Top 24 Must-Do Activities in Girona, Spain

While many people only visit Girona on a day trip from Barcelona, we recommend spending a few days exploring its medieval walls, historic churches, and its incredible gastronomical scene. Oh, and did we mention it was a major location for Game of Thrones? There are so many things to do in Girona, it may well become your favorite Spanish city.

Located between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Costa Brava Coast in the Spanish province of Girona, we had the chance to spend an entire summer exploring the region and the capital city of the same name. I have no idea why we never wrote about all the best things to do in Girona before now, but it’s better late than never right? So let’s check out why this city is so special that Game of Thrones made it a major part of filming scenes for Braavos and King’s Landing.

Things to do in Girona

• Spain is open to tourists but some restrictions still may apply, be sure to check with Catalonia Tourism to see what is open.

Girona is located just 100km from Barcelona. We drove to Girona from Barcelona and took a road trip through Costa Brava. We highly recommend driving as the Costa Brava Coast is gorgeous. You can check rental car prices from Barcelona or Girona here, but you can also take a high-speed train between the cities. You can purchase trains between the cities that take just 38 minutes and start at just $13.95. Check out RailEurope for details.

Where To Stay In Girona

Hotel Carlemany – Located right in the center of Girona, Hotel Carlemany, is a fantastic location that is walking distance to many of the top sites in Girona. It has parking, a big bike garage, and breakfast. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Hotel Nord 1901 – A beautiful boutique hotel with a great location that is a 5-minute walk from Girona Cathedral and the colorful houses of the River Onyar. Picturesque setting, swimming pool, and chic modern rooms. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Okay, now that we have the logistics of travel and hotels figured out, let’s get on with the best things to do in Girona, Spain.

1. Take a Cycling Tour of Girona

City tours are one of the best ways to get acquainted with any city, and our cycling tour with BikeCat was one of our favorite things to do in Girona. We not only explored the city but also visited the countryside and neighboring villages. At BikeCat, you can customize your tours from day trips to multiple-day tours. One of the cool things is that you will stay in hotels where professional cyclists have stayed and trained for decades. Girona is a popular training destination for the Tour de France and other professional cyclists, so what better way to get into the heart of the culture than by cycling through Girona? Check out BikeCat.com for details. Watch our video: Cycling through Medieval Villages of Girona

Don’t want to cycle? Consider a small-group walking tour of Girona where you’ll be transported to the medieval age as you explore 2,000 years of history with a local guide. Highlights include filming locations from Game of Thrones, The Cathedral of Girona (cool fact, it contains the widest Gothic nave in the world! Plus, walk across the bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel).

2. Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)

One of the most scenic spots in Girona is the Eiffel Bridge. Built on the site where four rivers meet, this bridge was constructed by Gustave Eiffel just before he began construction on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Girona has 11 bridges connecting the eastern and western parts of the city, but this is the most famous. You can find beautiful views of the colorful houses lining the Onyar River.

3. Walk the Medieval Wall

Our favorite thing to do in Girona is to take a stroll along the medieval city walls. Taking the Passeig de la Muralla (walk of the wall) offers stunning panoramic views of Girona. Dating back to the 1st century BC, Girona’s city walls are the most complete city wall in all of Spain. The Força Vella (old fortress) was built by the Romans and portions still stand today. Over the centuries, the walls were expanded and rebuilt to protect against sieges and attacks throughout the Middle Ages. Today, they are one of the top things to do in Girona to see the city from above and enjoy views of the Pyrenees mountains beyond.

4. Girona Cathedral

The Girona Cathedral is officially known as Cathedral de Santa Maria Girona. Located in the heart of the Old City on Plaça de la Catedral, the cathedral dates back to the 11th century. Taking seven decades to complete, it creates an interesting blend of different styles from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque. Situated at the highest point in Girona, it serves as a gathering place, a popular location for filming and fashion shoots, and the main tourist attraction in Girona. No trip to Girona would be complete without going inside to view the cloister, its stained glass windows, and bell tower.

Cool fact: many scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed on the Girona Cathedral steps, making it a notable highlight of the city to visit.

5. Game of Thrones Locations

We’ve talked a lot about Game of Thrones in Girona and if you are a fan of the series, a GOT tour is not to be missed. A guided tour is highly recommended; however, there are places you will notice yourself, such as the steps of the Girona Cathedral at Plaça de la Catedral, the cobbled streets of Girona’s Old Town, and Plaça dels Jurats (Girona’s festival square), which served as the place where Arya watched the play about the Starks and Lannister families. This GOT Tour will show you all the filming locations around Girona.

