Onyar River Colored Houses, Girona

Attraction, Historic Site and Walk in Girona

Cases de l’Onyar
Cases de l’Onyar

The Cases de l'Onyar or commonly known as the Onyar River Colored Houses are Girona's signature riverside houses: a row of tall, narrow buildings painted in warm, vivid tones that line the Onyar River and create the city's most recognizable skyline. You're not visiting a single “attraction” with a ticket booth so much as stepping into a living cityscape where balconies, shutters, and reflections do the sightseeing for you.

Most travelers experience the Cases de l'Onyar as part of a self-guided stroll or a guided walking tour through Girona's historic center, pausing at the bridges for the classic views. The best places to see them are from the river crossings-especially the bridges linking the Old Town side to the modern center-where you can frame the colorful facades with the water below.

History and Significance of the Cases de l’Onyar

The Onyar River has long acted as a natural divider in Girona, with the historic core on one side and later expansion on the other. Over time, homes and buildings grew tightly along the riverbanks, creating a dense wall of facades that feels both intimate and dramatic when viewed from the bridges.

What makes the Cases de l'Onyar significant today is how they've become Girona's visual shorthand: the “postcard” image that instantly places you in Catalonia. Their painted colors, stacked balconies, and irregular rooflines highlight the city's layered development and the way Girona's everyday architecture became its most famous landmark.

While the houses themselves are private residences and businesses, the riverside scene connects naturally to nearby cultural stops. One of the best-known related visits is Casa Masó, a notable house on the river associated with architect Rafael Masó, which helps put the Onyar streetscape into context if you want more than just photos.

Things to See and Do in the Cases de l’Onyar

Start by doing the simple thing well: cross a couple of bridges slowly and look both up and downriver. The “best view” changes with light, weather, and water level, so it’s worth checking the scene from more than one crossing to catch different angles and reflections.

If you enjoy photography, treat the river as your leading line. Compose shots that include the bridge structure in the foreground, the facades mid-frame, and the cathedral or Old Town rooftops in the background; then return after sunset for a moodier, lamp-lit version of the same view.

To turn the stop into a fuller experience, pair it with a short Old Town loop: bridges to river views, then up into the medieval lanes for plazas, cafes, and viewpoints. Many walking tours naturally stitch this together, using the Cases de l’Onyar as the “opening scene” before heading toward the cathedral quarter.

How to Get to the Cases de l’Onyar

The nearest major airports are Barcelona El Prat (BCN) and Girona-Costa Brava (GRO). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is easy to reach by train, and from Girona station you can walk or take a short taxi/bus ride to the river bridges near the historic center. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for public parking on the edge of the Old Town and walk in, since central streets can be narrow and restricted. 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.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Cases de l’Onyar

  • Official website: https://www.girona.cat/turisme/cat/monuments_onyar.php
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go early morning for softer light and fewer people, or near sunset for warmer colors and reflections. If you want night photos, come after dark when the bridges and riverside feel calmer.
  • How long to spend: 15-30 minutes is enough for viewpoints and photos, but it fits perfectly into a 1-2 hour Old Town walk. Add time if you plan to linger at cafes nearby.
  • Accessibility: The best viewpoints are from public bridges and riverside streets, which are generally accessible, but Girona’s historic center includes cobblestones and occasional slopes. Choose flatter bridge-to-bridge routes if mobility is limited.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities for the houses themselves, but you’ll find restrooms, cafes, and shops within a few minutes in the city center and Old Town.

Where to Stay Close to the Cases de l’Onyar

The best area to base yourself is Girona's Barri Vell (Old Town) or the immediate city-center blocks by the river, so you can walk to viewpoints at sunrise and return easily at night.

Hotel Nord 1901 A polished, central option close to the river and shopping streets, making it easy to pop out for quick photo stops and return for a break.

Hotel Ciutat de Girona A comfortable, well-located base right between the modern center and the Old Town, ideal if you want convenience without sacrificing walkability.

