Ultimate Travel Guide to Girona, Spain: History, Culture & Hidden Gems

Located in northeastern Spain, just over an hour from Barcelona, Girona is a charming city known for its well-preserved Old Town, medieval walls, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a photographer, or a Game of Thrones fan, Girona offers something for everyone.
 

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the city’s top attractions, cultural highlights, travel tips, and much more.

📍 Where is Girona?

Region: Catalonia, Spain

Province: Girona

Distance from Barcelona: ~100 km (62 miles)

Accessible by: Train, car, bus, or guided tour

Girona sits near the confluence of four rivers and serves as a gateway to the Costa Brava, making it a great stop on any Catalonia itinerary.

🕰️ A Brief History of Girona

Founded: Originally an Iberian settlement, later developed by the Romans as Gerunda

Medieval Era: Flourished as a walled city with strong Jewish and Christian communities

Modern Times: A blend of old-world charm and youthful Catalan energy

Girona has endured sieges, invasions, and revolutions, yet still stands proud with one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe.

🏛️ Top Things to Do in Girona

1. Walk the City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla)

Climb Girona’s ancient walls for panoramic views of the city, mountains, and cathedral

Some sections date back to Roman times, while others were restored in the Middle Ages

Best visited in the early morning or golden hour for photos

2. Girona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria)

Boasts the widest Gothic nave in the world

Mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles

Famous filming location in Game of Thrones Season 6

3. Jewish Quarter (El Call)

Narrow, winding alleys that once housed Girona’s thriving Jewish community

Home to the Museum of Jewish History, offering insight into Catalonia’s multicultural past

4. Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)

12th-century public baths modeled after Roman and Muslim styles

Atmospheric interiors perfect for photos and learning about medieval hygiene

5. River Onyar & Colorful Houses

The postcard view of Girona: brightly painted houses lining the Onyar River

Cross Pont de les Peixateries Velles, a red iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel

6. Plaça de la Independència

Lively square surrounded by cafes and restaurants

Great spot to enjoy tapas or watch local life go by

🎬 Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Girona played a major role in Season 6 of Game of Thrones, doubling as parts of Braavos and King's Landing.

Notable filming spots:

Girona Cathedral stairs – where Queen Margaery does her walk

Carrer del Bisbe Josep Cartañà – Arya’s blind beggar scenes

Arab Baths – training location for the Faceless Men

Tip: Join a Game of Thrones-themed walking tour for behind-the-scenes stories!

🍽️ What to Eat in Girona

Girona is a culinary hotspot with both Michelin-starred restaurants and cozy Catalan taverns.

Must-Try Foods

Pa amb tomàquet – Toasted bread with tomato and olive oil

Butifarra – Local pork sausage

Xuixo – A flaky, sugar-coated pastry filled with cream

Fideuà – Noodle-based cousin of paella, often with seafood

Top Restaurants

El Celler de Can Roca – Frequently ranked among the best restaurants in the world

Le Bistrot – Rustic Catalan food in the Old Town

La Fabrica – Popular brunch and coffee spot among cyclists and digital nomads

🛍️ Where to Shop in Girona

Rambla de la Llibertat – Lined with boutiques, bakeries, and souvenir shops

El Call – Small artisan shops in the Jewish Quarter

Mercat del Lleó – Girona’s main food market offering local produce and delicacies

📅 Best Time to Visit Girona

Spring (April–June): Ideal temperatures and the famous Temps de Flors flower festival

Autumn (September–October): Mild weather, fewer tourists

Summer (July–August): Warm and lively but more crowded

Winter (December–February): Quiet and charming, but some attractions may have reduced hours

🎟️ Entry Fees and Tickets (as of 2025)

Some attractions offer combo tickets or discounts for students and seniors.

🚶 Suggested Walking Itinerary (1–2 Days)

Day 1: Old Town Discovery

Start at the Cathedral and walk the city walls

Explore El Call and visit the Jewish History Museum

Stop at Arab Baths, then enjoy lunch at Le Bistrot

Walk along the Onyar River and cross the Eiffel Bridge

Relax at Plaça de la Independència for dinner and wine

Day 2 (Optional):

Visit Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants

Take a bike ride to Devesa Park, the largest urban park in Catalonia

End the day at El Celler de Can Roca (reservations essential!)

🚆 How to Get to Girona

By Train:

From Barcelona (Sants Station): ~40 minutes by high-speed AVE

From Madrid: ~3.5 hours by AVE (with transfer)

From Paris: TGV trains connect to Girona in ~6 hours

By Car:

Drive from Barcelona in just over 1 hour

Easy day trip with free or paid parking near the city center

By Plane:

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is ~20 minutes from the city

Mostly budget flights from European cities

🏨 Where to Stay in Girona

Luxury:

Hotel Nord 1901 – Elegant boutique hotel with a pool near the Old Town

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona – Romantic stay within a historic building

Mid-range:

Hotel Ciutat de Girona – Centrally located and modern

Hotel Ultonia Girona – Great value and rooftop views

Budget:

Bed in Girona – Hostel-style, clean and central

Erba by Pillow – Affordable and stylish rooms near the train station

📸 Photography Tips

Best Viewpoints: Cathedral steps, city walls, Eiffel Bridge

Golden Hour: Capture the colorful riverside houses at sunset

Low Light: El Call’s stone alleys look dramatic with early morning fog or evening lamps

🎉 Girona’s Cultural Events

Temps de Flors (May): Entire city transforms with floral installations

Sant Narcís Festival (October): Traditional fair with music, food, and fireworks

Holy Week (March/April): Religious processions through the Old Town

🧭 Why Visit Girona?

Rich blend of Roman, Jewish, and Catalan heritage

Unspoiled medieval architecture and small-town atmosphere

Culinary hotspot with world-class and local options

Compact and walkable – perfect for short or long visits

Close to Barcelona, the Pyrenees, and the Costa Brava

🔚 Final Thoughts

Girona is a perfect blend of old and new — a city where history, art, food, and fantasy meet. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of medieval monks or Arya Stark, Girona’s cobblestone streets, stunning vistas, and local warmth will leave a lasting impression.

Add it to your Catalonia bucket list — you’ll be glad you did!