Girona day trip from Barcelona: old town, walls and the Jewish quarter
Plan a Girona day trip from Barcelona by high-speed train: the cathedral steps, the city walls, the Call jewish quarter, Onyar river houses and what to eat.
Compare hotels: Girona, Spain Flights to Barcelona
Why Girona
Girona is a compact Catalan city with a medieval old town, colourful houses lining the Onyar river and one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. It is calmer than Barcelona and easily seen in a day.
Getting there
High-speed trains from Barcelona Sants reach Girona in about 40 minutes; slower regional trains take around an hour and a half but cost less. The old town is a 15-minute walk from the station.
The cathedral
Girona Cathedral, reached by a monumental flight of Baroque steps, has one of the widest Gothic naves in the world. Its museum holds the Tapestry of Creation, a rare Romanesque embroidery. Fans may recognise the steps from Game of Thrones, which filmed several scenes in the city.
The Call and the walls
The Call, Girona's Jewish quarter, is a maze of narrow stone lanes; the Museum of Jewish History explains the community that lived here until the expulsion of 1492. Walk the Passeig de la Muralla along the medieval walls for views over the rooftops and the Pyrenees on clear days.
Along the river
Cross the Eiffel Bridge, a red iron footbridge built by the company of Gustave Eiffel before the Paris tower, and photograph the painted houses on the Onyar. The Arab Baths, actually a twelfth-century Romanesque bathhouse, and the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants are close by.
Food
Try xuixo, a cream-filled fried pastry invented in Girona, and local Catalan dishes in the old town. Girona is also known internationally for its restaurant scene, so book ahead if you plan a special dinner.
A short history
Girona has been besieged many times over its long history, earning it the nickname 'city of a thousand sieges'. The medieval Jewish community was one of the most important in Catalonia until the expulsion of 1492. Today Girona is a lively university city with a strong food culture.
Food in Girona
The Girona area is home to several restaurants with international recognition, along with traditional tapas bars and pastry shops. Try xuixo, a sugar-coated, cream-filled pastry associated with the city. Local menus often feature dishes from the Empordà region and the nearby Costa Brava.
Combining Girona with other places
Girona is a good base for exploring the Costa Brava, Figueres with the Dalí Theatre-Museum, and the medieval town of Besalú. Regional buses link these places, though a car gives more flexibility. If you have a full day, Girona and Figueres can be combined by train.
Festivals
Temps de Flors, the flower festival held in May, fills courtyards, churches and monuments with floral displays and draws large crowds. Fires de Sant Narcís in late October and early November is Girona's main festival, with fairs, concerts and traditions.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in Barcelona, near Sants station. Staying in Girona's old town lets you enjoy the city in the evening, when it is quieter and atmospheric.
Practical tips
The old town is hilly with many steps. Many monuments close on Mondays, and the walls walk may close in bad weather.
FAQ
How long is the train from Barcelona to Girona?
High-speed trains take under an hour; regional trains take longer but are cheaper.
Is Girona worth a day trip?
Yes. It is compact, beautiful and easy to reach, with plenty to see in a day.
Can I see Game of Thrones locations in Girona?
Yes. Several places in the old town, including the cathedral steps, were used as filming locations.
Is Girona good for families?
Yes, the walls walk, river views and compact old town suit families, though some streets have many steps.