TOP Things to Do in Girona

Many people associate Girona solely with being a transfer city on the way to Barcelona. In my opinion, this is a big mistake because, having visited Catalonia for over a month, I did not expect something to surprise and charm me as much as Girona did. Girona is truly charming and unique.

What is worth seeing in Girona? What are the most interesting attractions of this city? If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit Girona, I wholeheartedly encourage you. Girona is famous for its ancient center, narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses along the Onyar River, and breathtaking views from the city walls. Walking through its picturesque streets, you can imagine what life was like there a few hundred years ago!

And if you’re wondering whether to visit Girona or already have it in your travel plans, I invite you to read this post. In it, you’ll find some attractions to visit Girona, as well as information to make your visit easier.

What to see in Girona? Stroll through the atmospheric streets

The city was founded around 79 BC, but gained its current shape during the Middle Ages. The biggest attractions are in the Old Town (Barri Vell), which is located within the city walls. In my opinion, it is not only a true architectural gem but also a piece of extremely interesting history.

In terms of tourism, places such as the Jewish Quarter and the famous staircase of Girona Cathedral are particularly noteworthy. Also not to be missed are monuments such as the cathedral, the Arab Baths, and the charming Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. These places will not only transport you back in time but also encourage you to discover local history. And while we’re on the subject of history, there are actually quite a few museums here (seven, to be exact). Girona is the perfect place for any museum lover. ?

Girona attractions: the city walls

Girona is a remarkable city also because of its walls. They were built as early as Roman times when the population did not exceed a few thousand and have been extended over hundreds of years.

If you are going to Girona, you certainly won’t miss them, after all, they surround the Old Town. You can climb them, and walking around the city with these picturesque walls is a must-see. The view from them impresses even the pickiest of tourists, and you’ll take the best photos from here. I won’t comment more, just see for yourself:

Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Girona

Girona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de Girona) is a majestic monument that was built on a hill. As a result, it overlooks the old town, and the cathedral itself is impressive in its size and architecture. It is an unusual blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. The entrance to the cathedral leads through an impressive staircase, which is one of the most recognizable features of the place. It’s worth mentioning that this staircase also became famous for its role in the popular TV series Game of Thrones (I’ll write more about that later).

Entrance to the Cathedral is ticketed, and there are usually no queues. Noteworthy here is the widest Gothic nave vault in the world, which stretches 23 meters wide, as well as the rich ornaments, carvings, and stained glass windows that adorn the temple.

Pont Eiffel – Bridge of the creator of the Eiffel Tower

Pont Eiffel, also known as Pont de les Peixateries Velles, is the bridge of the creator of the Eiffel Tower. This red bridge serves locals on a daily basis but also attracts tourists. For it is also a great observation point for the colorful houses I describe below.

Colorful houses on the Onyar River

The colorful houses are another attraction of Girona. They are worth capturing in photos, but also worth delving into their history. Casas de Onyar have been built since the 17th century. They delight with their architecture, and the best shots of this picturesque corner of the city can be taken from the Pont de Pedra and Pont de les Peixaeries Velles bridges (the previously mentioned Eiffel Bridge).

Girona – in the footsteps of Game of Thrones

Girona is a city that transports you straight into the fantastic world of Game of Thrones, as many scenes from the iconic series’ sixth season were filmed here. Although not as many as in Northern Ireland (Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland), you can still discover the famous locations that played unforgettable roles in the series.

What are these places? First and foremost, visit the renowned St. Mary’s Cathedral staircase, forever etched in Game of Thrones history as the Grand Septon of Baelor’s staircase. Walking up the stone steps, you can feel like the characters in the series.?

Other Game of Thrones locations in Girona include:

• Carrer del Bisbe Josep Cartañà
• St. Dominic’s Convent
• Benedictine Abbey of Sant Pere de Galligants
• Plaza Del Jurats
• Passeig Arqueològic

The Arab Baths of Girona

The Arab Baths of Girona (Banys Àrabs) are one of the city’s most interesting monuments, allowing you to travel back in time. Built in the 12th/13th century, they are still preserved today in fairly good condition. The baths are located on the grounds of the Monastery of the Capuchin Poor Clares. Inside, you can discover rooms that served their functions according to the tradition of the baths, such as the apodyterium (changing room), frigidarium (cold bath), tepidarium (warm bath), and caldarium (hot bath), where rituals of body and spirit purification took place. At the end, you can ascend to the roof. All stages are described and displayed on monitors.

Additionally, this location is ideal for photo shoots. I encountered an “Arabian princess” during such a session, and it looked truly extraordinary. There is an entrance fee (payment by card only).

El Call: The Jewish neighborhood in Girona

The Jewish neighborhood in Girona, El Call, is located at the foot of the cathedral and was the city’s commercial center during Roman times. The main street of the medieval Jewish quarter, Calle de la Forca, is now considered one of the best-preserved ancient Jewish settlements in Europe. El Call was inhabited by Jews only until 1492 when they were expelled.

Today, various stories are hidden in its narrow streets, but above all, this charming place delights tourists. This small area of the city is sure to be memorable for anyone who visits it.

Girona’s legend: el Cul de la Lleona

Girona’s legend involves a lion/cat or, more specifically, a weasel sculpture connected to a 12th-century column. Although said to be a lion, it appears more like a weasel to me. You’ll find her likeness in the city, and she’s officially called “el Cul de la Lleona.” If you want to return to the city, you must kiss her – on the rear, of course.

Where is this sculpture located? In St. Féliu Square, in front of the collegiate church of the same name, right at the beginning of Calderers Street (formerly known as Perolers). The original sculpture you can find in the Girona Art Museum.

Other interesting places in Girona

In this article, I haven’t listed all of the city’s attractions. Girona may not be as big as Barcelona, but you can explore it for quite a while. As I mentioned, there are seven museums in Girona, in addition to numerous religious monuments (such as the Basilica of Sant Feliu) and interesting streets with Art Nouveau buildings.

The most famous street is Rambla de la Llibertat, a wide avenue built in the 13th century. It runs along the Onyar River and for years was the commercial heart of Girona. Today, this picturesque avenue serves as the city’s main promenade, still bustling with activity.

Where and what to eat in Girona?

While in Girona, remember to enjoy local Spanish specialties, such as tapas or paella, as well as traditional Catalan dishes. And, of course, don’t forget the sweets, like churros with hot chocolate!

I personally recommend the Casamoner cafe for coffee and xuixo. This crispy doughnut, originating from Catalan cuisine, is especially popular in Girona. It’s a tasty pastry worth trying.

Accommodation in Girona

In Girona (and practically everywhere in Catalonia), you can find a wide range of places to stay, from guesthouses and hotels to modern apartments. They are cheaper than those in Barcelona while still providing a comfortable stay.

• Where to sleep in Girona? Here are some suggestions:
• If you like historic decor and want to spend a weekend in an unusual place, check out an atmospheric hotel overlooking the city
• This hotel is located in the heart of the city, close to the main attractions. Not only is it beautiful, but it also offers a swimming pool (you’ll definitely relax in it!):
• You can find a great apartment with a view of colorful houses here (it’s also beautiful!)

Girona – Is it worth it?

I hope this post has encouraged you to visit Girona, and the information and attractions I’ve listed here will make it easier for you to explore the city. Girona is a city full of charm, surprisingly rich in culture and architecture. It is an ideal place for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Personally, I visited Girona only this year, and I know that I will want to return.

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