Girona, Spain: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Girona   Catedral de Girona
Girona Catedral de Girona
CC BY-SA 3.0 / MontanNit

Known as the ‘City of the Four Rivers’, Girona’s historic quarter is a captivating blend of medieval architecture and Roman, Arab, and Hebrew influences.

Within the walled enclosure of the Força Vella, you can find the masterpieces of Girona’s historical development. The city’s prime location between the Pyrenees mountain range and the Costa Brava allows for numerous excursions to nearby towns and natural areas. These locations offer travelers the chance to experience regional gastronomy, which artfully combines sea and mountain ingredients in its recipes.

Nestled in the Ter valley, where four rivers converge, Girona’s landscape is unique. The Onyar River, one of these rivers, divides the historic center from the modern city, creating a picturesque contrast between the old and new.

History of Girona

Ancient Origins of Girona

Girona’s history dates back to ancient times when it was founded as the Roman settlement of Gerunda. The strategic location at the confluence of four rivers made it an important defensive and trading post in the Roman Empire.

Girona During the Middle Ages

In the early Middle Ages, Girona was conquered by the Visigoths and later by the Moors. The city flourished under Moorish rule, developing significant cultural and architectural advancements. By the 8th century, Girona was reclaimed by Charlemagne and integrated into the Carolingian Empire, becoming a crucial frontier town.

The Romanesque and Gothic Periods in Girona

Girona experienced substantial growth during the Romanesque period. The construction of the impressive Girona Cathedral began in the 11th century and continued into the Gothic period, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. The city walls were also expanded to protect its growing population and economic interests.

Girona’s Jewish Heritage

From the 12th to the 15th centuries, Girona was home to a thriving Jewish community. The Jewish Quarter, known as El Call, became one of the most significant in medieval Europe. The community contributed greatly to the city’s intellectual and cultural life until their expulsion in 1492.

Girona in the Modern Era

The modern era brought numerous challenges to Girona, including several sieges. Notably, the city withstood a prolonged siege during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century, earning it the nickname “Immortal City.” Despite these hardships, Girona continued to develop and modernize, integrating new infrastructure while preserving its historical heritage.

Girona Today

Today, Girona is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich history with contemporary life. The well-preserved medieval architecture, bustling cultural scene, and scenic landscapes attract visitors from around the world. Girona’s unique location between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava also makes it a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Girona for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Girona on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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34 Best places to See in Girona

This complete guide to Girona not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Girona and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Monument del Lleó

Monument del Lleó
Monument del Lleó
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo
Monument del Lleó is a civic war memorial in Girona, set in Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba near the Mercat del Lleó, where daily city life flows around it. A tall fluted column lifts a carved stone lion above a hefty square base, whose plaque-like panels commemorate officers and defenders lost in the Napoleonic sieges of 1808–1809. Look for the draped standard and a central medallion listing siege commanders, details that give the monument a formal, military tone. Unveiled on November 7, 1909 in a temporary version, it was rebuilt in durable stone in 1915. Standing on the former Baluard de Sant Francesc, it quietly ties the square to Girona’s defensive past.
Location: Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba, s/n, 17002 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.1km

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2. Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina

Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina
Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric
Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina is a mid-17th-century Baroque hospital complex in Girona’s Mercadal district, created to replace an older medieval infirmary and to serve the sick and poor for centuries. Its orderly plan revolves around a central courtyard designed to bring light and air into the wards, and today the Magnolia Courtyard is one of the spaces visitors linger in. On visits, you’ll see a remarkably preserved Baroque pharmacy with carved cabinetry and rows of ceramic apothecary jars, plus the former chapel that once paired spiritual care with medicine. The building now houses Generalitat offices, yet historic rooms—such as the lobby with original 1600s wood wainscoting—retain a lived-in civic atmosphere.
Location: Pça. Pompeu Fabra, 1, 17002 Girona, Spain | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Standard guided visit: €6 per person (reservation required). | Website | Distance: 0.2km

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Girona. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

3. Mercat del Lleó

Mercat del Lleó
Mercat del Lleó
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Zarateman
Mercat del Lleó is Girona’s central municipal food market, a working indoor hall where the city’s daily shopping habits are on display. The current building was begun in 1941 and inaugurated in 1944, a mid‑20th‑century reset of older market traditions that once clustered outside the walls and later on the Rambla de la Llibertat. Inside, you’ll notice the dense mix of seafood counters, butchers and charcuterie, cheeses, breads, and produce sourced from the Catalan countryside and nearby Mediterranean coast. The air shifts between fresh bread and cured meats, and the aisles hum with quick greetings and bargaining. Travelers remember the seasonal stalls and the easy chance to grab picnic provisions like fuet or sliced ham.
Location: Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba, 15, 17002 Girona, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 07:00–14:00. Saturday: 07:00–14:30. Closed on Sunday. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.2km

