Day Trip to Girona: What to See and Do
If you feel like escaping Barcelona’s hustle and bustle for a day, Girona is the perfect city: full of history, easy to explore on foot, and packed with hidden gems. Just 100 km north, between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava, you’ll find a walled city with an impressive cathedral and one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe.
Here’s everything you need to plan your visit: how to get there, a suggested itinerary, and the must-see spots for your day trip.
How to Get There from Barcelona (Easy and Fast)
You can reach this beautiful city in several ways, but these are the ones we recommend the most:
- AVE (Renfe): With Spain’s National Rail Network, you can reach Girona in just 40 minutes. Tickets are quite affordable, starting from around €13.
- Bus: From Barcelona Nord Bus Station, you can take a bus that takes about 2 hours to reach Girona. Tickets cost around €18, and you can choose extra luggage space if needed. On the Flixbus website, you’ll find the best routes for your trip.
- Car: This is one of the fastest options, as the drive takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. So, if you’ve rented a car during your stay in Barcelona to get around easily, we recommend using it to reach Girona as well.
Recommended 1-Day Itinerary
Morning
- Cathedral of Santa María
The Girona Cathedral impresses from its baroque staircase to its interior. The façade blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, but the real highlight is inside: a vast Gothic nave filled with light and silence. It’s worth taking your time to explore the side chapels, where you’ll find altarpieces, tombs, and unique details. We recommend checking the schedule and tickets in advance on its official website.
- The Arab Baths (Els Banys Àrabs)
The Arab Baths will surprise you with their intimate Romanesque atmosphere inspired by Andalusian architecture. This 12th-century complex was designed like Roman baths, with a changing room, frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium. The entrance hall features an octagonal pool, elegant columns, and a dome with skylights — the site’s most iconic image. As you continue through the stone chambers, you’ll get a sense of the ancient bathing ritual.
Located at the foot of the Cathedral, the visit takes around 20–30 minutes. It’s best to go early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds. Wear shoes with good grip and check the opening hours in advance.
- Walk Along the Roman Walls
On this walk along the Roman Walls, you’ll enjoy a panoramic route over the ancient Roman defenses that surround the old town. From the viewpoints, you’ll get stunning views of the Cathedral, the ochre rooftops, and in some sections, even the Onyar River. Take your time going up and down the marked access points (some stairways are quite steep) and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!
Midday
- Jewish Quarter
The Call Jueu is a maze of cobbled alleyways, passages, and staircases that preserve the medieval layout. The well-known “Carrer de la Força” leads to quiet courtyards, worn stone arches, and doorways that invite you to imagine life in the old Jewish community. It’s worth visiting the Museum of Jewish History to learn more about the local heritage, including references to Kabbalah and the ancient schools.
Afternoon
- Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Girona was one of the most iconic filming locations of Game of Thrones, especially in season six. The Girona Cathedral became the Great Sept of Baelor, with Arya climbing its famous steps. The Call Jueu, with its narrow, maze-like streets, hosted chase scenes set in Braavos. And in Plaça dels Jurats, Arya watched a play about the Seven Kingdoms. You can explore these spots on your own or join one of the many guided tours for fans, where you’ll discover behind-the-scenes stories and hidden details. A must-see stop for film lovers and the curious alike!
- Plaça de Sant Feliu and the Girona Lioness
In the heart of the old town lies Plaça de Sant Feliu, one of the liveliest spots in the afternoon. Here you’ll find the famous sculpture of the Girona Lioness: a column topped with a small lion figure. Tradition says you must kiss the base of the statue if you want to return to Girona. It might sound a bit odd, but it’s one of the locals’ most beloved customs — and most visitors can’t resist trying it!
- Old Town and Food Break
The afternoon in Girona invites you to wander through the charming Barri Vell, a maze of cobbled streets, hidden squares, and centuries-old façades. Strolling aimlessly through the Call Jueu, one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, is a unique way to travel back in time. Along the way, you’ll come across local boutiques, bookshops, artisan ice cream parlors, and historic mansions.
And when hunger strikes, it’s time for a foodie break. From tapas and Catalan cured meats to sweet cocas and a sunny vermut, Girona has something for every palate. If you’re after something more sophisticated, try one of the city’s signature restaurants around Plaça Independència or Carrer de la Cort Reial.
- Onyar Riverside and Its Bridges
During your visit to Girona, a walk along the Onyar River is a must. Here you’ll see the Cases de l’Onyar: traditional houses painted in bright colors lining the riverbanks. Be sure to stroll across the many bridges that span the river, and look for the love locks on the Pont de la Princesa bridge. Legend has it that couples who attach a lock here and throw the key into the river are destined to be together forever.
The bridges crossing the river include the Pont de Ferro (also known as Pont de les Peixateries Velles), which offers one of the best views of the colorful façades, and the Pont de Pedra, one of the oldest bridges, connecting the modern area with the old town.
Food Recommendations
In such a beautiful and rustic Catalan city, it would be a shame not to enjoy some traditional Catalan dishes! Here are some of our top picks for the best Catalan restaurants in Girona:
Not the best spot for vegetarians — but at L’Argadà, you’ll find some of the best grilled meats in the city. It’s a popular place among locals, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors — a great choice if you’re really hungry!
📍 Avenida Ramon Folch, 7, 17001, Girona
A bit more on Catalan cuisine — the lovely Divinum offers a white-tablecloth dining experience where you can enjoy authentic Catalan dishes with a creative twist. If you’re not in the mood for the à la carte menu, there’s also a weekday lunch market menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients.
📍Carrer Albareda, 7, 17004, Girona
Restaurant Girona – Casa Marieta 1892
This Girona classic is the perfect place to try homemade Catalan cuisine: suquets, duck with pears, or oven-roasted lamb. It offers a traditional atmosphere full of history and seasonal dishes that delight both locals and visitors — ideal for an authentic meal.
📍Pl. de la Independència, 5, 6, 17001 Girona
When to Go?
Spring fills Girona with flowers and life during Temps de Flors — an explosion of color and charm. In autumn, the atmosphere becomes calmer, perfect for slow exploring. Summer buzzes with energy (and heat!), while winter offers a quieter city vibe. Girona has its own magic… no matter the season!
After discovering all the hidden corners and gems of Girona — its history, culture, and beauty — you simply can’t visit Barcelona without stopping by this city. Its ancient walls, film locations, and amazing food are waiting for you!
