Pont de les Peixateries Velles, Girona

Attraction and Bridge in Girona

Pont de les Peixateries Velles
Pont de les Peixateries Velles

Pont de les Peixateries Velles, often nicknamed the Eiffel Bridge, is Girona's most recognizable river crossing: a bright red iron footbridge spanning the Onyar River between the Old Town and the Mercadal side. It's compact, central, and visually striking, which is exactly why it shows up in so many Girona photos.

Most travelers experience it as a quick, high-impact stop on a walking tour of Girona's historic center, especially when you're moving between the Rambla de la Llibertat area and Carrer de Santa Clara. For the best views, linger mid-bridge to frame the colorful riverside houses and the church towers rising behind them.

History and Significance of the Pont de les Peixateries Velles

The Pont de les Peixateries Velles dates to the late 19th century and is closely associated with the engineering firm of Gustave Eiffel. Built as a practical crossing over the Onyar, it later became one of Girona's defining architectural symbols thanks to its bold color, riveted metalwork, and perfectly placed vantage point.

Its significance today is less about size and more about identity: it's a bridge that instantly says Girona. The structure's lattice-like iron design feels industrial and modern compared with the medieval stone streets nearby, creating a memorable contrast that makes a short stop feel surprisingly meaningful.

Over time, the bridge has been maintained and restored so it can keep handling constant foot traffic. That ongoing care matters because this is not a “hidden gem” in the literal sense; it’s a daily-use crossing and a top photo spot rolled into one.

Things to See and Do in the Pont de les Peixateries Velles

First, treat the bridge as a viewpoint. Step to the center and look upstream and downstream for two different compositions: one direction emphasizes the stacked, colorful façades of the Onyar houses, while the other often gives you cleaner lines and reflections depending on the light.

Second, use it as a connector in a mini self-guided route. Cross from the Old Town side toward Mercadal (or vice versa) and pair it with a stroll along the riverbanks, a loop through the Rambla, and a wander into the shopping streets around Carrer de Santa Clara.

Finally, come back at a different time of day. Morning light can be softer and calmer for photos, while late afternoon and early evening often bring warmer tones on the buildings and a livelier street atmosphere.

How to Get to the Pont de les Peixateries Velles

The nearest major airports are Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) and Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), with BCN offering far more international connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

From elsewhere in Catalonia or Spain, Girona is easy to reach by train, and from Girona station you can walk to the bridge in roughly 15–25 minutes depending on your route through the center. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for parking on the edges of the center and walk in, since the Old Town streets are narrow and access can be 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 Pont de les Peixateries Velles

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go early morning for fewer people and cleaner photos, or near sunset for warmer light on the riverfront buildings.
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes is enough for views and photos, but it’s even better as a quick stop within a longer Old Town walk.
  • Accessibility: The bridge is pedestrian-only and generally flat, but it can feel tight when crowded; approach slowly if using a wheelchair or stroller.
  • Facilities: There are no facilities on the bridge itself; use nearby cafés, shops, and public services in the surrounding central streets.

Where to Stay Close to the Pont de les Peixateries Velles

Base yourself in Girona’s Old Town/Barri Vell or the immediate city center near the river for the easiest walking access to the bridge and the main sights.

Hotel Nord 1901 A polished, central pick that keeps you close to the river and the Old Town while still feeling calm and comfortable after a busy day of sightseeing.

Hotel Ciutat de Girona A reliable, walk-everywhere option near the core streets, great if you want convenience and a straightforward base for short stays.

Hotel Gran Ultonia A strong choice if you want slightly more space and easy access to both the historic center and transport links without being deep in the narrow lanes.

Hotel Historic A character-forward stay in the heart of Barri Vell, ideal if you want the “sleep inside the old city” feeling and don’t mind charming, older-building quirks.

Hotel Carlemany Girona Best for travelers prioritizing a more modern, businesslike setup and quick access to the station area while still being walkable to the bridge.

Is the Pont de les Peixateries Velles Worth Visiting?

Yes, it's absolutely worth visiting because it delivers one of Girona's signature views with almost no effort: it's central, free, and naturally fits into any Old Town route. Even if you're only in Girona for a few hours, this is one of the easiest places to get that “I was here” photo that still feels authentic.

Honest Pivot: if you dislike crowds and don't care about photography or city viewpoints, you might find it too quick and busy to be a destination on its own. In that case, treat it as a pass-through on the way to quieter spots like the city walls or smaller lanes in Barri Vell.

For Different Travelers

The bridge works best when you match it to your travel style: as a viewpoint for photographers, a simple landmark for first-timers, or a quick connector between neighborhoods. Because it’s outdoors and central, it’s easy to slot into almost any itinerary without advance planning.