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4. Pont de Pedra

Pont de Pedra
Pont de Pedra
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Georges Jansoone (JoJan)
Pont de Pedra (Stone Bridge) is a mid-19th-century stone crossing over Girona’s River Onyar, built to replace an earlier wooden bridge and to link the historic center with the newer districts across the water. Its calm, low profile and a run of stone arches make it feel more like part of the streetscape than a standalone monument. From the parapet you get a clear, level view down the river corridor to the pastel-colored façades stacked along the banks—especially striking in late light when the houses warm in tone. It’s also a lived-in place: locals stream across daily, and you may catch street musicians or small seasonal activity on the bridge itself.
Location: Carrer de Sta. Clara, 12, 17001 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.4km

Explore Girona at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Girona one of the best places to visit in Spain.

5. Girona City Hall ajuntame to

Girona City Hall ajuntame to
Girona City Hall ajuntame to
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric
Girona City Hall (Ajuntament de Girona) stands on Plaça del Vi, a civic square where local life still plays out in the Old Town. The building is organized around an interior courtyard, and the main façade is marked by three large portals that lead into a vaulted entry space. Look up to see a mix of balcony styles—some newer, some plainer—evidence of phased restorations, including an early-1900s overhaul that replaced parts of the older front with a more monumental design and a prominent central balcony. In the courtyard, stone details include the city’s coat of arms and a reminder of its practical past, when official measuring standards were installed here in 1830.
Location: Plaça del Vi, 1, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 08:00–15:00. Closed on Saturday, Sunday. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.5km

6. Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola

Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola
Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Teresa Grau Ros
Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola is Girona’s main public library in the Eixample, a contemporary civic space that shows the city’s everyday cultural life beyond the medieval core. Opened in late 2014 and inaugurated in early 2015, it’s a large, cube-like building by Corea, Moran & Guerrico wrapped in translucent U-glass that diffuses daylight and makes the façade glow like a lantern after dark. Inside, rooms are organized around three courtyards and linked by a broad central staircase, with a children’s area, exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a café at ground level. Visitors tend to remember the calm, light-filled reading rooms and the quiet, rule-conscious atmosphere noted in reviews.
Location: Carrer Emili Grahit, 4C, 17002 Girona, Spain | Hours: (Summer) June 20 – September 15; Monday – Friday: 10:00–20:00; Saturday: Closed; Sunday: Closed. (Winter) September 16 – June 19; Monday – Friday: 10:00–20:00; Saturday: 10:00–14:00; Sunday: Closed. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.5km

7. Pont de les Peixateries Velles

Pont de les Peixateries Velles
Pont de les Peixateries Velles
Pont de les Peixateries Velles is Girona’s bright red iron footbridge over the Onyar River, linking the Old Town with the Mercadal side in a few quick steps. Built in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel’s workshop, its riveted latticework feels almost industrial against the medieval streets nearby. The bridge is narrow—about nine feet wide—with wooden planks that subtly creak as people pass, making the crossing feel intimate and alive. Pause at the center and you get the view everyone remembers: the Onyar below and a tight row of riverside houses painted in ochres, blues, and pinks, with church towers rising behind. It’s a practical crossing that doubles as Girona’s most recognizable frame.
Location: Pont de les Peixateries Velles, Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.6km

8. CaixaForum Girona

CaixaForum Girona
CaixaForum Girona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo
CaixaForum Girona is a contemporary cultural center inside La Fontana d’Or, a 13th-century palace built over a site that once held a mill recorded in 1078. The preserved portico, inner courtyard, and triforium-style windows make the building as memorable as the shows. Opened in 2011 as part of Spain’s CaixaForum network, it packs about 400 m² of galleries across the ground floor and basement, with rotating temporary exhibitions ranging from ancient-civilization themes to photography, comics, and modern art. An “Acceso directo” series adds small, collection-based micro-exhibitions. Visitors also notice the intimate 108-seat auditorium and frequent talks and screenings, and many appreciate how smoothly timed entry works even on busy days.
Location: Carrer dels Ciutadans, 19, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00–14:00 & 17:00–20:00. Saturday: 11:00–14:00 & 17:00–20:00. Sunday: 11:00–14:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.6km

