Head to the historic city of Girona, famous for its hit TV series Game of Thrones, for a great day trip from Barcelona. What to see and do?

Girona will appeal to you primarily with its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Looking for a great day trip from Barcelona? After Barcelona, ​​the city of Girona is another of Spain's gems that you should not miss during your travels.

This city offers a mix of culture, history and culinary experiences. Admire the medieval streets and colorful houses by the Onyar River. And of course, don't forget to try the local cuisine. Girona is an authentic experience just a short distance from Barcelona.

Girona: A piece of history at every turn - what can you expect from it?

• Girona has slightly over 100 thousand population and can be found in the very north Catalonia at the confluence of the Ter and Onyar rivers.
• It is very close to the city Aeroport de Girona – Costa Brava international airport.
• Girona is only 100 km away Barcelona a by train you are here in less than 40 minutes.
• Most of the old part of the city is still there today excellently preserved and is often used for filming movies and series like Game of Thrones
• Girona is increasingly popular among tourists for its beautiful sights and good transport accessibility.
• The city offers historic Jewish quarter, which is one of the best preserved in the world. Girona is proud of its rich Jewish past, for example the medieval Jewish thinker Nachmanides lived and worked here.

Want to take a day trip to Girona from Barcelona?

If you would like to visit Girona from Barcelona, ​​check out this day trip offer. For €50 you can have: 

• travel from Barcelona to Girona by comfortable bus
• official guide (English and Spanish speaking)
• 2-hour guided city tour (and then the opportunity to explore Girona on your own)

More information >>>

Basilica of Sant Feliu in Girona, Spain

5 must-see places in Girona

1. Medieval fortifications
2. Eiffel Bridge
3. Cathedral Catedral de Girona
4. Square Pl. de la Independència
5. Jewish quarter

My tip: During your visit to Girona, spend some time walking through its breathtaking streets. You may recognize it in a number of places locations from the popular hit series Game of Thrones, which was filmed right here. To make it a little easier, you can take a look at map with marked places from individual episodes. 

Tourist map of Girona to download

You will find all the main sights of the city marked on the tourist map, which you can easily download to your phone or computer. 

Tourist map of Girona - click to enlarge

Is Girovna your transfer station? Read how to get from Girona Airport to Barcelona, or jump straight to buying a bus ticket.

Attractions and sights in Girona

There are enough monuments and attractions to see in Girona that it can be done in one day. Below you will find some tips on what to visit in the city. 

Medieval fortification with a beautiful view

After arriving in Girona, I recommend starting the day with a walk along the medieval walls, from which you will have a breathtaking view of the entire city, and especially its old quarter. You will find the route under the local name of Passeig de la Muralla.

Medieval fortifications in Girona

Walking around these ancient fortification walls is like traveling back in time, where you can almost hear the whisper of history in every stone. There are several towers, bastions and gates for you to explore. 

Eiffel Bridge

The author of the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris also left a small mark in Girona. Here you can walk on the bridge with the name Pont de les Peixateries Velles, which runs across the Onyar River. At first glance, you will recognize the clear handwriting of this architect, as the metal structure of the bridge is strikingly reminiscent of the most famous symbol of Paris.

Red Eiffel Bridge in Girona

An interesting fact is that the bridge was built in 1877, even before the more famous and well-known Eiffel Tower was built.

The bridge is one of the most prominent points of the city, offering an exceptional view of the Onyar River and the typical colorful houses that line its banks. Its sinuous structure and steel construction are a perfect example of Eiffel's innovative and avant-garde work.

My tip: Want to plan a long walk full of interesting places? Start by visiting the medieval walls, then continue to the Cathedral (Catedral de Girona) and the Jewish Quarter. Explore places where Game of Thrones was filmed. Finally, cross the Eiffel Bridge and on the other side you will find the bustling Rambla de la Llibertat, ideal for a quick stop at one of the cafes. Continue to the Plaça de la Independència, where you can enjoy lunch or tapas. If you are a fan of architecture, visit Casa Maso, or walk to Lion's Market, where you will find fresh local produce. Finally, relax in Park de la Devesa, the largest park in Girona, which offers pleasant shade and a peaceful atmosphere.

Gothic cathedral Catedral de Girona

The cathedral in Girona is perched on a high hill and thus dominates the panorama of the entire city. You have to climb an endless baroque staircase to get a look inside, but the picturesque view and the local atmosphere are definitely worth it.

Girona Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary - as the monument is officially called in its full name - is one of the most important symbols of the city and a masterpiece of architectural beauty. This medieval gem is known for its impressive Gothic nave – the widest of its kind in the world.

The cathedral is a treasure trove of artistic and historical gems, including a magnificent Romanesque baptistery and the valuable Tapiseria de la Creació, an 11th-century tapestry. 

Perhaps the endless stairs leading to the Cathedral

Plaça de la Independència

Plaça de la Independència, located on the west bank of the Onyar River, is the real heart of the city! 

Square Pl. de la Independencia

It is one of the liveliest squares in Girona, which is the ideal place for a little break: the square has a number of cafes, restaurants and shops that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a glass of local wine, taste the traditional Catalan cuisine or simply stop and watch locals and tourists browsing. 

The square was named in honor of the Spanish War of Independence and if you walk through it you will notice the beautiful neoclassical buildings that give the place an air of elegance and grace. 

Jewish quarter

Finally, we cannot forget the already mentioned Jewish quarter, which will offer you a truly authentic experience. Jews made up a significant part of Girona's population from the 10th to the 15th century. The original district is called The Call as well as the one in Barcelona. The designation originates from the Hebrew word kahal translated as community. The tangled narrow streets covered with cobblestones breathe a special atmosphere on you.

Alleys in the Jewish quarter of Girona

Today, in addition to the narrow, winding streets and stone steps, you can visit the Museum of Jewish History, which offers an engaging look at the life and heritage of this community. A walk through this neighborhood is like a trip back in time, full of historical secrets and charm. Call is the center of old Girona, where past and present come together in a unique story.

My tip: If you want to learn more about Jewish history, visit a local Jewish museum Museo de Historia de los Judíos.

What is the best time to visit Girona?

Thanks to the warm climate, you can visit Girona most of the year. From April to November you will find warm weather here. But watch out for the summer months, when temperatures can climb really high. An interesting fact is that the most rainfall occurs in March and April in Girona. During this period, keep an eye on the weather forecast or keep a raincoat in reserve.

What is the best way to get to Girona from Barcelona?

Although Girona is 100 km from Barcelona, ​​the two cities are connected by the Renfe AVANT high-speed train line. With a 38-minute journey between the two destinations, this service makes Girona the perfect day trip from Barcelona.

The ticket can be purchased before departure at Barcelona Sants main train station or Estació Sants. However, if you are going on a weekend, we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance so that you have a reserved seat. The train departs approximately every 45 minutes and the route is part of the line continuing to Paris. One return ticket will cost you around 35 EUR.

Want to take a day trip to Girona from Barcelona?

If you would like to visit Girona from Barcelona, ​​check out this day trip offer. For €50 you can have: 

• travel from Barcelona to Girona by comfortable bus
• official guide (English and Spanish speaking)
• 2-hour guided city tour (and then the opportunity to explore Girona on your own)

More information >>>

Where to continue from Girona?

Girona is located in the northern part CataloniaIf you are here, you have the opportunity to explore other interesting cities and places such as Figueres with the Dali Museum or maybe medieval Besalú.

Author Lucie Trinerová, Michal Acler