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Things to Do in Girona, Spain
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Girona, Spain
Among top things to do in Girona, Spain, explore the towering Girona Cathedral with its stunning Gothic nave. Wander the historic Jewish Quarter’s narrow, winding streets or visit the calming Arab Baths, reflecting Roman and Moorish influences. Don’t miss strolls along the colorful Onyar River banks lined with picturesque houses.
1. Girona Cathedral
Experience the widest Gothic nave in the world, a breathtaking sight. Walk through centuries of architectural styles and vibrant stained glass windows.
Quick facts: Known for having the widest Gothic nave in the world at nearly 23 meters, it captivates visitors with its sheer scale and grandeur. Its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture tells the story of centuries of changing styles and growth.
Highlights: Step inside to find the grand staircase leading up to the facade, setting an imposing stage with its intricate carvings and sweeping steps. The cathedral’s vast nave feels like standing inside a giant stone forest, where light filters through medieval stained glass, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.
2. Arab Baths
Step into a world of ancient bathing traditions. Experience thermal pools and mesmerizing Islamic architecture up close.
Quick facts: The complex mimics the traditional Roman baths but includes distinct Islamic design elements like horseshoe arches and intricate mosaics. It's known for its three temperature rooms: cold, warm, and hot, replicating an ancient bath ritual experience.
Highlights: Look up to see the skylight ceiling with star-shaped openings that used to illuminate the baths with natural light. The pools are made from sandstone, which retains heat efficiently, offering a unique sensory warmth unlike modern materials.
3. Sant Pere de Galligants
Step into ancient history surrounded by breathtaking Romanesque art. Explore a peaceful cloister and fascinating archaeological finds that bring the past alive.
Quick facts: The building showcases stunning Romanesque architecture with intricately carved capitals and a beautiful cloister. It now serves as the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, preserving treasures from Girona and beyond.
Highlights: You can wander through the quiet cloister with its delicate columns and imagine monks walking these paths centuries ago. The museum's collection includes artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, making it an immersive journey through history.
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I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Girona, Spain, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Onyar River
Colors splash off riverside walls, making every stroll an Instagram moment. Explore vibrant architecture and lively nightlife right on the water’s edge.
Quick facts: The river cuts right through the heart of the city, lined with buildings painted in bright, eye-catching colors. It’s famous for the postcard-perfect views offered by its vibrant facades mirrored in the water below.
Highlights: Birdwatchers and art lovers both find a treat here since the river hosts a variety of local bird species as well as colorful street art along its banks. By night, the reflections of the lively lights from riverside cafes create a magical scene worth lingering over.
5. Museum of Cinema
Discover cinema's evolution through compelling artifacts. Dive into hands-on exhibits and rare screenings that bring films to life.
Quick facts: More than 50,000 film-related objects fill its rooms, creating a vibrant tapestry of cinematic history. The collection includes everything from antique cameras to vintage movie posters that steal the spotlight.
Highlights: Explore a stunning old Gran Casino building that houses over a century of cinema magic, including Europe's oldest movie projector. An immersive 3D screening room reveals the magic behind classic film techniques, captivating visitors of all ages.
6. Mercat del Lleó
A century of tapas tradition lives in one shaded stone square. Grab a marble counter spot, split a plate of bravas, and watch the old town drift by.
Quick facts: On a cobbled corner of the medieval Old Town, a ring of stone arcades shades a tiny square that has worked as a market for centuries. One neighboring cava-and-croquette bar has served patatas bravas with garlicky all-i-oli for close to a century.
Highlights: Over the main entrance recess, a squat stone lion is carved into the oldest keystone, its ears worn smooth by generations of fingers reaching up for luck. When the bar's fryer fires up around midday, the whole square fills with hot oil and garlic, and the afternoon settles into the unhurried rhythm of wine and small talk.
7. Besalú
March across a 105-meter stone fortress bridge, river glinting beneath every arch. Cobbled lanes, a 900-year-old ritual bath, and torch-lit festival nights await.
Quick facts: Roughly 1,000 residents live inside the walls, yet the town packs in a 105-meter fortified bridge and a fully preserved medieval core. Among the few Jewish quarters left in Spain, the old call still holds a subterranean ritual bath that fills with spring water.
Highlights: Climb the bridge tower at dusk and watch the Fluvià river mirror every stone arch, then duck into the old Jewish quarter where a vaulted mikveh still fills with spring water below street level. During the late-August medieval fair, townsfolk light torches along the parapet and joust in the square while the river thunders beneath the arches.
Where to Stay in Girona, Spain
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Xuixo
Xuixo is a deep-fried pastry filled with creamy custard, originating from Girona and often enjoyed with a cup of coffee. It is famed for its crispy exterior and sweet, smooth interior.
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Most popular day trips
Figueres
Home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a must-visit for surreal art lovers.
Costa Brava
Beautiful Mediterranean coastline with beaches and charming villages.
Besalú
Medieval town known for its well-preserved Romanesque architecture.
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From Girona-Costa Brava Airport, take the bus or taxi to the city center for convenient access.
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Comments (12)
Get a bike rental for the day. It’s the best way to explore all the winding alleys and lesser-known spots around the old town.
Good mix of medieval charm and modern touches. The riverwalk paths are perfect for an evening stroll after dining out.
Loved the local markets and small tapas bars. Food was fresh and affordable if you avoided the main squares where prices jump.
Avoid eating near the cathedral square, the prices are jacked. Walk a few blocks out to find authentic and cheaper tapas spots.
Girona has such a chill vibe but the summer crowds can get intense. Worth spending 2-3 days to soak in the vibe and food scene for sure.