9. Rambla de la Llibertat

Rambla de la Llibertat
Rambla de la Llibertat
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Joe Mabel
Rambla de la Llibertat is Girona’s central boulevard in the historic core, a long promenade that has served as the city’s market-and-meeting street since the 13th century. In 1869 it took its current name after a “Tree of Freedom” was planted here, tying the street to a moment of liberal politics as well as everyday commerce. Visitors notice the uneven, low arcades that shelter cafés, shops, and restaurant terraces, plus a central strip of trees and benches that softens the bustle. Look for the 1912 Casa Norat with its Modernist flourishes, and small details like the Trobada Point’s bronze fingerprints set into the pavement. Later in the evening, the crowd thins and the rambla feels calmer for a lingering stroll.
Location: Rambla de la Llibertat, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.6km

10. Mercat del Lleó

Mercat del Lleó
Mercat del Lleó
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Emvallmitjana
Mercat del Lleó is Girona’s central municipal food market, an indoor hall where the city’s everyday shopping happens in full view. Inside, you’ll circle counters piled with fish and seafood, butcher and charcuterie specialties, cheeses, bread, and pastries, while extra fruit-and-veg stalls often spill outside on weekends. The experience is tactile and quick: tight aisles, rapid-fire chats with vendors, and a clear sense of what’s seasonal in Catalonia. Even without a kitchen, it’s an easy place to assemble a picnic or grab a simple bite like a tortilla or jamón sandwich, with locals and travelers browsing side by side.
Location: Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba, 15, 17002 Girona, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 07:00–14:00. Saturday: 07:00–14:30. Closed on Sunday. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.7km

11. Onyar River Colored Houses

Cases de l’Onyar
Cases de l’Onyar
The Onyar River Colored Houses are Girona’s tight row of tall, narrow riverside buildings, painted in ochres, pinks, yellows, and reds so their facades and balconies glow above the water. Built right up to the river’s edge in medieval times, they later gained their coordinated palette through the influence of architect Rafael Masó and local artists, turning everyday housing into the city’s visual shorthand. From the bridges, the scene feels almost theatrical: irregular rooflines stack together while reflections double the colors in the current. Crossing the iron Eiffel Bridge (1877) sharpens the contrast between the medieval Old Town bank and the newer city side, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Location: Rambla de la Llibertat, 23, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.7km

12. Plaça de la Independència

Plaça de la Independència
Plaça de la Independència
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo
Plaça de la Independència is Girona’s 19th-century civic square just off the Onyar River by the Sant Agustí Bridge, built on the former Convent of Sant Agustí. Its orderly neoclassical façades and continuous arcades form a calm, symmetrical frame for cafés and small shops, with shade-and-light rhythms under the colonnades. At the center stands the Monument to the Defenders of Girona (unveiled in 1894), recalling the city’s resistance during the 1808–1809 French sieges. For a quieter, quirky detail, find the “Turtle Boy” fountain at the north end, a small bronze figure perched on a turtle. Benches and terrace tables make it feel like Girona’s outdoor living room, especially toward evening.
Location: Pl. de la Independència, 17001 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.7km

13. Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809
Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809
CC BY-SA 3.0 / JoJan
Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809 is a memorial in Plaça de la Independència that honors the citizens and soldiers who held Girona during the Napoleonic sieges of 1808–1809. Inaugurated in 1894, it rises from a hefty stone pedestal crowned by a bronze fighter, posed as if still guarding the city. Walk around the base to spot relief scenes and inscriptions that recount the suffering—famine, disease, and loss—alongside the defenders’ resolve. The setting is part of what you remember: neoclassical arcades, café terraces, and a steady plaza buzz that contrasts with the monument’s sober tone. It’s both a meeting-point landmark and a quiet pause for reflection.
Location: 17001 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.7km

14. Museum of Jewish History

Museum of Jewish History, Girona
Museum of Jewish History, Girona
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Kippelboy
Girona’s Museum of Jewish History is a compact, carefully curated museum that explains the medieval Jewish quarter, the Call, through Girona-specific evidence and the wider story of Jewish life in Catalonia. Set within the same narrow lanes and stair-stepped passages outside, it helps you read the street plan—tight plots, shadowed alleys, and thresholds—as the framework of a community shaped by law, work, worship, and shifting boundaries. Visitors often note the professional displays and an especially engaging film, as well as clear multilingual interpretation in Catalan, Spanish, and English. Expect a focused visit rather than a vast collection, with a small shop and occasional temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent galleries.
Location: Museu d'Història dels Jueus Carrer de la Força, 8 17004 Girona Spain | Hours: (Summer) July – August: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00; Monday, Sunday & public holidays: 10:00–14:00. (Winter) September – June: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–18:00; Monday, Sunday & public holidays: 10:00–14:00. Open on 24 December & 31 December: 10:00–14:00. Closed on 01 January, 06 January, 25 December & 26 December. | Price: €4 standard; €2 reduced; free entry for under 14s and selected passes/groups. | Website | Distance: 0.8km

15. Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó
Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó
Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó is the early-20th-century riverside home of architect Rafael Masó, a key voice of Catalan Noucentism, and it shows how his ideas about calm proportion and modern living played out room by room. Between 1911 and 1919 he fused four adjoining houses into a single, flowing residence on Carrer de les Ballesteries, facing the Onyar. Inside, visitors move through a complete domestic world—dining room, kitchen, library, bedrooms—where stained glass, mosaic floors, bespoke woodwork, ceramics, and textiles feel integral rather than decorative. Drawings, models, and family artworks add a personal layer, while the river-facing windows frame Girona’s colored façades from an insider’s vantage point.
Location: Carrer de les Ballesteries, 29, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: Guided visits at agreed times (advance reservation required). Closed on Sunday, Monday. Closed on local and national bank holidays. | Price: Adults: €10; Carnet Jove: €7; Reduced (50%): €5; Under 16: free (with an adult). | Website | Distance: 0.8km

16. Parc del Migdia

Parc del Migdia
Parc del Migdia
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Canaan
Parc del Migdia is a calm urban park just south of Girona’s historic center, created by converting former military grounds into open green space that locals use daily. Visitors notice broad lawns and clusters of shade trees, plus an artificial pond where mallards gather near the water’s edge. The mood is relaxed and lived-in: kids skate or chase Frisbees, while others read on benches or study along the paths. On good-weather days, the park can turn into a small community stage with pop-up concerts, storytelling, puppet shows, and neighborhood festivals. A café terrace overlooking the pond is an easy place to pause for a drink.
Location: Carrer de Pau Vila i Dinarès, 17003 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.8km

17. Parc de la Devesa

Parc de la Devesa
Parc de la Devesa
CC BY-SA 3.0 / klimmanet
Parc de la Devesa is Girona’s largest urban park, a nearly 40-hectare green expanse that links the historic center with the modern city. Its most memorable feature is the grid of long, straight promenades under more than 2,500 plane trees, many planted in the mid-19th century, creating a tall, cooling canopy and strong symmetry. Between the shaded avenues are broad lawns and open clearings where locals jog, cycle, walk dogs, or spread out for a picnic. The park also doubles as an events ground, with seasonal fairs, markets, and festival installations that can add energy—or, at times, clutter. Late afternoon light through the trees is especially striking.
Location: Passeig de la Devesa, 38, 17007 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.8km

18. Pont d'en Gómez o de la Princesa

Pont d’en Gómez o de la Princesa
Pont d’en Gómez o de la Princesa
Pont d’en Gómez o de la Princesa is a slim, single-arch pedestrian bridge over the River Onyar in central Girona, built in 1915 in early reinforced concrete to replace an older wooden crossing. It links the Sant Feliu side with lanes toward Carrer Ballesteries, and its real draw is the close-up view of the stacked, colorful riverfront façades and their reflections. In warm evening light, the buildings glow and photographers linger mid-span for the best framing downriver. The railings are often dotted with love locks (periodically cleared by the city), and the bridge has a quirky, gentle bounce if people jump near the center. Reviews regularly mention sunset and night lighting as the most memorable moments.
Location: Pont d'en Gómez, 2, 17001 Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.8km

19. Museu d'Història de Girona

Museu d’Història de Girona
Museu d’Història de Girona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Histanna
Museu d’Història de Girona is the city’s history museum, set in Girona’s Old Town inside the former 18th-century Capuchin convent of Sant Antoni, where stone cloisters and vaulted rooms are part of the experience. The galleries follow a chronological route from Roman Gerunda through Girona’s medieval fortified era and into 19th- and 20th-century change. Along the way you’ll see archaeological finds, coins and tools, religious objects, and artworks, plus scale models and reconstructions that show how the walls and street plan evolved. Sections on the Napoleonic sieges and the Spanish Civil War add weight to the modern story. Visitors often note the logical multi-floor layout, though English text can be limited.
Location: Carrer de la Força, 27, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: (Summer) May – September; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30–18:30; Sunday & public holidays: 10:30–13:30. Closed on Monday. (Winter) October – April; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30–17:30; Sunday & public holidays: 10:30–13:30. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €4.20; Reduced: €2.10; Under 16: free; Free entry: first Sunday of each month. | Website | Distance: 0.9km

