Girona is a city brimming with magic and history, where every corner reveals a distinctive beauty. The Old Town (Barri Vell) is the beating heart of the city, a place where past and present blend seamlessly, and where historical heritage converges with the vitality of local gastronomy, all enclosed by the ancient walls that still safeguard its essence.
If you are planning your visit, we suggest ten activities that will make you fall in love with Girona from the very first moment.
1. Stroll through the Old Town (Barri Vell)
Girona cannot be understood without its Old Town and its narrow, cobbled streets steeped in centuries of history. Unsurprisingly, it has been the historical nucleus of the city since time immemorial, from the days when Iberians and Romans settled here, to the later construction of the fortified enclosure known as the Força Vella, the core of ancient Girona.
This vitality is still very much alive today. As you wander through its winding streets, you will be struck by the harmonious blend of monuments and historic buildings alongside shops, cafés and restaurants, which together create a magical atmosphere in one of the best-preserved medieval centres in Catalonia.
Lose yourself in this labyrinth of alleys and soak up the city’s unique ambience.
2. Visit Girona Cathedral
With its monumental staircase—made famous as the setting for one of the most iconic scenes in the series Game of Thrones—Girona Cathedral dominates the city skyline with its architectural grandeur. It boasts the widest Gothic nave in the world (and the second widest of any architectural style, after St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican). Located in the heart of the Old Town, the moment you first catch sight of it, emerging majestically from the surrounding streets, is one you will never forget.
Inside, you will be equally amazed by its vastness and its serene atmosphere, which invites reflection and contemplation. Among its most renowned treasures are the Tapestry of Creation (11th–12th centuries), the early Christian sarcophagi (4th century) and the Beatus manuscript (10th century).
3. Cross the Eiffel Bridge
Among the bridges spanning the River Onyar, the Eiffel Bridge (known locally as the Pont de Ferro) is undoubtedly the most iconic. One of the most photographed views in Girona is that of its red iron structure framing the colourful riverside houses, the Cathedral and the Basilica of Sant Fèlix.
Designed by Gustave Eiffel himself before he built his famous Parisian tower, the bridge is a remarkable example of 19th-century metal architecture. Its modern appearance, contrasting with the surrounding historic buildings, has turned it into a symbol of the city’s connection between past and present—a link between the historic and modern centres found on either bank of the Onyar.
4. Walk Along the City Walls
There is no better panoramic view of Girona than the one offered by a walk along its ancient city walls. This defensive system dates back to the 1st century BC, with expansions and modifications continuing until the 14th century, when the city reached its strategic consolidation. Along the route, you will find watchtowers, stairways and lookout points that provide privileged views over the city and its surroundings.
Thanks to their elevated position, on clear days the views stretch from the rooftops of the Old Town all the way to the Pyrenees. The circular route also allows you to see Girona’s most emblematic landmarks up close, such as the Cathedral and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. All in all, it is an ideal walk to connect with both the history and the natural setting of the city.
5. Visit the Arab Baths
Hidden within the Old Town are the Arab Baths, an architectural gem inspired by Roman bathing complexes. This tranquil and evocative space transports visitors to a time when water was central to wellbeing and purification. Despite their name, the Arab Baths were not built by the Arab culture; rather, they were constructed in the 12th century by Christians, inspired by Roman and Islamic public baths. Nevertheless, their architectural style clearly reflects Islamic influences, hence their name.
The baths were in use until the 15th century. After being abandoned, they became part of a convent’s private space before being restored and opened to the public in the 20th century.
Both for their history and their architectural beauty, the Arab Baths are one of Girona’s most emblematic sites. Visiting them is like stepping back in time, imagining the lives of those who once came here to relax and socialise, and enjoying one of the most fascinating spaces in the city. Today, they are an essential stop for anyone wishing to discover Girona’s rich cultural heritage.
6. Admire the Onyar Houses
If the River Onyar is the backbone of Girona, the Onyar Houses form an intrinsic part of it. Lining both banks of the river, these brightly coloured houses appear to hover above the water, creating a unique image that has become one of the city’s most iconic postcards. Painted in shades of ochre, red, yellow and orange, their façades form a vibrant composition that reflects Girona’s Mediterranean soul.
Although the houses date from different periods, they were mainly built during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the past, they were home to merchants, craftsmen and workers whose livelihoods were closely linked to the river. Over time, the buildings developed a distinctive character, with small balconies and windows that occasionally offer glimpses of domestic life amid the historic architecture.
The Onyar river not only animates these houses with its shimmering reflections, but also separates the Old Town on one bank from the more modern part of the city on the other. Bridges such as the Pont de Pedra and the Eiffel Bridge provide spectacular views of the façades, making them a favourite stop for visitors and photographers alike.
