Things to See and Do in Girona
One of Catalonia's best-preserved medieval cities: a monumental cathedral, an intact Jewish quarter and colourful houses lining the Onyar river.
Updated: 2026-06-03
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Girona holds the world's widest Gothic nave inside its Santa Maria cathedral (23 m), one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish quarters (El Call), the colourful Cases de l'Onyar and the red Eiffel iron bridge from 1877. It is about 38 minutes from Barcelona by AVE high-speed train.
Girona's 4 must-sees
Santa Maria Cathedral
Climb the 90 Baroque steps to a dramatic facade. Inside lies the widest Gothic nave in the world, spanning 23 metres without a single column.
El Call, the Jewish quarter
A maze of stone alleys around Carrer de la Força, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters. Don't miss the Museum of Jewish History.
Cases de l'Onyar
The colourful houses overhanging the river are Girona's iconic image. The best view is from the Pont de Pedra or the red Eiffel bridge.
Passeig de la Muralla
Walk along the old Carolingian and medieval city walls for panoramic views over the rooftops, towers and the countryside surrounding the city.
More corners worth a stop
Arab Baths and Sant Feliu
Despite the name, the Banys Àrabs are a Romanesque building from around 1194, inspired by Roman and Arab bathing traditions, with an elegant dome over the cold room. A few steps away, the basilica of Sant Feliu stands out for its truncated Gothic bell tower and Roman sarcophagi. Both can be seen in a quiet morning through the old town.
The Eiffel bridge and the Onyar
The red iron Pont de les Peixateries Velles was built by Gustave Eiffel's company in 1877, a few years before the Paris tower. Crossing it and gazing at the houses reflected in the Onyar is one of the city's most photographed moments. At sunset, the light on the multicoloured facades is especially beautiful.
Girona and Game of Thrones
In season six, Girona's old town became Braavos: this is where the scenes of Arya Stark begging and fleeing the Waif were filmed. The cathedral steps, El Call and the Sant Domènec climb all appear on screen. Guided tours cover all the filming locations.
Practical information for your visit
Best time to go: Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather. If you can, time your trip with Temps de Flors (9 to 17 May 2026, the 71st edition): courtyards, staircases and monuments fill with floral installations, and entry to most spaces is free, from 9:30 to 21:00.
How to get there: The AVE high-speed train connects Girona with Barcelona in about 38 minutes on the fastest services, and Barcelona with Madrid in 2 h 30 min. The station is a 10-minute walk from the old town. By car, Girona is just over an hour from Barcelona via the AP-7.
Tips: The old town is best explored on foot: bring comfortable shoes for the slopes and cobblestones. Book accommodation well ahead for Temps de Flors, as the city fills up. For fine dining, El Celler de Can Roca holds three Michelin stars and takes reservations months in advance.
Frequently asked questions about Girona
How many days do you need to see Girona?
One full day is enough to see the essentials of the old town: the cathedral, El Call, the walls and the Onyar houses. With two days you can visit museums, take the Arab Baths at a relaxed pace and add a trip to the surroundings.
Can you visit Girona from Barcelona on a day trip?
Yes. The AVE takes about 38 minutes on the fastest services, making it a perfect day trip. Set off early to enjoy the morning in the old town and head back in the late afternoon or evening.
When is Temps de Flors 2026?
The 71st edition of the Girona, Temps de Flors flower festival runs from 9 to 17 May 2026. Courtyards, monuments and staircases are decorated with floral art, and entry to most spaces is free, from 9:30 to 21:00.
Where can you see the Game of Thrones locations?
In the old town: the cathedral steps, El Call around Carrer de la Força and the Sant Domènec climb. Girona played Braavos in season six. There are dedicated Game of Thrones guided tours.
Keep planning your trip with our guides to Hotels in Girona, How to get to Girona, Restaurants in Girona, Activities in Girona.
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Tours and guided visits
Discover Girona with a local guide: old-town tours, Game of Thrones routes and visits to the cathedral and El Call. Book with free cancellation.
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