monastery architecture itself and exhibits illuminating the region’s long human history through Iberian settlements, Roman villas and medieval crafts.
Game of Thrones fans will recognise Sant Pere de Galligants as the Citadel in Oldtown where Samwell Tarly trained. The cloister’s quiet elegance translated perfectly to the screen, which tells you something about how well-preserved it is.
Explore Girona’s Museums
Beyond the archaeology collection, Girona’s cultural institutions deserve proper attention. The Art Museum, housed in the former Episcopal Palace beside the cathedral, showcases Romanesque altarpieces through to 20th-century Catalan painting. The progression reveals how regional artistic traditions evolved, and the building itself – with its views over the city – is half the appeal.
The Cinema Museum is unexpectedly engaging, tracing moving image development from shadow plays to modern film through interactive displays. It’s one of those museums that works for all ages and interests, not just dedicated cinephiles. The collection includes early cameras, projectors, posters and ephemera that contextualise cinema’s technical and cultural evolution.
These institutions demonstrate that Girona’s more than just medieval stones – there’s genuine cultural depth here that rewards exploration beyond the obvious historical sites.
Relax in Plaça de la Independència
This neoclassical square lies at the heart of Girona’s social life, built in the 19th century on the site of a former convent. Its arcaded buildings create uniform façades lending the space a sense of harmony. The central monument commemorates defenders who held off Napoleon’s forces during repeated sieges – Girona earned a reputation for stubborn resistance during the Peninsular War.
Today it’s where locals and visitors converge. Cafés and restaurants line the square’s edges, terraces filled from mid-morning through late evening. It’s the perfect spot to pause between sightseeing – order a coffee or vermouth, watch the world go by, let Girona’s rhythm sink in. The square epitomises how the city balances historical weight with everyday vitality rather than feeling like a preserved museum piece.
Visit the Church of Sant Feliu
Before the cathedral dominated Girona’s skyline, Sant Feliu was the main church. Its origins stretch back to early Christian times, with construction continuing between the 11th and 17th centuries, resulting in this fascinating mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements that somehow coheres.
Inside are eight early Christian and Roman sarcophagi remarkable for their relief carvings, plus the tomb of Saint Narcissus, Girona’s patron saint. Local legend claims that during a French siege in 1285, swarms of flies emerged from his tomb to drive off attackers – an episode celebrated in Girona’s coat of arms. True? Almost certainly not. But it tells you something about how the city sees itself.
The slender bell tower remains one of Girona’s most distinctive landmarks, visible from various points around the old town and a useful navigation aid when you’re lost in the medieval lanes (which you will be).
Sample Girona’s Food Scene
Girona punches spectacularly above its weight gastronomically. El Celler de Can Roca, run by the three Roca brothers, has been repeatedly ranked among the world’s best restaurants – we’re talking top three globally. Securing a table requires planning months ahead and deep pockets, but the experience apparently justifies the hype and effort.
Beyond the Michelin stratosphere, Girona offers abundant culinary pleasures at more accessible levels. Traditional Catalan dishes – escudella (hearty stew), suquet de peix (fish casserole) – appear in family-run restaurants, whilst modern bistros experiment with contemporary interpretations. The local speciality you absolutely must try is xuixo, a deep-fried pastry filled with cream and dusted with sugar, supposedly invented right here in Girona. Having one with coffee in a sunlit square is genuinely one of life’s simple pleasures.
The food scene reflects Girona’s character – serious about quality, rooted in tradition but open to innovation, and refreshingly unpretentious despite the global accolades.
Frequently Asked Questions about Girona
How do I get to Girona?
Most international visitors arrive at Girona-Costa Brava Airport, which sits just 12 km from the city centre. It’s served primarily by budget airlines, particularly Ryanair, with flights from across Europe. From the airport, frequent buses run to Girona’s main transport hub (20-25 minutes), or you can take a taxi (15-20 minutes). The airport’s compact size makes it refreshingly straightforward compared to major hubs.
If you’re already in Spain, the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants takes just 38 minutes, making Girona easily accessible for a day trip. Regional trains offer a cheaper but slower alternative at around 90 minutes. From Madrid, direct AVE services take about 3.5 hours. By car, the AP-7 motorway connects Barcelona to Girona in 75-90 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run regularly from Barcelona and other Catalan cities, though they’re generally less efficient than trains unless you’re on an extremely tight budget.
How do I get to Girona from Barcelona?
The high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants takes just 38 minutes, making Girona ridiculously accessible for a day trip. Regional trains offer a cheaper but slower alternative at around 90 minutes. By car, the AP-7 motorway gets you there in 75-90 minutes depending on Barcelona traffic (which can be brutal). Buses run regularly but they’re less efficient than trains – no compelling reason to choose them unless you’re on an extremely tight budget.
Is Girona worth visiting as a day trip from Barcelona?
