The Girona Edit
Tracing its roots back to pre-Roman times, Girona serves as a living chronicle of the past, with its winding stone corridors and historic squares reflecting centuries of military significance. No wonder the city’s medieval vibe caught the eye of Game of Thrones scouts.
What do See & Do
It’s easy to get a good feel for the town in one day. These are the main attractions:
An hour-long walk along the top of the medieval city walls, called Passeig de la Muralla, gives you a bird’s eye view over the city. Note: some sections have steep steps and uneven stones. You can get up to the wall from Girona Cathedral, the Jardins dels Alemanys, and Plaça Catalunya.
The 12th Century Baroque cathedral, this is pretty spectacular, you can’t miss it (directions here).
Take a peek at the old Arab Bathhouses in the center, here.
Explore the narrow alleyways of the old Jewish quarter, called El Call.
Cross the iconic red metal bridge: the Pont de les Peixateries Velles designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) — good spot for photos.
Relax at a cafe/restaurant under one of the vaulted terraces to absorb all that medieval atmosphere.
For free or self-guided walking tours, try Guruwalks or the GPSMyCity app
Day Trips from Girona
Two small day trips from Girona by car: 2.5hr loop of inland villages or a 3-hour loop to the coastal villages.
The Food Scene
Girona is packed with great restaurants. A few to get you going:
La Fabrica and Espresso Mafia - excellent coffee
Vii Tapas - the tapas bar of the Roca brothers of the famous El Celler de Can Roca restaurant
Roca brothers also have a casual bistro: Normal, and a chocolate cafe and gelato bar
Txalaka – super spot for high-quality Basque & Mediterranean pintxos and tapas
Massana - a Girona icon since 1986, Catalan cuisinge with fresh local ingredients, one Michelin star
Sinofos – fantastic best grilled meats and fish
La Tabarra: fab tapas bar. Try the grilled red prawns, steak tartare, and caramelized foie gras bites.
Brots de Vi - little place for salads, burgers and snacks.
L’Escabetx – hearty seafood in simple setting
Need to Know
Sturdy shoes are a must for walking around Girona!
Dining Times: Lunch starts around at 2pm or later. Dinner from 8.30/9pm.
Hours: Smaller, independent shops and banks close roughly from 2pm–5pm.