Rising above this scene is the majestic Girona Cathedral, which from its elevated position seems to watch over the houses lining the river. This coexistence of natural and urban elements creates a harmony that defines the character of Girona. More than just visually striking, the Onyar Houses embody the city’s historical and cultural essence, blending past and present in a scene that changes daily with the shifting light.
7. Relax in the Jardins dels Alemanys
The Jardins dels Alemanys are an oasis of calm and history, located at one of the highest points of the Old Town, right next to the medieval wall. The gardens take their name from a detachment of German soldiers who defended Girona during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century.
Set on the former bastion of Sant Domènec, the gardens are surrounded by historical remains and offer breathtaking views over the city, with the cathedral in the background and the valley stretching beyond. In addition to their historical significance, the gardens are known for their lush vegetation, leafy trees, stairways climbing the walls and peaceful corners that invite rest and reflection.
Their design, which blends nature and architecture, creates a space where visitors can enjoy both the freshness of greenery and the monumental heritage that surrounds it. As you stroll through the gardens, you will come across sections of the Carolingian wall and quiet resting areas from which to contemplate Girona in silence, far from the city’s bustle.
The Jardins dels Alemanys are perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in history, enjoy nature and find a moment of tranquillity while exploring the most authentic medieval side of Girona. Their winding paths and staircases make them one of the Old Town’s best-kept secrets, with every corner telling part of the city’s story.
8. Visit the Museum of Jewish History
The Museum of Jewish History in Girona is one of the city’s most important cultural institutions, dedicated to preserving and explaining the rich legacy of the Jewish community that lived in Girona during the Middle Ages. Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu), one of the best-preserved in Europe, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of Catalan Jews, with special attention to the community that flourished in Girona until its expulsion in 1492.
The museum is housed in an ancient building that once served as one of the city’s synagogues, adding significant historical value to the experience. Through its exhibition rooms, visitors can learn about daily life in the Jewish community, their relationship with the rest of the population, and their contributions to culture, science and society at the time. The museum also explores Girona’s Jewish intellectual heritage, highlighting figures such as the renowned Kabbalist Moses ben Nahman (also known as Nahmanides), a key thinker of medieval Jewish philosophy who lived in the city.
More than a historical exhibition, the Museum of Jewish History is a space for reflection on the cultural and religious diversity that shaped the history of Girona and Catalonia. It offers an intimate insight into a community that was fundamental to the city’s social fabric for centuries and whose legacy can still be felt in the streets of the Jewish Quarter today.
9. Sample the Local Cuisine and Wines
Girona’s gastronomy is a vibrant reflection of its culture and traditions, shaped by the freshness of local produce and the diversity of flavours. Thanks to its strategic location halfway between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava, the city has become an important gastronomic destination in Catalonia, offering both traditional and innovative cuisine.
From fine-dining restaurants to popular taverns, Girona’s culinary scene is a paradigmatic example of Mediterranean cuisine: fresh, high-quality ingredients, time-honoured recipes and avant-garde cooking rooted in deep tradition.
Market lovers will particularly enjoy the Mercat del Lleó, a covered market open from Monday to Saturday, as well as the various neighbourhood markets held throughout the city. The proximity of fertile farmland and the Mediterranean Sea ensures top-quality ingredients—true culinary gems ranging from vegetables and fruit to meat and fish from the region.
Wine also deserves special mention. An essential element of Girona’s gastronomy, it plays an increasingly prominent role in the city’s dining scene. There is a wide selection of bars and restaurants offering extensive wine lists, whether you are looking to enjoy a simple glass or to pair wine with a fine meal. The nearby Empordà region is especially well represented, alongside wines from the rest of Catalonia and beyond.
10. Take a Walk Through La Devesa
La Devesa is one of Girona’s most emblematic parks and green spaces, located close to the city centre. Covering more than 40 hectares, it is one of the largest urban green areas in Catalonia and a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors.
Originally an agricultural area, it gradually evolved into a recreational and natural space. Over the years, it has played an important role in Girona’s community life, hosting a wide range of activities and events. Famous for its impressive plane trees—many of them centuries old—it is an ideal place for walking or exercising, especially in summer, as it remains particularly cool.
Throughout the year, La Devesa also hosts cultural and festive events such as markets, fairs and concerts. Among the most notable are the Sant Narcís Festival celebrations, when the park fills with traditional fairground stalls and live music concerts.
These are just some of the many experiences Girona has to offer. If you have any questions, our Front Office team will be delighted to help. And don’t worry about getting tired—after a day full of discoveries, there is nothing better than relaxing in the comfort of our holiday apartments in Girona. Located in the heart of the city, they allow you to enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home while you live this wonderful experience.