Unveiling Girona’s charms: Best things to do in Girona City
WHAT TO DO IN GIRONA BY ORDER OF IMPORTANCE
Welcome to the enchanting city of Girona, where history and charm blend harmoniously amidst picturesque landscapes and stunning architecture. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Girona has something for everyone. In this article, we will uncover the top five must-visit places and activities that will leave you spellbound by the beauty of this Catalan gem.
Get lost in its captivating old town, where medieval walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and colorful houses transport you back in time. Admire centuries old churches and Cathedrals. Immerse yourself in the history of one of the best preserved medieval Jewish Quarter in Spain. Visit cool museums and eat the local landscape at its famous eateries.
We help you creating your own list of things to do, by organizing the top must-sees by order of importance and area where they are located.
5 top things to do in Girona
1
Medieval Jewish Quarter
Immerse yourself in centuries of history wandering narrow cobblestone streets and crooked stairs covered with arches, almost tunnel-like. Dating back to the 9th century, Girona's Jewish Quarter, also known as El Call, is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Its medieval buildings now restored, are beautifully preserved. The Jewish community of Girona lived here from the 9th Century until the expulsion in 1492, surviving several attacks - the worst of them in 1391.You'll find here lots of scenic photo opportunities, as well as several cute crafts shops.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: C/ de la Força and streets stemming from it.
OPENING HOURS: Always open (outdoors area to walk around)
CLOSEST TO:
- Museum of the Jewish
- Cathedral of Girona
- Museum of History of Girona
2
Cathedral of Santa Maria de Girona
Stained glasses, sculptures, burial places and fine silverwork decorate the inside. Next you’ll be able to stroll around its peaceful cloister, decorated with intricate Romanesque capitals that depict the stories of the Old and the New Testament. Finally, don’t miss their Treasure Museum, with remarkable pieces, two of them unique items over 1000 years old: the Beatus, a religious book delicately illustrated by hand, and the ever fascinating Tapestry of Creation.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: Plaça de la Catedral
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sat from 10AM to 5, 6, 7 or 8PM depending on the season and day of the week. Sundays from noon to 5, 6 or 7PM.
CLOSEST TO:
- Jewish Quarter
- Museum of Art of Girona
- St. Feliu church
3
Arab Baths
But you can also walk through the Frigidarium and Tepidarium (cold and warm rooms), and what’s left of the Caldarium (hot room) and the ovens that produced the heat, before walking up a short stair that walks you over the rooftop to get a closer view of the skylight and great views over the area. The Arab Baths were also featured in GOT.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: Carrer de Ferran el Catòlic s/n
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sat from 10AM to 6PM. Sundays 10AM to 2PM.
CLOSEST TO:
- Cathedral of Girona
- Church of St. Felix
- Walls Promenade
4
Walls promenade
If you are interested in the Jewish Girona attractions, take a short detour to visit the ruins of Torre Gironella, where the Jewish community was besieged over 17 weeks in 1391.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: From Passeig de la Reina Joana and the Jardins de la Francesa, it’s almost 2km all the way down to Jardins de la Muralla
OPENING HOURS: Outdoors area open all day long.
CLOSEST TO:
- Arab Baths
- Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants / Archaeology Museum
- Cathedral of Girona
5
Church of Sant Feliu
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: Carrer Trasfigueres, 4
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sat, from 10AM to 6PM. Sundays from 1PM to 6PM.
CLOSEST TO:
- Cathedral of Girona
- Arab Baths
- Girona Lioness
Next in the top 10 things to do in Girona city
6
Girona Lioness
This old saying has its origins in the Middle Ages when during a lockdown due to an epidemy the owner of a hostel figured out a game to entertain his forced guests. The idea was to climb a column and kiss the butt of the animal sculpture at the top of it. It became so popular that it’s still nowadays an icon of the city.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: Plaça de Sant Feliu
OPENING HOURS: Always open: outdoors landmark.
CLOSEST TO:
- Onyar River
- St. Felix Church
7
Onyar River
The Onyar is one of the three rivers of Girona, and the most scenic one. It is a natural barrier that protects the Old Town of Girona, making attacks more difficult from that side during the Middle Ages. Once the land became a peaceful territory, houses were built on top of the wall that runs alongside the river, and their colorful façades are one of the must-see views of the city. Several bridges over the river connect the Barri Vell district with the modern part of the city.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: The most scenic part goes between the Pont de Sant Feliu and the Pont de Pedra.
