Girona is home to a neighbourhood of old winding streets and a passable medieval wall. In addition to many green spaces, colourful buildings, and perfect weather, this city is one of the favourite places in Spain for many. Do you want to know what things you can do and see in Girona? Well, keep reading, we will tell you what are the best plans to get to know this small and charming city.
Best plans to see and do in Girona
This small town just 30 minutes from Barcelona remains somewhat off the beaten track. Free from the crowds that can be found in Barcelona. Plus, it offers good food, lots to do, and lovely people. So you can get the most out of your trip. Here are the best things to see and do in Girona.
Explore the old town
Girona’s old town is next to the Onyar river. This neighborhood is home to some of the most popular and best-preserved historical sites in the city. Full of medieval architecture, colorful old houses, and picturesque bridges. You can explore on your own, but there are also tours that offer the opportunity to learn more about this section of the city and how it has evolved over the centuries.
Visit the Cathedral of Girona
Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Cathedral of Santa María de Girona dominates the city. It is the second widest church in the world, at almost 23 meters wide, only St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is wider. It is very famous because it was part of the locations of the television series Game of Thrones.
Tour the Arab baths
These preserved public baths were built in 1194. Its Romanesque style was inspired by similar Roman and Arab baths. They were built in response to the growing population of old Girona and the need to improve hygiene.
While you cannot use the baths, you can take a self-guided tour to see what bathing was like in the Middle Ages. The building is covered by a large vaulted ceiling and includes a cold-water bath, a hot-water bath, and changing rooms.
Stroll the Eiffel Bridge
The Palanques Vermelles Bridge, also known as the Eiffel Bridge, was built in 1827 by Gustave Eiffel. Just before the construction of his most famous work, the Eiffel Tower. Located above the Onyar River, it is a great place to get some photos of the colorful buildings of the old town.
Visit the many museums in Girona
For a small city, Girona is home to quite a few museums and art galleries. Here are some that you should not miss on your trip to Girona.
Museum of Jewish History: The museum is made up of 11 exhibits that explore the history and culture of the region’s Jewish community, which was one of the largest in the area. Entrance fee is €4.
Girona Art Museum: It has the largest collection of Romanesque and Gothic art in the region, more than 8,000 pieces. It is enormous! Entrance fee is €6.
Cinema Museum: This museum covers the history of cinema and is filled with old posters, films, and film equipment. It also hosts regular events and movie screenings. A must for movie lovers! Entrance fee is €5.
Girona Archaeology Museum: It is one of the oldest museums in the region and has a collection of archaeological finds from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Although small, it goes into good detail about the area.
Get to know the Basilica of Sant Feliu
This historic Gothic cathedral is eye-catching and hard to miss. Since there is a castle. Its bell tower is visible from most places in Girona, so it is never far from sight. It was Girona’s first cathedral and was the only one until the 10th century. Beyond the impressive architecture, the cathedral houses historical works of art, including a 14th-century sculpture of Christ, as well as Christian and non-Christian sarcophagi dating back to the century IV.
Visit the Monastery of Sant Daniel
Founded in the 11th century, this monastery located on the outskirts of the city was created with the intention of establishing a convent in the region. While the abbey is no longer in use, you can still visit the church and cloister. Inside, you will find the tomb of Sant Daniel, which is rumoured to house the remains of the saint himself. The architecture is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic, with additions from the 12th and 15th centuries. The monastery is surrounded by the Valley of Sant Daniel, a lush green space with lots of shade and picturesque natural springs.
Walk on the old wall
These old walls, dating from Girona’s medieval past, were partially destroyed in the 19th century to make way for the expansion of the city. Fortunately, many of the missing pieces have been recovered or rebuilt in recent times. Strolling above them offers an unbeatable view of both the city and the rolling hills of the countryside. And everything for FREE!
Stroll along La Rambla de la Llibertat
Surrounded by beautiful Neoclassical, Baroque and Gothic buildings, this is the main pedestrian street in the city. The street dates from 1885 and is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. There is also a flower market on Saturdays.
Enjoy an ice cream in Rocambolesc
This ice cream parlour owned by world-class chef Jordi Roca, is a great place to enjoy delicious ice cream and ice cream topped with berries, cotton candy, fruits, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fudge, and much more. That is amazing!
Girona’s long history, a unique and rich culture, and impressive architecture make it a must-see destination. Most of the travellers who know this city return again and again. If you have the opportunity to travel to Spain, be sure to visit this charming town.
ALFA