24 Hours in Girona, Spain
Catalonia plays host to a multitude of magnificent cities, from buzzing Barcelona to time-worn Tarragona; you might be wondering what more could this northern Spanish state possibly have on offer... Just south of the French border, Girona is a quaint yet colourful city teeming with historical hot spots, tapas-infused terraces, Gothic architecture and intact Roman city walls.
If you want a break from the midst of the Mediterranean, then the heart of humble Girona is the perfect fit. Proffering opportunities aplenty, even the most avid travellers will find some satisfaction here.
Despite the town’s recent surge in tourism (thanks to Game of Thrones being filmed there), Girona remains relatively off the beaten path, frequented only by Spanish locals and a fair few foreigners.
Girona remains remarkably illustrated by winding cobblestone streets, ancient monasteries, charming churches, and many museums, inviting you to step back in time.
This is the ultimate guide on how to spend 24 hours in Girona, Spain, with everything you need to know about where to eat, what to see, first-timers tips, mistakes to avoid, and much more.
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
8 Best Things to do in Girona
Top Day Trips from Girona
Where to Eat in Girona
How to Get to Girona from Barcelona
FAQs
So, let’s dive deep into the realms of this medieval municipal.
Best Things to do in Girona
Getting lost amongst the plethora of little alleyways and gushing green spaces here in Girona is easy.
From the soaring city walls to the well-preserved Jewish quarter, there is a lot on offer, and I can assure you that you don’t want to miss out on the following, even if you only have 24 hours to spare. So, let’s look at the best things to do in Girona, Catalonia.
River Onyar
Pinned as possibly the most photographed river in the confines of Catalonia, this spot should be at the top of your to-do list.
River Onyar, locally known as Riu Onyar, boasts a riverfront framed with brightly-coloured, Tetris-like homes. The combination of clashing, prominent reds, yellows and oranges will undoubtedly have you staggering at the sights.
If you’re anything like me, a freak for bridges, the River Onyar will fulfil all your desires. Yes, you read that correctly. I love bridges. Two (of the many) bridges you simply can’t miss are the Eiffel Bridge and the red-iron Pont de les Peixateries Velles.
Girona Cathedral & Basilica de San Felix
The colossal-sized Girona Cathedral will put things into perspective for you. To get down to the nitty-gritty, the central structure is the widest Gothic nave in the world. Yowza!
Constructed between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Girona Cathedral boasts an array of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architectural styles. Be sure not to miss the intricate details of the cloister, tower, façade, and nave.
If you’ve ever watched ‘Game of Thrones’, then you bet your ass you’ve seen this cathedral star in a fair few scenes. Movie buffs, this one’s for you!
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 7:30 pm* (subject to change depending on the season)
Entrance Fees:
7,00€ General Entry (including audio guide)
5,00€ Pensioners and Students with ID (including audio guide)
Free entrance: Children under seven and residents of Girona.
Girona’s Ancient City Walls (Muralles de Girona)
A walkable city wall?! Say no more… This 9th-century, the former-fortress wall is topped with scenic walkways and climbable towers, all overlooking the picturesque city.
The Muralles de Girona boasts the best views of the city, painting the foreground for the undulating Catalan mountain tops. There are multiple access points on both the northern and southern sides of the Old Quarter in Girona. Want the good news? It’s completely free. Boo yeah!
The Old Quarter (Barri Vell)
Straddling the side of the rushing River Onyar, Girona’s Old Quarter (Barri Vell) is replete with vibrant, picture-perfect edifices and intricately detailed medieval architecture.
The Barri Vell is fringed with more than a whopping 2000 years of history, dating back to when the Romans once ruled. Home to many of the city’s most praised historical sites, there’s no better way to tackle the Old Quarter than by foot.
Explore the winding cobblestone alleyways, stumble across hidden gems, share a plate at the throng of traditional tapas bars, and get lost in the various festive plazas (squares).
Girona’s old quarter is best enjoyed in the early morning when the golden sunrise paints the scene, and the shadows create a playfully enticing contrast against the medieval buildings.
The warm morning sunshine does bring this area to life. Plus, you’ll be able to admire the beauty of the backstreets without the midday or afternoon crowds.
My best (and most honest) advice: pack your walking shoes for this trip. The best way to explore the Old Quarter is by foot, as with the rest of the city. So ensure you’ve got your twinkle toes wrapped up in comfortable shoes. Thongs (flip flops) are a no-go, people!