20. Casa Pastors

Casa Pastors
Casa Pastors
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo
Casa Pastors is a grand townhouse in Girona’s Barri Vell, built into the city’s Roman and medieval fortifications, so its architecture feels literally fused with the old defenses. The exterior stands out for its finely cut stone blocks and a rounded-arch portal with quilted Baroque stonework, topped by a roof of aquamarine Arabic tiles. Inside, you enter a rectangular courtyard that turns oddly triangular where it meets the Sant Feliu wall, a memorable reminder of how the building wraps around the ancient ramparts. Its shifting roles—from canon’s residence and seminary to the Provincial Court (1973–2013)—left an institutional atmosphere that contrasts with today’s exhibition use. Visitors often remark on the calm, cool refuge and the pleasure of lingering over the building’s details.
Location: Pl. de la Catedral, 2, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.9km

21. Museu d'Art de Girona

Museu d’Art de Girona
Museu d’Art de Girona
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Eboix
Museu d’Art de Girona is the city’s main fine-arts museum, set inside the former Episcopal Palace beside Girona Cathedral, where Romanesque foundations meet Gothic and later Baroque additions. The setting matters: you’re walking through the same ecclesiastical power center that commissioned much of the art on view. Galleries move from 12th-century Romanesque carvings—capitals and small figures with a striking, tactile presence—into medieval and Renaissance panel paintings and altarpiece fragments tied to local churches. Later rooms add Baroque works and 19th- to early-20th-century painting that tracks changing Catalan styles. Visitors often remember the layered palace architecture, occasional views over the old quarter, and a small, well-liked gift shop.
Location: Pujada de la Catedral, 12, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday (May – September): 10:00–19:00. Tuesday – Saturday (October – April): 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €6; Reduced: €4; Under 16: free; First Sunday of each month: free. | Website | Distance: 0.9km

22. Jardins de la Francesa

Jardins de la Francesa looking towards the Cathedral
Jardins de la Francesa, Girona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric
Jardins de la Francesa is a small public garden tucked behind the apse of Girona Cathedral in the Barri Vell, where the city’s religious complex meets the line of old fortifications. Enclosed by stone walls and pockets of shade, it feels like a quiet threshold space rather than a formal park, with benches for a short pause away from the narrow lanes. What visitors remember is the “backstage” view of the cathedral’s rear façade—more textured and close-up than the grand front approach. The setting also makes Girona’s defensive geography easy to read, with the wall walk beginning nearby and elevated ground hinting at the city’s strategic past. Reviews often mention the calm atmosphere, even when the garden looks a little dry or unkempt.
Location: Jardins de La Francesa, Carrer del Bisbe Josep Cartañà, Girona, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1km

23. Jardins dels Alemanys

Jardins dels Alemanys, Girona
Jardins dels Alemanys, Girona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo
Jardins dels Alemanys are small public gardens tucked against Girona’s medieval walls in the Barri Vell, where shaded paths and fragments of old stonework make a quiet pause above the old town. Named for a former barracks area linked to German soldiers, the site still feels suspended between garden and fortification. Visitors notice benches scattered through the lower terraces, then a rougher, less-manicured upper section where ruins and steps appear almost by accident. It’s also a natural gateway onto the ramparts: you can slip from greenery straight onto the wall walk for rooftop and tower views. Late-day light warms the stone and thins the crowds.
Location: Jardins dels Alemanys, Carrer de la Muralla, Girona, Spain | Hours: (Summer) 1 June – 31 August: Daily: 08:00–23:00. (Winter) 1 September – 31 May: Daily: 08:00–21:00. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1km

24. Passeig arqueològic

Passeig arqueològic
Passeig arqueològic
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Manel Zaera
Passeig arqueològic is a hushed green walkway on Girona’s northeast Old Town edge, tracing the line of the city’s fortifications like a path between town and countryside. Stone paving and short stair runs follow Carolingian-era wall fragments and later medieval towers, with frequent gaps that open onto rooftops and the wider landscape. The experience is tactile—uneven cobbles, cool stonework, and lookout points that make the city’s defensive shape easy to read. Higher stretches near the towers are the spots people linger for wide photos and a medieval-city feeling. Travelers often mention how peaceful it is and how quickly the views change as you climb.
Location: 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: (September – May) Daily: 08:00–21:00. (June – August) Daily: 08:00–23:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1km

25. Muralles de Girona

Muralles de Girona
Muralles de Girona
Muralles de Girona are the ancient city walls you can walk atop, tracing Girona’s long defensive edge while seeing the Old Town from roofline height. Begun as Roman fortifications around 1 B.C. and expanded into broad medieval ramparts by the 14th century, they once absorbed more than two dozen sieges before parts were dismantled or left to decay in the 19th century. Recent restoration has reopened the rampart paths, where towers create higher photo perches and arrow slits and narrow openings hint at their original purpose. From the walkway, views spill over terracotta rooftops to the cathedral’s bell tower and, on clear days, the jagged line of the Pyrenees.
Location: Carrer dels Alemanys, 20, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: (September – May) Daily: 08:00–21:00. (June – August) Daily: 08:00–23:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1km