Absolutely. In a single day you can walk the walls, visit the cathedral, explore the Jewish Quarter and enjoy the riverside atmosphere. Loads of people do exactly that and leave satisfied. That said, Girona rewards staying longer – it lets you visit museums at a relaxed pace, properly sample the food scene and use the city as a base for excursions to the Costa Brava or Dalí sites. The evening atmosphere after day-trippers depart is particularly lovely.
How many days should I spend in Girona?
One day covers the highlights. Two to three days provides a richer experience – time for museums, lingering in squares, enjoying restaurants without rushing, maybe a trip to the coast. If you’re planning excursions to places like Cadaqués, Figueres or the medieval villages inland, you could easily justify a week using Girona as your base. The city’s compact enough that you’re never spending ages getting around, which is refreshing after somewhere like Barcelona.
Where should I stay in Girona?
The medieval quarter offers boutique hotels and guesthouses dripping with atmosphere, putting you steps from major sights. You’ll pay a premium but the location’s unbeatable. The modern city around the train station has larger hotels at more competitive rates – convenient for early departures and still only a ten-minute walk to the old town. Honestly, Girona’s small enough that location matters less than in bigger cities. Choose based on the type of accommodation you prefer rather than stressing about precise geography.
When is the best time to visit Girona?
Spring and autumn are ideal – mild temperatures perfect for walking and sightseeing without melting. May is particularly special thanks to Temps de Flors (more on that below), when the entire old town transforms into a floral exhibition. Summer brings hotter weather and more tourists, especially people combining Girona with Costa Brava beach trips. Winter’s quieter and cooler but the city retains its charm – and you’ll have monuments largely to yourself, which has definite appeal.
What are Girona’s main festivals?
Temps de Flors in May is the big one. The entire historic centre becomes a vast floral exhibition – courtyards normally closed to the public open up decorated with elaborate displays, whilst bridges, squares and even the cathedral steps are filled with imaginative installations. It began in 1954 as a small competition and has grown into one of Catalonia’s cultural highlights, attracting visitors from across Europe.
Late October brings Festes de Sant Narcís, celebrating the patron saint with religious ceremonies, concerts, fireworks, markets and castells – those spectacular human towers that Catalonia’s famous for. The atmosphere spreads across the city and offers a very different experience from quieter months.
Can I see Game of Thrones filming locations in Girona?
You can, and they’re all within the compact old town so easy to find independently. The cathedral steps are instantly recognisable as the Great Sept of Baelor. The Jewish Quarter’s twisting lanes became Braavos streets where Arya wandered. The Arab Baths and Sant Pere de Galligants monastery also feature. Several companies offer themed walking tours if you want guided commentary, but honestly a map and your memory of the show are sufficient. Even non-fans find it interesting seeing how the locations work on screen versus reality.
Is Girona safe for travellers?
Generally yes, it’s a safe city without significant crime concerns. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas – same precautions you’d take anywhere. The old quarter stays lively well into evening so it never feels dodgy walking around after dark. Standard urban awareness applies, but Girona’s not a place that should cause safety concerns.
What day trips can I take from Girona?
The Costa Brava coastline is the obvious choice – rocky coves, turquoise waters, fishing villages like Cadaqués, Calella de Palafrugell and Tossa de Mar. Cadaqués connects to Salvador Dalí, who lived nearby in Portlligat; his house-museum there offers intimate insight into his life.
Figueres has the Dalí Theatre-Museum, one of Spain’s most visited museums and a surreal masterpiece worth the trip alone. The volcanic landscapes of La Garrotxa offer hiking through ancient forests and extinct volcanic cones around the medieval town of Olot.
Ancient Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries reveal layers of settlement, whilst medieval villages like Pals and Peratallada showcase perfectly preserved stone streets and fortifications. You could easily spend a week exploring Girona’s surroundings without repeating yourself.
Final Thoughts
Girona consistently surprises people who arrive expecting a quick cathedral visit before moving on. The medieval walls are genuinely impressive rather than token remnants. The Jewish Quarter feels authentically atmospheric rather than reconstructed for tourists. The food scene operates at a level you’d expect from a much larger city. And somehow it all fits together at a human scale that makes exploration a pleasure rather than an exhausting urban assault course.
The Game of Thrones connection has undeniably raised Girona’s profile, but the city hasn’t let that define it. The same qualities that attracted HBO’s location scouts – intact medieval architecture, atmospheric lanes, monumental yet accessible landmarks – are what made Girona compelling long before dragons entered the picture.
When it comes to things to do in Girona, you’ve got enough variety for a satisfying city break whilst being perfectly positioned for wider Catalan exploration. Whether you’re here for a day from Barcelona or settling in for a longer stay, Girona delivers that increasingly rare combination: genuine historical substance without feeling like a heritage theme park, contemporary vitality without losing its character to mass tourism.
Walk the walls at sunset, get lost in El Call‘s maze of lanes, try a xuixo with your morning coffee and spend an evening in Plaça de la Independència watching locals do their thing. That’s when you’ll understand why people who planned a quick visit end up extending their stay.