Girona Old Town - Image 1
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Girona Old Town

4.7
·10 reviews·Girona, Spain

A captivating medieval city with colorful river houses, ancient walls, and a rich history, often called Catalonia's best-kept secret.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, perfect light

CrowdLow
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Girona Old Town - Image 1

Girona Old Town

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, perfect light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A captivating medieval city with colorful river houses, ancient walls, and a rich history, often called Catalonia's best-kept secret.

4.7
(10 reviews)

"Girona is an easy day trip from Barcelona, but it is a great place to visit for longer."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets and hills are everywhere! :athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking.

Book El Celler de Can Roca

If fine dining is your goal, book months in advance for this world-renowned restaurant. 🍴

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 20 reviews

Type

Lodging

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Onyar River Houses

The Onyar River Houses

Onyar Riverfront

Iconic pastel-colored houses clinging to the riverbanks, offering a picturesque and vibrant scene.

Girona Cathedral

Girona Cathedral

Plaça de la Catedral

A stunning Gothic cathedral with a magnificent Baroque facade and a grand staircase.

The Jewish Quarter (El Call)

The Jewish Quarter (El Call)

Barri Vell

Wander through narrow, winding cobblestone streets of one of Europe's best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters.

Girona City Walls (Les Muralles)

Girona City Walls (Les Muralles)

Various access points

Walk along ancient ramparts for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Better Experience

Girona's charming medieval streets can get busy, especially during peak season. Consider visiting on weekdays or during shoulder seasons to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a magical light for photos and fewer people.

Getting There is Easy

Girona is a popular day trip from Barcelona, with frequent trains from Sants station taking as little as 35 minutes.TikTok+1 This makes it accessible for a quick visit, but staying longer allows for deeper exploration of its rich history and culinary scene.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, perfect light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
September
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

10/10 Food, 10/10 Wine Pairing, 10/10 Service, 1000/10 Experience. . . . . . #elcellerdecanroca #girona #spain #europe #threemichelinstars #michelin #50bestrestaurants #bestrestaurants #bestofthebest...
@lifestyle.of.a.leo
16.7K likes • 128.2K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets and hills are everywhere! :athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking.

Book El Celler de Can Roca

If fine dining is your goal, book months in advance for this world-renowned restaurant. 🍴

Visiting the real life Game of Thrones city in Girona, Spain 🇪🇸 Shoudl i take a trip to Croatia next? 👀✈️🇭🇷🏰 #gameofthrones #spain #girona #kingslanding #bravos #arya #houseofthedragon
@thomaslmanuel
13.1K likes • 187.2K views
Save for your Girona trip!🔥 This was a lush restaurant in the Old Town of Girona... The flaming pizza was awesome... And the truffle potatoes were INSANE 🤤🤤 #travel #travelling #travelblogger #trave...
lez_go_travelling
28 likes • 1.5K views

Explore the Old Town

Get lost in the medieval alleys of El Call, the old Jewish quarter. 🗺️

Walk the City Walls

Enjoy incredible city views from Les Muralles. :camerawithflash:

Have you ever visited Girona?🤩 1. The restoration of Cases de l’Onyar (Onyar river houses) was made in 1983-1984 by the architect studio Fuses-Viader, following a warm-colored palette. 2. You can g...
dailycatalan
1.5K likes • 54.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets and hills are everywhere! :athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking.

Book El Celler de Can Roca

If fine dining is your goal, book months in advance for this world-renowned restaurant. 🍴

Explore the Old Town

Get lost in the medieval alleys of El Call, the old Jewish quarter. 🗺️

Walk the City Walls

Enjoy incredible city views from Les Muralles. :camerawithflash:

Day Trip from Barcelona

Easy train access makes it a perfect day trip, but consider staying longer! :train2:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Girona Old Town is widely praised for its stunning medieval charm, picturesque riverfront, and rich history, often described as a hidden gem. Visitors love its Game of Thrones filming locations and the opportunity to explore ancient streets. Some find it can be crowded during peak times, and dining can be pricey.