26. Torre Gironella

Torre Gironella
Torre Gironella
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo
Torre Gironella is an atmospheric ruin at Girona’s highest point on the old Roman walls of the Força Vella, tucked behind the cathedral near the Bishop’s Palace. It matters because its stones show how the city’s defenses evolved: a Roman square tower partly buried in an embankment, a barrel-vaulted supporting structure, and later medieval walls layered on top. You can climb worn stone steps into a small access courtyard and look for the Joana Enríquez Gate, added during 15th-century reinforcements. The tower is mentioned as early as 994 and was later folded into the Castle of Gironella, before Napoleonic troops left it in ruins in 1814. Today, people linger for rooftop-and-hill views, though it can feel crowded at peak times.
Location: Carrer de la Muralla, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: (September – May) Daily: 08:00–21:00. (June – August) Daily: 08:00–23:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1km

27. Girona Cathedral

Girona Cathedral
Girona Cathedral
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Михаил Бернгардт
Girona Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Mary) rises above Girona’s Old Town from the top of a punishing 91-step Baroque staircase, a stone stage that visitors linger on to catch their breath and watch the city move below. Built over roughly seven centuries, it layers Romanesque roots with a bold Gothic interior and a commanding façade. Inside, the vast nave—nearly 23 meters wide—feels almost unreal in scale, swallowing sound and drawing your eyes straight up. Film fans recognize the steps as the Great Sept of Baelor in Game of Thrones, where a horse was even trained to climb them for a tense scene. Rain or late-day light only heightens the cathedral’s drama.
Location: Pl. de la Catedral, s/n, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: (Summer) June 15 – September 15; Monday – Friday: 10:00–19:00; Saturday: 10:00–20:00; Sunday: 12:00–19:00. (Winter) November 1 – March 14; Monday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00; Sunday: 12:00–17:00. | Price: Adults: €7.50; Pensioners & students: €5.00; Under 16: €1.50; Under 8: free. | Website | Distance: 1km

28. Arab Baths

Arab Baths
Arab Baths
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tim Adams
Girona’s Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) are a compact Romanesque bathhouse built in 1194 by Christian Girona, later nicknamed “Arab” for its hammam-inspired design. Walking through the hushed stone interior follows a five-room sequence: the apodyterium changing hall with slim columns around an octagonal pool, then the frigidarium, tepidarium, and the caldarium once heated by an underfloor hypocaust. The complex survived because it was absorbed into a Capuchin convent in the 1600s and repurposed as workrooms, preserving its layout. Visitors remember the cool light slipping through domed openings, the geometry of arches and capitals, and how small the site is—easy to take in slowly.
Location: Carrer del Rei Ferran el Catòlic, s/n, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on January 1, January 6, December 24, December 25, December 26. | Price: Adults: €3; Over 65: €2; Reduced: €1; Under 8: free. | Website | Distance: 1km

29. Basílica de Sant Feliu

Basílica de Sant Feliu
Basílica de Sant Feliu
CC BY-SA 3.0 / CARLETES
Basílica de Sant Feliu is Girona’s Church of Saint Felix, a long-built sanctuary in the old core that predates the cathedral’s rise and still shapes the skyline. Its exterior reads like a layered timeline: a rugged, almost fortress-like body, a tall Gothic bell tower, and an older Romanesque apse anchoring the east end, capped by later Baroque work at the entrance. Inside, the atmosphere is cool and hushed, with chapels and a gilded high altar adding ceremony without the cathedral’s scale. The most memorable details are the eight 3rd–4th century sarcophagi set along the walls, carved with early Christian and Roman scenes that make the space feel like a living time capsule.
Location: Carrer Trasfigueres, 4, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 13:00–18:00. | Price: Cathedral + Basílica de Sant Feliu: Adults: €7.50; Reduced: €5; Youth: €1.50 (includes audio guide). Free for children under 7 and Girona natives/residents. | Website | Distance: 1km