Arabian Baths (Banys Àrabs)
Built in 1194, the Banys Àrabs, otherwise known as the Arabian Baths, gives you an insight into a once-Roman, slice of paradise.
This ancient bathing oasis features a well-preserved, Arabian-inspired spa with soaring stone pillars, elegant hot and cold rooms, and an octagonal swimming pool.
This Romanesque hot spot is a scintillating space well worth a quick trip. Aim for the early morning to glimpse the golden light rays shining through the complex.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00*; (subject to change depending on the season)
Sundays and bank holidays from 10.00 to 14.00.
Entrance Fees:
3,00€ Generally Entry
1,00€ Students, Pensioners & Children (under 16)
Museums in Girona
For a smaller city, Girona is seriously jam-packed with myriad museums and art galleries. If you’ve only got 24 hours to spend in the city, you should take your pick from down below:
The Jewish History Museum
Comprised of 11 exhibitions rich in the history and culture of Girona’s Jewish community. Admission is 4,00€.
Girona’s Art Museum
Featuring the most extensive collection of Romanesque and Gothic art (over 8000 pieces). Admission is 6,00€.
The Cinema Museum
Encompassing the history of cinema, it features old posters, films, and movie equipment. Admission is 5,00€.
The Girona Archaeology Museum
As one of the oldest museums in Girona, it proffers a collection of intact archaeological finds dating from pre-history to the Middle Ages. Admission is 6,00€.
Museums buffs, don’t fret! There’s more where that came from. Other options include:
Sant Pere de Galligants
CaixaForum Girona
Bolit: Centre d’Art Contemporani
Museu d’Historia de Girona
Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya
Independence Square (Placa de la Independencia)
Fringed with sprawling al fresco restaurants, buzzing cafes, and bright buildings proudly flying the Catalan Independence flag, Independence Square is a quintessential part of the Girona experience.
Situated in the heart of the city, this buzzing square commemorates Spain’s independence from the French.
As with practically every square in Europe, the locally-referred Placa de la Independencia is a gathering and meeting place for residents, Spaniards, and tourists alike.
Topped with detailed sculptures, a flowing fountain and an abundance of verdant trees, this is a nifty spot to meet up with a few friends and sit back, relax and take it all in.
If you want to grab a bite to eat, opt for a table at a bar during the mid-afternoon or early morning. You'll likely be expected to wait at any other time of day (depending on the season).
Parc de la Devesa
Who doesn’t love a bit of greenery, c’mon?
This is essentially just a large park… It is a haven if you want a break away from the town’s teeming attractions.
With towering trees, verdant flora and plentiful space, I’d recommend grabbing some fresh, local ingredients, packing yourself a picnic and heading down to this park.
Parc de la Devesa is also home to a twice-weekly market here, with plenty of fresh, Catalonian goods on offer.
Other outdoor parks in Girona are the Parque Migdia, Jardins dels Alemanys, and Parcs de les Ribes del Ter.
Other Things to do in Girona:
Day Trips from Girona
Are you craving a quick escape from Girona? Check out the following day trips outside of Girona, including various transportation options via car, bus, and train.
Lloret de Mar
Nestled along the forefronts of the Mediterranean, this charming Catalonian town proffers possibilities for both avid adventurers, culinary fanatics and beach bums alike.
Whether you want to sprawl around in the sun or eat your way into an unrelenting food coma, this local’s guide to an iconic Spanish seaside town will leave you more than content and, quite possibly, crawling back for more.
Straddling the iconic Costa Brava coastline, Lloret de Mar is home to a wealth of hidden coves and turquoise waters. But the beauty lies beyond the eclectic beachfront. Yes, there is more to Lloret de Mar than what you’d typically expect.
Bustling by night and beaming by day, hikers, artists, nature enthusiasts and foodies, each to their own, are drawn in like fish to the bait. This place is downright packed with attractions and activities for every age group.
Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa
Just an hour’s drive to the northwest of Catalonia, the Parc Natural De La Zona Volcànica De La Garrotxa will indisputably render you speechless. A whopping forty volcanoes, all inactive, dominate the Jurassic-esque landscape. Encapsulating verdant forests and misty valleys, quaint villages are nestled on some of the steepest cliff edges.
If you’re into cycling, walking, or hiking, or if you’re just a lover of Mother Nature, it goes without saying that you cannot miss this part of Girona!
Barcelona
This Spanish metropolitan hub has so much up stuffed up its’ sleeve that it’ll satisfy just about everyone.