Families with Kids

For families, it’s a low-commitment stop that breaks up walking with a “wow” view over the river. Kids often enjoy spotting the colorful houses and watching the water below.

To make it smoother, cross at off-peak moments and keep the stop short and purposeful: a quick photo, a look at the river, then on to a gelato or a nearby square.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will like it most around golden hour, when the light warms up the riverfront and the Old Town skyline looks especially cinematic. It’s a simple place to pause, take a photo together, and then continue into Barri Vell for dinner.

For a more romantic feel, pair the bridge with a slow riverside stroll and a viewpoint stop elsewhere (like a higher terrace or the city walls) so the bridge becomes part of a broader “Girona at sunset” sequence.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers get maximum value here: it's free, central, and one of the most iconic visuals in the city. You can build an entire self-guided walking loop around it without spending anything.

If you’re watching costs, bring a snack and use the bridge as a scenic pause between free sights like the riverbanks, historic streets, and exterior viewpoints of major buildings.

FAQs for Visiting Pont de les Peixateries Velles

Getting There

Yes, it’s walkable from Girona station, typically around 15–25 minutes depending on your route. Taxis and local buses can shorten the approach if you prefer not to walk.
Head toward the Onyar River and aim for the Rambla de la Llibertat/Carrer de l’Argenteria area. The bridge is a prominent red structure, so it’s hard to miss once you’re near the river.
Yes, it’s ideal for a loop: cross the bridge, follow the river, and return via another nearby crossing. This gives you different angles of the Onyar houses.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public pedestrian bridge and you can cross freely. There’s no checkpoint or timed entry.
No, the experience is simply the crossing and the views. Any costs come from nearby tours, shops, or cafés you choose to visit.
Occasional maintenance or local events can affect access in city centers. If you see barriers, follow posted detours to the next nearby bridge.

Visiting Experience

It can be busy during midday and peak season because it’s a top photo spot. If you want space, visit early morning or later in the evening.
Less than a minute if you’re just walking through. Most people spend longer because they stop in the middle for photos.
Focus on the colorful riverside houses and the Old Town skyline. Turning both directions gives you two distinct photo compositions.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, many Girona walking tours pass through it because it connects key central streets. It’s often used as a natural photo stop.
Yes, combine it with a Barri Vell wander, a cathedral exterior viewpoint, and a stretch along the river. This creates a compact, high-impact route.
Yes, because it’s central and quick, and it delivers an iconic view immediately. It’s one of the best “short stop” sights in the city.

Photography

Early morning is calmer and often clearer, while late afternoon can add warmer tones. Overcast days can also work well for even color on the houses.
Start from the middle of the bridge and frame the Onyar houses with the river leading line. Then step off to the riverbank for a wider angle including the bridge itself.
In busy times, a tripod can be awkward because the bridge is narrow. If you use one, do it quickly and consider off-peak hours.

Accessibility & Facilities

Generally yes, as it’s a pedestrian crossing, but it can feel tight when crowded. Move slowly and be prepared to yield in the center.
No, it’s a straightforward crossing without seating. Plan breaks in nearby squares or cafés.
Not on the bridge itself, but you can usually find restrooms in nearby cafés or public facilities in the central area. It’s best to plan a restroom stop before a longer Old Town walk.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the surrounding central streets have plenty of cafés and bakeries. It’s easy to turn the stop into a quick coffee break.
The bridge itself isn’t ideal for lingering with food because of foot traffic. Instead, grab a spot along the riverbanks or in a nearby square.
Yes, the area around Carrer de Santa Clara and the Rambla has many casual options. You can eat well without needing a reservation if you go slightly off the busiest streets.

Safety & Timing

Central Girona is generally calm, and the bridge area is well-trafficked in the evening. As anywhere, keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots.
Visit early morning or later evening, and avoid peak midday hours in high season. Weekdays can feel slightly less congested than weekends.
Yes, rain can make surfaces slick and reduces photo clarity. If it’s windy or wet, take your time and keep your stop brief.

Nearby Attractions to the Pont de les Peixateries Velles

  • Onyar River Houses: The colorful façades lining the river are Girona's most photographed backdrop and look best from bridges and riverbanks.
  • Rambla de la Llibertat: A lively promenade-like street for strolling, people-watching, and grabbing a coffee near the historic core.
  • Girona Cathedral: The city's landmark cathedral area delivers dramatic architecture and classic Old Town atmosphere.
  • Basílica de Sant Feliu: A striking church with a prominent tower that often appears in skyline views from the river.
  • Barri Vell (Old Town): Girona's medieval quarter of narrow lanes and stone stairways, perfect for a slow wander and scenic detours.

The Pont de les Peixateries Velles 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: Pont de les Peixateries Velles, Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km

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