Hotel Historic A character-rich stay in the medieval lanes, great for travelers who want the Old Town atmosphere the moment they step outside.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A stylish boutique feel near key Old Town sights, perfect for couples who want a quieter, more romantic base close to the river.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A practical choice near the station side of town, useful if you’re arriving by train and still want an easy walk to the bridges and river views.

Is the Cases de l’Onyar Worth Visiting?

Yes-because it’s Girona’s most iconic view and it costs nothing, the Cases de l’Onyar are absolutely worth building into your route. Even if you’re only in town for a few hours, the bridges over the Onyar deliver an immediate sense of place and a memorable set of photos.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike photo stops, crowds, or “quick look” landmarks, you might not need to plan around it-just let it be a passing moment as you move through the city. It’s best enjoyed as part of a broader Old Town walk rather than as a standalone destination.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,027)

Cases de l'Onyar is one of Girona's most iconic riverfront sights: a tight row of vividly painted houses that overhang the Onyar River, creating the postcard view people come for. It's visitors consistently describe it as best appreciated from nearby bridges, especially when you can catch the colours reflected in the water. Reviewers tend to frame it as part of a wider Old Town stroll rather than a standalone “attraction.” Common themes include getting pleasantly lost in Girona's narrow lanes, browsing small independent shops, and stopping for cafés or a simple bite to eat. Several comments position Girona as a quieter, good-value alternative to Barcelona—less crowded, but still beautiful and atmospheric. Practical takeaway: go in good light (early morning or late afternoon works well), cross a couple of bridges for different angles, and treat it as a short scenic stop that naturally fits into a longer walk through the historic centre.

Jaded Old Guy
4 months ago
"A charming old town. Very easy to get lost in the little streets, stopping by the many merchants, picking up snacks, sweets, or an espresso.Wonderful architecture. I really don't know what I am doing "reviewing" a portion of a city, but, such is Google in 2025. I just felt it necessary to echo the sentiments of others that this is a "must do" if you're in the area. Our drive over from Begur was fairly quick and very easy...."
Paul Vivas
3 months ago
"Beautiful street with colourful housesnThis is a great little street that you can see from the nearby bridge. The house are a great sight and thecolour charming. I caught them with the reflection in the water and it give a great vision. We ate here in the old town and it was great value for money. I guess Girona is now what Barcelona once was, unknow but beautiful. Still a gem as not many tourist stop by...."
Dilshat Hopur
a year ago
"There are lots of old buildings, all packed together but not in a bad way. There are also small shops that all have their own unique style, and cutecafes. If you want to go for a walk and learn about history, this is the place to go...."

For Different Travelers

The Cases de l'Onyar work well for almost everyone because they're outdoors, central, and easy to combine with other Girona highlights. The key is tailoring the timing and route to your pace and priorities.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the bridges and the idea of a “river of colorful houses,” especially if you turn it into a mini scavenger hunt for different colors, balconies, and reflections. Keep the route short and flat by focusing on one or two nearby bridges.

Pair the stop with a snack break right after, so the visit feels like a fun pause rather than a long march through cobblestones. If you’re using a stroller, choose the most straightforward streets between viewpoints.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the magic is in timing: early morning for quiet streets or blue hour for a more cinematic feel. A slow stroll from bridge viewpoints into the Old Town lanes makes an easy, romantic itinerary.

Make it special by choosing one viewpoint for “the shot,” then putting the camera away and continuing to a wine bar or candlelit dinner nearby. The river reflections can be especially striking after rain.

Budget Travelers

This is one of Girona’s best free experiences: no ticket, no queue, and it’s right in the middle of town. You can build a full low-cost afternoon by combining river viewpoints with wandering the Old Town and stopping at a bakery or market-style lunch.

To keep costs down, stay slightly outside the Old Town but within walking distance, and plan your photo time for early morning when you’ll also avoid the busiest tour groups.

