Discover the Best Things to Do in Girona: A Perfect Day Trip

Nestled in the heart of Catalonia, Girona is one of Spain’s most enchanting cities, full of medieval charm, colorful riverside houses, and unforgettable food and wine. Just 40 minutes by high-speed train from Barcelona, it offers the perfect escape for a day trip or a slower-paced getaway. The dramatic cathedral steps, featured in Game of Thrones, set the stage for a city filled with cobbled lanes, ancient walls, and lively plazas. Beyond the historic center, the nearby Empordà region is home to some of the finest Catalonia wineries, where you can enjoy tastings surrounded by stunning landscapes. From climbing the old city ramparts to sipping award-winning wines and exploring local markets, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Girona.

What are the best things to do in Girona?

Visit the iconic Girona Cathedral of Saint Mary

You’ll spot the Girona Cathedral from almost anywhere in the city, and once you’re standing at the bottom of its grand staircase, you’ll see why it steals the show. Famous for its role as the Great Sept of Baelor in Game of Thrones, this towering landmark blends a striking Baroque façade with a dramatic flight of 90 steps that begs for a photo (or two). Step inside to find the widest Gothic nave in the world, an architectural marvel that leaves most visitors speechless.

Wander through the Jewish quarter El Call

Step into Girona’s Jewish Quarter, El Call, and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into another time. This beautifully preserved maze of narrow, cobbled alleyways is one of the best in Europe, offering an atmospheric glimpse into medieval Jewish life. Tucked between stone walls and shaded passageways, it’s a place to slow down and soak up the city’s layered past. Make time for the Museum of Jewish History, where you’ll find moving exhibits that bring the stories of Girona’s Jewish community to life. It’s one of the most fascinating corners of the city.

Walk along Passeig de la Muralla, Girona’s ancient city walls

For some of the best views in Girona, head straight to the city walls, Passeig de la Muralla. These restored ancient Roman and medieval fortifications wrap around the old town and let you walk along the top, offering stunning panoramas of Girona’s rooftops, the cathedral, and the Catalan countryside beyond. It’s one of the most scenic walks in the city and a perfect way to get your bearings while soaking up history and sunshine at the same time.

Cross the Eiffel bridge, Pont de les Peixateries Velles

Bright red and full of charm, the Pont de les Peixateries Velles is one of Girona’s most iconic photo spots. Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company shortly before the Eiffel Tower was built, this iron bridge gives you postcard-perfect views of the Onyar River and the city’s famous pastel-colored houses stacked along the banks. It’s quick to cross but hard to forget, so have your camera ready, because this is one of those Girona moments you’ll want to capture.

Stroll through the Plaça de la Independència

In the heart of Girona, Plaça de la Independència is where locals and visitors come to relax, refuel, and people-watch. Surrounded by neoclassical colonnades and buzzing with terrace cafés, this lively square is perfect for a midday tapas stop or a slow evening coffee. It’s central, scenic, and always full of energy, making it one of the best places to take a break and soak up the city’s everyday vibe.

Get lost in the old town’s maze of narrow streets

Girona’s old streets 
are the kind of place that makes you want to ditch the map and wander. With its winding stone streets, artisan shops, and cozy tapas bars, this historic center is a perfect mix of charm and atmosphere. Every turn reveals a hidden square, a medieval archway, or a quiet corner that feels untouched by time. Exploring on foot is the best way to experience it, and often ends up being the unexpected highlight of a visit to Girona.

Explore the Girona history museum

Tucked inside an 18th-century Capuchin convent, the History Museum of Girona brings the city’s past to life in a big way. From Roman beginnings to the present day, the museum walks you through Girona’s transformation with engaging exhibits, artifacts, and even old city maps that make everything click. It’s the perfect stop to get a deeper understanding of what you’re seeing as you explore the streets, and it adds a whole new layer to your walk.

Relax by the River Onyar

For that classic Girona shot, head to the banks of the Onyar River where rows of pastel-colored buildings reflect perfectly in the water. Bridges like the Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles) give you the best angles, especially at golden hour. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, and an easy highlight to capture as you wander through the city. Don’t forget to look both ways, the view is stunning from every direction.

What are the best things to do around Girona?

Explore the wine trails of Empordà

Just 40 minutes from Girona, the Empordà wine region is a must for anyone craving great wine with a side of stunning views. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava, this sun-soaked region is home to some of the most charming wineries in Spain, known for their bold reds, crisp whites, and warm Catalan hospitality. Spend the day visiting family-run vineyards, tasting wines that reflect the region’s rich terroir, and enjoying tapas in peaceful countryside settings. It’s a perfect off-the-beaten-path escape for wine lovers looking to explore the heart of the region. For the best experience, join a guided wine tour through the scenic hills and medieval villages that make Empordà so unforgettable.

Wander at Figueres

Just 45 minutes from Girona by train or by renting a car, Figueres is a must for art lovers and curious travelers alike. Best known as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, this lively town is home to the surreal and unforgettable Dalí Theatre-Museum, a masterpiece that’s as eccentric as the artist himself. It’s one of the top cultural highlights in northern Catalonia, drawing visitors from around the world. Beyond the museum, Figueres charms with cobblestoned streets, cozy tapas cafés, and a laid-back vibe that offers a real taste of traditional Spain.

Visit Barcelona

From Girona, you’re just 40 minutes away by high-speed train, close enough for a day trip, but trust us, you’ll want to stay longer. This city has it all: Gaudí’s wild architecture, street markets buzzing with local flavor, beaches for lazy afternoons, and a food scene that keeps you out late (in the best way). And if you’re into wine, you’re in cava country, some of the best wineries near Barcelona are less than an hour outside the city, especially in the Penedès region. Explore the city, sip some bubbly in the hills, and end the day with vermouth by the sea. Barcelona doesn’t do boring, and neither will you.

Complete your itinerary with our guide on what to do in Barcelona!

Drive to Sitges

Just 40 minutes from Barcelona by train or car, Sitges is your go-to coastal escape with serious style. Think whitewashed streets, golden beaches, and an artsy vibe that feels effortlessly cool. You’ll find chilled seaside cafés, colorful festivals, and some of the best sunsets on the Catalan coast. Want to level it up? Add a Sitges wine tour to your day, this area is known for its crisp whites and modern wineries just inland. Whether you’re sunbathing, gallery-hopping, or sipping wine with a sea view, Sitges delivers that perfect mix of relaxed and refined.

Discover the best things to do in Sitges in our guide!

Discover the Sparkle of Costa Brava

When you’re based in Girona, the Costa Brava is just 45 minutes away and worth the detour. This stretch of rugged coastline, with its turquoise waters, cliffside paths, and hidden coves, easily rivals the best seaside spots in Spain. Spend the day wandering the postcard-perfect town of Calella de Palafrugell, diving into watersports in Lloret de Mar, or simply kicking back on a quiet beach. It’s the kind of place that resets your pace and reminds you just how stunning the region is, especially when you’ve been roaming Girona’s medieval streets and iconic Game of Thrones locations. Girona isn’t just a destination; it’s your launchpad to unforgettable side trips all over the region.

Good to Know before visiting Girona