OPENING HOURS: Always open: outdoors landmark.
CLOSEST TO:
- Eiffel bridge
- Girona Lioness
- Rambla de la Llibertat
8
Eiffel Bridge
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: Access from Rambla de la Llibertat and c/ de les Hortes.
OPENING HOURS: Outdoors landmark open all day long.
CLOSEST TO:
- Onyar River
- Rambla de la Llibertat
- Plaça de la Independencia
9
Game of Thrones route
In 2015 some episodes of Season 6 of Game of Thrones were shot in Girona. Different locations served as setting for the cities of Braavos, OldTown and Kings Landing. In Braavos we followed the adventures of a blind Aria stabbed by the Waif. In OldTown we followed the steps of Samwell Tarly at the Citadel Grand Library. And in Kings Landing witnessed Margaery’s walk of atonement as well as the destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor by Cersei. If you want to retrace the shooting locations, make sure to check out our blog post about Girona Game of Thrones.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: Different locations.
OPENING HOURS: Most of them are outdoor locations always open to the public, except for two of them: Sant Pere de Galligants and the Arab Baths.
10
Jewish Museum
From their courtyard you can also access the remains of what used to be the Mikhva (Jewish Baths). Check out too their collection of medieval Hebrew tombstones, one of the most important in Europe. By the way, if you are interested in other Jewish places to visit in Girona, make sure to check out our Jewish Girona tour from Barcelona.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: Carrer de la Força, 8
OPENING HOURS: Tues-Sat, from 10AM to 6PM (July and August until 7PM). Sunday and Monday from 10AM to 2PM.
CLOSEST TO:
- Cathedral of Girona
- Jewish Quarter
- Baixada de Sant Domenech
Do you need 15 things to do in Girona? Here are 5 more!
11
Rambla de la Llibertat
While in general in Catalonia a Rambla is a dry riverbed that carries water only when it rains, in Girona it’s more of the riverside, that was turned into a wide pedestrian area in the 1200’s, when the market used to be celebrated there. It’s nice to walk under its long arcade (try to find a vintage map of Paris and a small demon sculpture hidden between the arches), and enjoy some fine examples of modernist architecture such as Casa Norat.
While in general in Catalonia a Rambla is a dry riverbed that carries water only when it rains, in Girona it’s more of the riverside, that was turned into a wide pedestrian area in the 1200’s, when the market used to be celebrated there. It’s nice to walk under its long arcade (try to find a vintage map of Paris and a small demon sculpture hidden between the arches), and enjoy some fine examples of modernist architecture such as Casa Norat
LOCATION: Barri Vell
OPENING HOURS: Always open: outdoors landmark.
CLOSEST TO:
- Eiffel Bridge
- Baixada de Sant Domenech
- Jewish Quarter
12
Baixada de Sant Domènech
LOCATION: Barri Vell
OPENING HOURS: Always open: outdoors landmark.
CLOSEST TO:
- Jewish Quarter
- Rambla de la Llibertat
- Eiffel Bridge
13
Plaça de la Independència
LOCATION: Barri del Mercadal
OPENING HOURS: Outdoors area open all day long.
CLOSEST TO:
- Onyar River
- Eiffel Bridge
- Rocambolesc
14
Rocambolesc (and the rest of the Roca universe)
Josep, the middle sibling, joined later and he became one of the most prestigious sommeliers in the world. And eventually the youngest, Jordi, arrived to take care of desserts. And it’s precisely desserts what have allowed them to get closer to the main stream public that can’t afford to dine in a 3 Michelin star restaurant. Jordi had the idea to open an ice cream parlour where they could serve the gelato they served at their restaurants, and have fun being even more creative. And it’s been a huge success. From the finest cream to the delicious toppings, from the references to local flavors to surprising designs that refer to popular icons such as Star Wars, GOT or cellphones. The queue outside can be really long in the weekends.
You can complete your visit to the Roca universe by buying some of the Rocambolesc toppings now for sale at their candy store, grabbing a gourmet grilled sandwich at their “bikineria” around the corner, then sampling some chocolates at their chocolate factory and cafe Casa Cacao, and finishing with a memorable brunch with views over Girona at the rooftop of their Casa Cacao hotel or dinner at their Normal restaurant.