Barcelona, once a prominent city of the renowned Roman Empire, boasts a rich history and ancient finds.
As one of the most popular destinations in Europe, tens of millions of tourists flock to see the iconic architecture and modernist masterpieces of world-renowned Catalan Antoni Gaudí.
Barcelona is a city of late-night dinners, afternoon siestas, fuming football fanatics and some seriously killer cuisine.
Check out my post on everything you need to know about Barcelona. Check out the link here for a curated guide to give you a taste of Barcelona’s tapas-based bistros, alcohol-infused bars, and classic Catalan restaurants.
And if you’re on the hunt for a perfectly brewed pick-me-up, luckily for all you coffee lovers, I’ve got you covered. That’s right—an entire blog post dedicated to coffee.
Check out the Coffee Lover’s Guide to Barcelona. Travelling on a budget? Have a look at my budget travel tips for Barcelona here.
More Day Trips from Girona
And, if you can manage to squeeze in some extra time, be sure not to miss the following attractions in Girona:
Where to Eat in Girona
Now… the part all self-proclaimed foodies and snack-attackers have been waiting for. The food! I’ve listed my favourite spots for traditional tapas, budget restaurants, speciality coffee, and delectable desserts in Girona. Out of all the best things to do in Girona, eating out is a must. If you’ve got one day here, you should dive into the gastronomy scene!
Best Restaurants in Girona
Best Desserts in Girona
Best Coffee in Girona
How to Get to Girona from Barcelona
First things first.
Situated approximately 100km northeast of Barcelona, you can arrive via car or taxi within a 45-minute drive. If hiring a car isn’t on the books, catching public transport would be your next best bet. Taxis can be expensive, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you’ll be splitting the fare with other travellers.
How to get to Girona from Barcelona via train:
From Barcelona’s city centre, head to one of the two main train stations, either Plaça Catalunya or Sants-Estacio. You can purchase your train ticket from the main boxes for under €20,00 return. I’d recommend heading straight to the ticket office rather than attempting to buy them yourself. More often than not, the machines don’t accept cards and you waste your time.
The train will arrive in Girona after about one hour and a half. If you plan your timing right, you could hop onto a high-speed train, cutting your journey time in half. Top tip: Book your train tickets online beforehand. It’ll work out a hell of a lot cheaper.
FAQS
What is Girona known for?
Girona is notorious for its medieval Old Town, gigantic Cathedral, old Jewish Quarter, and narrow cobblestone streets.
Is Girona expensive?
Not at all! In comparison to bustling Barcelona, this city is a hell of a lot cheaper. You’ll find that accommodation, food and drinks, and activities are on the less expensive end of the scale.
Is Girona family-friendly?
Girona is most certainly a kid-friendly destination, with plentiful activities, areas and opportunities suited to satisfy the whole family. There are many playgrounds, outdoor spaces and parks, and amusement parks for the kids to enjoy. Another plus of this medieval city - your kids won’t get bored waiting in long queues!
What language do they speak in Girona?
The primary languages spoken in Girona are Catalan and Castellano (Spanish). You can get by in the main touristic areas with English, German and a bit of French.
Is Girona safe?
In terms of crime, Girona is relatively safe and low-key. As with any city, the main concern would be pickpocketing/theft in big crowds.
What’s the weather like in Girona?
Depending on the season, Girona boasts some seriously enticing weather. Summertime in Girona is generally hot and dry and the winters are cold and cloudy with frequent showers. If you’re travelling to Girona during the summer, you should hire a car and book accommodation with a decent air-conditioning system.
How do you spend a day in Girona, Spain?
If you only have 24 hours in Girona, don’t miss the Old Jewish Quarter, the Old City Walls and the Arabian Spa. Pop by La Lleona, walk along the river and enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine.
How many hours should I spend in Girona?
That depends on your preferences, budget and what you want to see. Plan to spend a minimum of 4 hours in Girona, Spain.
Is Girona a day trip?
Girona is an easy day trip from Barcelona by train. The journey takes around 40 minutes in total.
Is it worth visiting Girona?
Girona is home to a huge haul of ancient architecture and historic streets. From the candy-coloured houses lining the river to the Old Jewish Quarter, this city is well worth visiting.
With top-notch scenery, ancient landmarks and awe-worthy attractions, Girona is packed to the brim. Be sure to save these top things to do in Girona for your upcoming trip to Catalonia.
If you’ve got 24 hours in Girona, Catalonia, I can assure you that this mini-guide will tick all the boxes.