"I love"

Roman Patrus DR

"A beautiful city to visit
Really worth it and completely free"

Nancy Rotty

"Very beautiful"

Recipes By Monique

What People Like

Medieval charm
Picturesque river views
Game of Thrones sites

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Dining can be pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is by train from Barcelona Sants station. Renfe trains run frequently, with journey times around 35-40 minutes for the faster trains and up to 1.5 hours for regional ones.TikTok+1 Tickets typically range from €9-€25.TikTok Buses are also an option, taking about an hour.TikTok

Yes, Girona Old Town is very walkable. Its charm lies in exploring its narrow cobblestone streets on foot. Be prepared for some inclines and stairs, especially if you plan to walk the city walls.Reddit

Absolutely! Girona is a very popular day trip destination from Barcelona due to its proximity and easy train access.TikTokReddit You can see many highlights in a single day, though staying longer allows for a more immersive experience.

The best way to explore Girona Old Town is by walking. Public transport isn't necessary within the historic center itself. If arriving from outside the immediate area, taxis or local buses can get you to the edge of the old town.

Parking within the immediate old town area can be challenging and expensive. It's often best to park in designated public car parks on the outskirts and walk into the historic center. Some TikToks mention parking in blue zones as a cheaper option.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Girona Old Town itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely wander its streets and squares. However, specific attractions within the old town, like the Cathedral or Arab Baths, may have admission fees.

Girona Old Town is always accessible. However, individual shops, restaurants, and attractions within it will have their own operating hours. It's advisable to check the specific hours for any sites you wish to visit.

Yes, numerous guided tours are available for Girona Old Town, covering its history, Game of Thrones filming locations, and hidden gems. Many can be booked online or upon arrival.

There is typically a small entrance fee to visit the interior of the Girona Cathedral, which helps with its upkeep. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website or inquire on-site for current rates.

Yes, walking along the Girona City Walls (Les Muralles) is generally free and offers fantastic views. Access points are scattered throughout the city, allowing you to join the path at various locations.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo spots include the colorful houses along the Onyar River (best viewed from the bridges like Pont de Pedra), the grand staircase of the Cathedral, the narrow alleys of El Call, and panoramic views from the City Walls.Instagram+1

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the old town. Late afternoons provide a warm, golden hour glow, perfect for atmospheric shots.TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and historical sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in Girona.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both street scenes and wider vistas. A wide-angle lens is useful for the narrow alleys and the impressive Cathedral. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone if you're relying on it for photos.TikTok

Yes, many Game of Thrones scenes were filmed here! Key spots for photos include the steps of the Cathedral (representing the Great Sept of Baelor) and various alleyways in El Call.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

For a splurge, El Celler de Can Roca is world-famous (book far in advance!).TikTok For excellent meals, locals recommend El Carrito,Reddit Cipresaia (known for scallops),Reddit and La Fabrica for brunch (avoid sitting outside due to smells).Reddit Le Bistrot is also recommended for outdoor seating.Reddit

Catalan cuisine is prevalent, featuring fresh seafood, local meats, and seasonal produce. Expect dishes like 'pa amb tomàquet' (bread with tomato), 'escudella i carn d'olla' (a hearty stew), and delicious pastries. Wine pairings are also a highlight.TikTok

While traditional Catalan cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants in Girona are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask your server about plant-based choices.

Look for 'menú del día' (menu of the day) deals at local restaurants, which offer a multi-course meal at a fixed, affordable price, especially during lunchtime on weekdays. Tapas bars are also a great way to sample various dishes without breaking the bank.

For an atmospheric experience, consider restaurants with stone architecture and historic settings. Le Bistrot is noted for its ambiance,Reddit and if you venture to Besalú nearby, Pont Vell is highly recommended.Reddit

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