Girona in one day: 24h walking itinerary

Girona in one day is very doable: the old town is compact and entirely walkable. This guide links the cathedral, the El Call Jewish quarter, the colourful Onyar houses and the Eiffel bridge in a logical loop, with rough timings so you don't miss anything in 24 hours.

Morning: the cathedral and its steps

Start early at Girona Cathedral. Its Baroque staircase of 90 steps, built in 1607, is one of the city's most recognisable sights and doubled as the Great Sept of Baelor in Game of Thrones. Inside waits the widest Gothic nave in the world, 22.98 metres across; only St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is wider in any style. Allow a good hour for the climb, the façade and the interior.

El Call: the medieval Jewish quarter

A few steps away, drop into El Call, one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish quarters. Its spine is Carrer de la Força, a narrow cobbled street threaded with alleys and stairways made for wandering. Here you'll find the Museum of Jewish History, which traces centuries of Jewish life in Catalonia. Set aside 45 minutes just to roam; more if you go into the museum.

Arab Baths and Sant Feliu

Heading north you reach the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs), built in 1194 despite the name. Don't miss the apodyterium, the entrance hall with an octagonal pool ringed by columns and topped by a skylight. Next door, the basilica of Sant Feliu, the city's first cathedral, blends Romanesque and Gothic. Budget about 40 minutes for both.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Girona? Sleeping in the Barri Vell puts all these monuments within a short stroll. Compare hotels and apartments on Booking.com.

The Passeig de la Muralla

For the best views, climb up to the Passeig de la Muralla, the elevated walkway along the old Roman and Carolingian walls. The path passes watchtowers and the Jardins dels Alemanys, with viewpoints over the rooftops, the cathedral and the countryside. Some stretches have steps and uneven stone, so wear comfortable shoes. Coming down into the old town leaves you ready for lunch.

Lunch in the Barri Vell

At midday the Barri Vell packs restaurants and terraces into squares like Plaça del Vi and Plaça de la Independència. I won't point you to one specific spot sight unseen, but the area runs from set lunch menus to market-driven Catalan cooking. Girona is also famous for its high-end gastronomy; if you want something special, it pays to book ahead.

Afternoon: the Onyar and the Eiffel bridge

Close the day at the Onyar River. The Cases de l'Onyar, the colourful houses leaning over the water, are Girona's definitive postcard. Cross the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, the red iron lattice bridge that came from Gustave Eiffel's workshop in 1877, years before his famous tower. It's the best spot to photograph the façades reflected in the river, especially in late-afternoon light.

If you visit in May, check whether your dates overlap with Temps de Flors, the flower festival that fills courtyards, staircases and the river itself with floral installations for nine days, free to enter.

Keep planning

• Where to stay in Girona
• What to do in Girona
• Girona's heritage
• How to get to Girona

Activities in Girona: a guided walk through the Jewish quarter or the cathedral adds context to what you see. Book tours and experiences on GetYourGuide.