• Fun Fact: Plaça dels Jurats (Girona’s festival square) is also used as a theatre and concert venue in real life.

6. Jewish Quarter – El Call

Known as El Call, the Jewish Quarter is located in the heart of Old Town (Força Vella) Girona. This maze of narrow cobbled streets is not to be missed when visiting Girona. Enjoy a glass of prosecco on an outdoor patio while admiring the archways and architecture of this iconic district.

Take a highly rated tour where you’ll discover one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters from the Middle Ages in Europe. Learn about Nachmanides, the most important rabbi and doctor of Girona, and enjoy a guided visit to the Museum of Jewish History.

7. Rambla de la Llibertat

Rambla de la Llibertat (La Rambla) is the place to be for dining, shopping, and people-watching. The main street of the old town Girona is filled with cafes and outdoor patios that are perfect for an aperitivo. This pedestrian street runs parallel to the Onyar River and features an eclectic mix of 19th-century architecture with baroque and gothic facades alongside shaded portico walkways. It’s one of the best spots to enjoy drinks and appetizers before a night out on the town.

8. The Arab Baths (Els Banys Arabs)

Public baths aren’t exclusive to Turkey and Italy; Girona has its own public baths dating back to 1194. Inspired by Northern African and Roman baths, the Arab Baths are one of the most visited attractions in Girona. They were destroyed during a siege, but in 1342 the Arab baths were rebuilt and eventually restored in 1932. This site offers a glimpse into life in the Middle Ages, with an octagonal, column-surrounded central pool that has been featured on film. Make sure to visit the rooftop for views of the cathedral. A visit costs only €2, making it a must-stop on any Girona itinerary.

9. Go to the Spa

Since you can’t bathe in the Arab Baths, a spa treatment is probably on the agenda. Aqva Gerunda is an excellent place to soothe your travel-weary muscles with aromatherapy thermal baths, ritual massages, and thermal cycles. Located in the first Hospital of Girona, AQVA was opened in 2015 by a local entrepreneur who wanted to follow the Roman traditions of creating harmony where water, stone, light, and primary elements enhance a purifying journey through the senses.

10. Basílica Parroquial de Sant Feliu (The Basilica de Sant Feliu)

The Church of Saint Felu was a highlight of our visits to Girona. Knowing the head of Costa Brava tourism firsthand offers many perks, and we had the chance to ring the bells of the Bell Tower during one of our stays. The bells at the Basilica Parroquial de Sant Feliu ring only five times a year on holidays such as Easter, Corpus Christi, and Good Friday. It was astounding to imagine the surprise of locals when the bells erupted unexpectedly. This basilica, Girona’s first church, reveals beautiful works of art dating back to the 4th century that have been meticulously restored.

11. Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants

While touring Costa Brava and Catalunya, you’ll discover many monasteries, including the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, a Benedictine Abbey dating back to the 12th century. Housing the Archeological Museum of Catalonia, it is a must-visit destination in Girona to explore archaeological finds from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

12. The Sant Domènec Convent

Founded in 1253, this convent now houses the Faculty of Arts for the University of Girona. It’s located at a high point of the Girona Wall and is open for visitors. Notable features include various architecture from different eras, including Gothic and Renaissance cloisters, as well as Baroque chapels.

13. Monastery Saint Daniel

Another beautiful site to visit in Girona is the Monastery St. Daniel, which dates back to the 11th century. Located just outside the city core, this church houses the remains of St. Daniel. The cloisters are a standout attraction, showcasing a first-floor built in the 13th century in Romanesque style, along with 15th-century upper cloisters exhibiting Gothic design.

14. Jardins dels Alemanys

The Jardins dels Alemanys is a beautiful park and green space featuring Roman ruins that were used as barracks by German soldiers during the 19th-century Peninsular War. Be sure to walk up to the top of the ruins for views of the cathedral and the city of Girona.

15. Plaça de la Independència

Plaça de la Independència or Independence Square is the main city square of Girona. Located in the historic center, this square is a popular gathering place filled with cafes that cater to tourists. If you are considering things to do in Girona at night, Independence Square is an excellent starting point.

