Your guide to Girona
Girona highlights
Where to stay
Girona’s small footprint means you’re never far from the action. Staying in Barri Vell puts you within walking distance of the cathedral, Arab Baths and the Jewish quarter, as well as boutique hotels in centuries-old buildings. Just over the river, there’s a selection of hotels in and around El Mercadal. L'Eixample, near the train station, offers budget-friendly options.
Medieval streets and monuments
The heart of Girona is a maze of narrow lanes and squares tucked behind ancient walls. Walk the preserved sections for views over the terracotta-tiled roofs, then explore traces of a Roman fort, and wander through El Call, the old Jewish quarter. Save some energy for the climb up the 90-step Baroque staircase to enter Girona Cathedral.
Painted riverfront
The Onyar River runs through Girona, separating the medieval old town from the newer neighbourhoods. Several bridges cross the river, including the red lattice bridge built by Gustave Eiffel’s company about a decade before the iconic tower in Paris. During your trip to Girona, spend time along the riverfront and snap pictures of the colourful painted houses lining its banks.
Girona: Know before you go
| Language | Catalan, Spanish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | March - October |
| Low season | November - February |
Things to do in Girona
Take in the culture
The museums in Girona don’t disappoint. The Museum of Jewish History and the Girona History Museum offer fascinating insights into hundreds of years of the city’s past. Visit Casa Masó, the only painted river house open to the public. Another popular draw is the Cinema Museum and its collection of magic lanterns and early filmmaking equipment.
Places to eat
Whether you’re after a Michelin-starred feast or a few plates of tapas, restaurants in Girona cater to every appetite and budget. Look for Catalan classics like ‘butifarra amb mongetes’ (pork sausage with white beans) and Girona’s own ‘xuixo’ (a deep-fried cream-filled pastry) on menus across the city. For no-frills traditional cooking, Casa Marieta has been serving hungry customers since 1892.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Girona is more relaxed than rowdy. Start with a glass of vermouth at a local bar, then move on to Plaça de la Independència or Plaça de Sant Feliu, where restaurants and terraces stay busy into the evening. For something livelier, music bars pick up later, with a handful of clubs carrying on into the early hours.
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