LOCATION: Barri del Mercadal
ADDRESS: Carrer de Santa Clara, 50
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sat, from 10.30AM to 9.30PM, Fri and Saturday until 10.30PM .
CLOSEST TO:
- Eiffel Bridge
- Plaça de la Revolució
- Rambla de la Llibertat
15
Aqua Gerunda
Ok, you’ve walked around, you’ve done some sightseeing, you’ve eaten… now what about relaxing a bit? No problem, I get you covered, too! Aqua Gerunda is a wonderful spa featuring a water circuit that occupies a building with Roman and medieval structures. The spa is inspired in the Roman baths with its Frigidarium, Tepidarium and Caldarium pools (cold, warm and hot water – the Tepidarium is a salt-water pool here). There’s also a halotherapy salt room, a water and stones walk way and a lounge room where herbal teas are served. There’s also massage cabins and an enticing selection of massages and rituals.
LOCATION: Barri Vell
ADDRESS: Carrer del Riu Galligants, 5
OPENING HOURS: 10AM to 9PM (Friday and Saturday until 10PM).
CLOSEST TO:
- Sant Pere de Galligants / Archaeology museum
- Arab Baths
- Walls promenade
Last 5 ideas for what to do in Girona
16
Eat a "xuixo"
17
Other Museums
Besides the museum of Jewish History that we’ve discussed before, Girona has a small offer or museums that will provoke your curiosity. Here are some of them:
- Museum of History. Located between the Jewish Quarter and the Cathedral, in a history building that was used among other things as a museum (don’t miss the (a bit creepy) crypt with the monks’ vertical tombs where the bodies were dried up). The collection of the museum gives you a tour of the history of the city from its Roman origins until modern times, trough objects and images.
- Museum of Art of Girona. Located very close to the Cathedral, the building of the old Hospital of Santa Caterina features a fine collection of Catalan Art. The visit also includes the pharmacy of the hospital, considered one of the oldest and best preserved in Catalonia.
- Museum of Archaeology. Inside the premises of the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants is displayed an interesting collection of archaeological pieces: prehistorian weapons, Iberian pottery, a Greek wooden doll, roman mosaics and sarcophagus and medieval metal work. One can say that the structure of the monastery is just as exceptional as the collection itself.
- Museum of Cinema. Jump back to the past and learn about the beginnings of Cinema, from its precedents in the old shadow plays, to the Lumiere brothers, then the arrival of movie theaters and its b/n silent films, old cameras…
18
Fine dinning restaurants
The Roca brothers and their Celler de Can Roca opened up Girona to the world of fine cuisine, becoming an international destination for fine dinning. There’s one 1 Michelin restaurant in town, Massana, and 6 more restaurants recommended by Michelin (SiNoFos, Divinum, Nexe, Normal, Cipresaia and Pocavergonya). And if you need more ideas for where to eat, check out our guide of Girona restaurants.
19
Soccer Game
Go watch the Girona Futbol Club play. Founded in 1930, it’s a club with a long tradition that has played in both Primera División-La Liga and Segunda Division (the top and second to top categories in Spain), and in the 2023-24 season they are having a stellar performance even ranking second only under the Real Madrid and just over the FC Barcelona. They play at the Estadi de Montilivi.
LOCATION: Districte de Montilivi
ADDRESS: Av. Montilivi, 141
OPENING HOURS: Only during matches. Check their calendar here.
20
Day trips from Girona
Are you staying in Girona city for a few days and you have already visited all the top sites? Do you feel like going out of town and explore the surroundings next? Here are some great ideas:
- Take the fast-speed train to Barcelona and spend the day visiting the Gaudi sites.
- Go play golf at one of the world-class courses in the area.
- Visit the Dali Museum in Figueres (you can take the fast-speed train there, too!)
- Rent a car and drive to the villages of the Costa Brava.
- Hike in the Fageda d’en Jorda beechwood and the Olot vulcanoes route.
- Rent a car and explore the medieval towns of the Emporda, the Catalan Tuscany.
- Visit archaeological sites such as those in Empuries and Ullastret.
- Spend the day in the scenic medieval town of Besalu, and visit the only other medieval Jewish Mikhva in Catalonia.
Or is it the opposite? Are you in Barcelona and you need someone to take you to Girona? Look no more! Here are our private day trips from Barcelona to Girona!
What are your favorite Girona things to do?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
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