16. Casa Maso

Casa Masó is one of the most distinguished works of Rafael Masó, an outstanding Catalan architect of the early 20th century. He was an admirer of Gaudí and contributed to the creation of Noucentisme, which served as an alternative to Gaudí’s modernism. Casa Masó was his home until 1912, and many of his works can be found in Girona and surrounding areas, including Sant Feliu de Guíxols and the garden city of s’Agaró.

Girona Museums

With a rich and storied history, it’s no surprise that Girona boasts a variety of museums. If you have the time, consider checking out some museums to delve into Girona’s past.

17. Jewish History Museum

The Museum of Jewish History stands out among Girona museums, with 11 areas where visitors can learn about Jewish life, history, and culture in Catalonia during medieval times. The cemetery contains 29 tombstones of previous Jewish inhabitants of Girona.

18. Girona History Museum

The Girona History Museum is located in the former 18th-century convent of the Capuchin friars of Saint Anthony.

19. Girona Art Museum

The Girona Art Museum, set in the former Bishops Palace dating back to the 10th century, houses a massive collection of Romanesque and Gothic art. Be prepared for older artwork; this museum is not contemporary. Instead, it contains numerous religious depictions along with medieval and Renaissance works.

20. Museum of Cinema

If you love movies, you are going to enjoy the Museum of Cinema. The Museum of Cinema — Tomàs Mallol Collection celebrates the history of the moving image. From the pre-cinema era with the magic lantern to the early age of cinema and the stars of silent films, this is an excellent place to learn about the origins of moving pictures.

21. Gastronomy in Girona

Girona is one of the world’s great food destinations, home to 16 Michelin Star restaurants, including El Celler de Can Roca, which was proclaimed the Best Restaurant in the World! We have tasted their food, and it truly is a culinary masterpiece!

When visiting Girona, make sure to sample its many outstanding restaurants that feature Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine. Don’t forget dessert; when it comes to gelato, most people think of enjoying this tasty treat in Italy, but Girona boasts some of the best gelato shops in the world, such as Rocambolesc.

Getting Around Girona

Getting around Girona is quite easy. Most main attractions are within walking distance, allowing you to explore a lot in just a day or a short time. Cycling is also a great way to navigate Girona, with plenty of bike rental options available. To reach the surrounding areas for day trips from Girona, we highly recommend renting a car. Taxis are readily available in Girona as well.

Day Trips from Girona

Girona serves as an excellent base for exploring Costa Brava and the Pyrenees. As mentioned earlier, we spent a summer here, which allowed us to explore extensively in this beautiful region of Spain. While a summer offers the best opportunity to discover everything near Girona, here are a few of our favorite day trips to consider while exploring Catalunya.

21. Volcano of La Garrotxa

One of the best hiking trips outside of Girona is the Volcano of La Garrotxa. You can walk right inside the crater to observe the layers of volcanic activity. With more than 125 km of hiking trails, it is a beautiful location for outdoor enthusiasts. Trek through the volcanoes, lava flows, and forested paths. Check out a tour that takes you through the pre-Pyrenees Mountains, featuring over 40 volcanoes, Banyoles Lake, and picturesque medieval villages.

22. Via Ferrata at Saint Feliu de Guixols

If you seek adventure, make your way to the Medieval Town of Saint Feliu de Guixols to experience an extraordinary coastal via Ferrata. The Via Ferrata offers stunning views, heart-racing traverses, and thrilling steel bridges that dangle over the Mediterranean Sea. This is an adventure you won’t want to miss!

23. Hot Air Balloon in the Pyrenees

This truly was one of the best experiences we had in all of Spain. Enjoy a breathtaking hot air balloon flight departing from Garrotxa in the Pyrenees, especially at sunrise. Relish a sparkling glass of Cava as you partake in this romantic experience that truly highlights the beauty of Girona.

24. Dali in Port Lligat

Just outside of Cadaqués in the northeastern tip of Costa Brava, the highlight of this town is visiting the Salvador Dali house, where Dali himself lived, decorated, and designed everything. Dali was a famous surrealist artist from Spain, and his life and art are celebrated in Port Lligat. This is one of the most popular day trips in Costa Brava, so make your reservations online in advance. Join a Salvador Dali tour from Girona to visit the town of Figueres, the Dali Museum, and the village of Cadaqués.

In summary, these are the best things to do in Girona, Spain. Girona is a gem that we took for granted during our summer in Costa Brava, but it truly deserves a spot on your Spain itinerary. Be sure to add Girona to your travel list!