30. El Cul de la Lleona Restaurante

El Cul de la Lleona Restaurante
El Cul de la Lleona Restaurante
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Harvey Barrison
El Cul de la Lleona Restaurante is a small, cozy dining room in Girona’s Barri Vell, named for the nearby lioness sculpture outside Sant Feliu—a Romanesque-era figure on a column tied to the cheeky local ritual of kissing its rear to ensure a return to the city. The restaurant feels like a natural pause after wandering the stone lanes, with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere and straightforward set menus. Diners often remember hearty, well-seasoned plates—fish or beef options, cured meats with salad, and comforting desserts like flan—served without fuss. It’s a place where the Old Town’s humor and folklore sit neatly alongside a satisfying, good-value meal.
Location: Carrer dels Calderers, 8, 17004 Girona, Spain | Hours: Sunday: 12:00–16:00. Monday: Closed. Tuesday: 12:00–16:00. Wednesday: 12:00–16:00. Thursday: 12:00–16:00 & 19:30–22:30. Friday: 12:00–16:00 & 19:30–22:30. Saturday: 12:00–16:00 & 19:00–23:00. | Price: Check official website. | Distance: 1km

31. Archaeology Museum of Catalonia

Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona
Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona
CC BY-SA 2.5 / Chosovi
The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia (MAC Girona) is an archaeology museum set inside the Romanesque Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, and the building is part of the experience as much as the collection. You move through stone-vaulted rooms and a cloister of double-columned arches, with an octagonal bell tower and a geometric rose window casting soft light. The galleries trace roughly 2,000 years of local life, from Paleolithic traces through Iberian settlements, Roman Girona, and Visigothic and medieval eras. Expect intimate objects—pottery fragments, children’s toys, burial goods, jewelry—alongside Roman inscriptions and mosaics, plus early Christian pieces that hint at shifting beliefs.
Location: Carrer de Santa Llúcia, 8, 17007 Girona, Spain | Hours: (Summer) May 1 – September 30; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. (Winter) October 1 – April 30; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €6; Reduced: €4. | Website | Distance: 1.1km

32. Sant Pere de Galligants

Sant Pere de Galligants
Sant Pere de Galligants
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rafa Esteve
Sant Pere de Galligants is a Romanesque monastery complex in Girona’s Old Town, now home to the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, where medieval stonework frames a compact, artifact-filled visit. Nearby, the hefty Galligants Bridge still spans the former river course—a “bridge without a river” after the channel was diverted—yet it keeps the atmosphere of a place shaped by water, including a historic flood that once sent four meters of water through the neighborhood. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize the bridge from season 6, episode 7, where Arya pauses before an ambush; the dramatic views and towering Titan were added with CGI. Inside, visitors often linger over the cloister’s quiet symmetry and the museum’s clear, information-rich displays.
Location: Carrer de Santa Llúcia, 8, 17007 Girona, Spain | Hours: (Summer) May 1 – September 30; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00; Sunday: 10:00–14:00. (Winter) October 1 – April 30; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–18:00; Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €6; Reduced: €4; Under 16: free. | Website | Distance: 1.1km

33. Capella de Sant Nicolau

Capella de Sant Nicolau
Capella de Sant Nicolau
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric
Capella de Sant Nicolau is a small Romanesque chapel in Girona’s old quarter beside Sant Pere de Galligants, now used mainly as a compact exhibition space. First recorded in 1134, it began as an unusual tetralobate plan—four semicircular apses around a central square under an octagonal cupola—later altered when one apse was removed to add a barrel-vaulted nave. Outside, look for the tight, regular stone blocks and the twelfth-century decoration of blind arches and lesenes; the south doorway also carries an 18th-century crowned lion linked to the tanners’ guild. After serving as a warehouse and sawmill post-1835, it was restored in the 1940s and today feels like a calm, green pause with benches and rotating contemporary shows.
Location: Carrer de Santa Llúcia, 10, 17007 Girona, Spain | Hours: Wednesday: 11:00–14:00. Thursday – Saturday: 11:00–14:00 & 15:00–19:00. Sunday: 11:00–14:00. Closed on Monday, Tuesday. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1.1km

34. Castell de Montjuïc

Castell de Montjuïc
Castell de Montjuïc
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Josep Maria Viñolas Esteva
Castell de Montjuïc is a partially ruined 17th-century fort crowning Montjuïc Hill about 219 meters above Girona, built in 1653 under Philip IV to command the city’s northern approaches. Its plan once centered on a square stronghold backed by four outlying defensive towers—Sant Joan, Sant Daniel, Sant Narcís, and Sant Lluís—set roughly 500 meters from the core. The site’s scars are part of the experience: it was taken by French forces in 1809 during the Peninsular War and later deliberately dismantled in 1814, with more damage in 1843. Today you wander open stonework and wind-swept edges for wide views over rooftops and surrounding hills, often in a quiet, picnic-friendly atmosphere.
Location: Ronda Ford Roig, Carrer de Montjuïc, 17007 Girona, Spain | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Check official website. | Distance: 1.8km

Best Day Trips from Girona

A day trip from Girona offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Girona provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