History Buffs

While the houses are more about urban character than a single historic monument, they're a great entry point to understanding how Girona grew around the river. Use the view as a starting “map” of the city before heading to the cathedral area, the Jewish Quarter, and the walls.

If you want deeper context, consider adding a guided walking tour that explains how the river shaped neighborhoods and trade routes. You'll get more out of the scene than treating it as a quick photo stop.

FAQs for Visiting Cases de l’Onyar

Getting There

Yes, it’s walkable for most travelers, and the route is straightforward through the city center. If you prefer, a short taxi ride can save time and energy.
Start with the most central crossings near the Old Town edge so you can easily continue into medieval streets afterward. If one bridge is crowded, simply cross to the next-views vary and are close together.
Yes, Girona is a popular day trip and the river viewpoints are easy to reach once you arrive. Plan to stay into late afternoon so you can see the colors in changing light.

Tickets & Entry

No, the viewpoints are public and free to access. The buildings themselves are private, so you’re viewing them from bridges and streets.
Not specifically for the houses, but nearby attractions may offer elevated views as part of their visit. If you want height, look for city viewpoints and towers in the Old Town.
If you enjoy context and storytelling, a walking tour helps connect the river scene to Girona’s history and neighborhoods. If you mainly want photos, self-guided is perfectly fine.

Visiting Experience

It can be busy midday, especially in peak season and on weekends. Visiting early or later in the day usually feels more relaxed.
Pick one bridge for the classic view, then cross and walk along the river for a few minutes to catch a second angle. You’ll get variety without backtracking.
Yes, if you’re prepared-clouds and rain can create dramatic reflections and richer colors. Just watch your footing on wet stone and bridge surfaces.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as your starting point, then head into the Old Town toward the cathedral area and viewpoints. It’s also a great “final stop” before dinner back in the center.
Absolutely-most Old Town routes naturally pass the river bridges. It’s one of the easiest landmarks to stitch into a loop.
Bridge viewpoints first, then wander into the nearest medieval lanes and end at a plaza for a drink. Keep it flexible and follow the streets that feel most inviting.

Photography

Early morning gives softer light and fewer people, while late afternoon and sunset bring warmer tones. Night shots can be great if you like reflections and city lights.
Arrive early, or shoot slightly upriver/downriver from the busiest bridge. Framing tighter on facades and reflections also helps.
On public bridges it’s usually possible, but be considerate and don’t block foot traffic. For the calmest setup time, go early or late.

Accessibility & Facilities

Many viewpoints are accessible, but surfaces can be uneven and some Old Town streets are steep. Stick to flatter bridge-to-bridge routes and plan rest stops.
Not at the viewpoint itself, but cafes and public venues in the center are close by. Plan a restroom stop before a longer Old Town wander.
Some bridge areas are exposed, while nearby streets can be shaded by buildings. Bring water and take breaks in shaded lanes or cafes.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, you’re minutes from Girona’s central streets and Old Town spots. It’s easy to pair the visit with coffee or pastries.
Look for bakeries and casual tapas places in the nearby lanes and small squares. Eating slightly off the main thoroughfares often feels quieter.
You can enjoy a snack near the river, but the best “sit-down” moments are usually in nearby plazas or cafes. Be mindful of keeping the area clean and uncluttered.

Safety & Timing

Central Girona is generally calm, and the bridges are well-trafficked in the evening. Still, keep normal city awareness and stick to well-lit routes.
Arrive 15-30 minutes before sunrise to set up and catch the first light on the facades. The city is quiet then, which makes compositions easier.
No-because it’s a public streetscape, you can visit any day. Just note that nearby museums and monuments may have their own schedules.

Nearby Attractions to the Cases de l’Onyar

The Onyar River Colored Houses appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

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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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Rambla de la Llibertat, 23, 17004 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Official Website

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