1. Mataró

Port esportiu de Mataro
Port esportiu de Mataro
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jorge Franganillo
Mataró, located along the Mediterranean coast in Catalonia, offers visitors a blend of seaside charm and vibrant local culture. With its scenic beaches and relaxed waterfront, the town is a fantastic place to unwind while enjoying the beauty of the Catalonian coastline. Platja del Varador, the main beach, invites visitors to soak up the sun, take a refreshing swim, or…
Visiting Mataró

2. Collioure

Collioure France
Collioure France
Collioure, located in the Occitanie region of southern France, is a charming coastal town known for its vibrant colors and picturesque scenery. The town is perfect for those looking to unwind by the sea, with its beautiful beaches, stunning Mediterranean views, and a rich artistic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets lined with colorful houses, visit the bustling…
Visiting Collioure
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3. Barcelona

Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona is a coastal city in northeastern Spain, serving as the capital and largest city of Catalonia. It is the second most populous municipality in Spain, with a population of 1.6 million within its city limits. The urban area extends into neighboring municipalities within the Province of Barcelona, housing approximately 4.8 million people, making it the sixth most populous urban…
Visiting Barcelona
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4. Narbonne

Nancy France
Nancy France
Narbonne, located in the Occitanie region of southern France, is a laid-back city with a sunny Mediterranean feel and a strong connection to the nearby coast. It blends a relaxed pace with cultural richness, making it a great stop for travelers interested in architecture, food, and local charm. The city’s canal, lively markets, and palm-lined squares give it an inviting…
Visiting Narbonne
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5. Carcassonne

Carcassonne
Carcassonne
Visiting Carcassonne is like stepping into a fairy tale, with its impressive medieval fortress that dominates the skyline. The city is known for its well-preserved citadel, which provides a glimpse into the past with its stone walls, turrets, and narrow cobblestone streets. Walking through the streets of La Cité, the historic walled area, feels like wandering through a living museum,…
Visiting Carcassonne
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6. Béziers

beziers france
beziers france
Béziers is a charming and authentic city located in the Occitanie region of southern France, offering travelers a delightful blend of cultural heritage, bustling markets, and Mediterranean warmth. Visiting Béziers provides the perfect opportunity to stroll leisurely through its picturesque old town, exploring narrow streets filled with local boutiques, cafés, and restaurants serving traditional Languedoc cuisine. The vibrant atmosphere around…
Visiting Béziers
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Where to Stay in Girona

Staying in the Old Town offers access to medieval streets, the cathedral, and the city’s well-preserved Jewish Quarter. For a more modern stay, the Eixample district provides comfortable hotels with easy access to transport links.

A 2-day stay is ideal for exploring Girona’s historic sites and enjoying its vibrant food scene. A 3-day stay allows for day trips to Costa Brava or the Dalí Triangle.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Girona. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Girona Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Girona

Visiting Girona in Spring

Spring is an ideal time to visit Girona. The weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city’s historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities. The blooming flowers add a vibrant touch to the city’s parks and gardens.

Visiting Girona in Summer

Summer in Girona is warm and lively. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Although it can get hot, the long days provide ample time for sightseeing and experiencing Girona’s nightlife.

Visiting Girona in Autumn

Autumn offers a wonderful opportunity to visit Girona. The temperatures are cooler, making it comfortable to explore the city’s historic landmarks. The fall foliage adds a picturesque backdrop to your visit, and the crowds begin to thin out.

Visiting Girona in Winter

Winter in Girona is mild compared to many other places, providing a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The city’s holiday decorations and events add a festive charm. It’s a great time to visit Girona’s museums and enjoy local cuisine in cozy restaurants.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 13°C
  • February 15°C
  • March 17°C
  • April 18°C
  • May 24°C
  • June 29°C
  • July 29°C
  • August 30°C
  • September 26°C
  • October 23°C
  • November 16°C
  • December 13°C

How to get to Girona

By Air

To travel to Girona by air, the nearest airport is Girona-Costa Brava Airport, located about 12 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use bus services to reach Girona.

By Train

Girona is well-connected by train, with regular services from major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and other parts of Spain. The AVE high-speed train makes the journey from Barcelona to Girona in about 40 minutes.

By Bus

Several bus companies operate routes to Girona from various cities in Spain. The bus station in Girona is centrally located, making it convenient to access the city’s attractions and accommodations.

By Car

Driving to Girona offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas. The city is well-connected by highways, including the AP-7 motorway, which links Girona to Barcelona and other major cities. Car rentals are available at airports and in major cities.

By Bicycle

For cycling enthusiasts, Girona is a popular destination with well-developed cycling routes. The city’s infrastructure supports biking, and it’s a scenic way to explore Girona and its surroundings.

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