Nestled between Barcelona and the Costa Brava in the Catalonia region sits the intriguing city of Girona. This mediaeval bijou city may be small, but it really packs a punch. Whether you have just 24 hours, a long weekend or longer, you simply must pay a visit to Girona.
It’s a simply stunning place to visit; from the maze of the cobbled streets of the Jewish quarter which is like taking a walk through history to visiting the Girona Cathedral and meandering around one of the fascinating museums on offer in the city, when it comes to things to do in Girona, you certainly can’t fail to be impressed by the varied things on offer in the Catalonian city.
So, what are the most interesting things to do in Girona? Let’s find out!
Make a splash
Are you ready? So, the city’s Arab baths are actually Roman and were built during the 12th century.
You can see how the decor and architecture have been influenced by both Arabic and Roman designs.
The citizens of Girona made use of the baths until the 14th century when they closed. Fast forward to today and the baths are one of the most popular things to do in Girona. Visitors to the baths can wander around the various nooks and crannies which make up the maze of the baths which includes the grand entrance hall with its ornate columns and pool which is definitely one for the ‘gram.
Get Arty!
Located in the old Episcopal Palace, the Girona Art Museum houses an impressive collection of art which spans from the Romanesque period to the beginning of the 20th century. From Gothic and Renaissance through to Baroque and beyond, this is a veritable treasure trove of works from a variety of artists which sits alongside both virtual and temporary exhibitions.
You can admire over 8,000 artworks which includes one of the most extensive collections of Romanesque and Gothic art in the province of Girona.
Walk the walls
As one of the smallest cities in Europe, it’s relatively easy to meander around Girona without significantly overdoing it on the step count department. One of the most popular things to do in Girona is to walk the city walls. Whilst you can’t step out along the entire perimeter, you can walk along certain sections of the walls in Girona which includes some of the longest parts of Carolingian walls in Europe.
Within the old city walls is the historic Jewish Quarter also known as El Call which roughly translates into English as ‘The Call’. The Jewish Quarter is one of the absolute highlights of Girona, you will love walking around the small, narrow alleys, courtyards and stone staircases that lead to some of the most mesmerising buildings in the city.
Get the big picture
If you love the cinema and are a huge museum buff, then head on over to Girona’s Cinema Museum where you will find an intriguing collection of cinematic equipment which includes a variety of pieces, from the first moving picture to shadow theatre puppetry as well as some old cine cameras.
Become a ‘Thronie’
Whether you are a die-hard ‘Thronie’ or are just a fan of popular culture, then one of the most popular things to do in Girona is to take a Game of Thrones tour of the city.
Girona was one of the main filming locations of season six of Game of Thrones. Whilst visitors can enjoy a dedicated Game of Thrones tour of the city where you can explore locations like the Arab Baths, the steps of the Cathedral and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. Don’t forget to take a look at our ultimate Game of Thrones Guide to Girona to find out more.
Enjoy some tapas
One of the best places to enjoy tapas is at one of the fantastic restaurants at Plaça de la Independència which sits on the edge of the Old Town. It’s one of our favourite spots to stop off and enjoy some small plate shenanigans and is one of the most scenic places in Girona. Designed by Martí Sureda and built on the site of the old convent of Sant Agustí, you can find some of the best restaurants in Girona here.
By day it’s pretty stellar, but after dark is when it really comes to life. It is, by far, one of the best places to experience Girona’s nightlife and immerse yourself in the spirit of the city.
Did you know that there were so many things to do in Girona? If you are looking to explore this intriguing city for yourself, then why not check out our guide to the best restaurants in Girona or find out where you can find the filming locations for Game of Thrones.
So, the big question is when do you want to go? All you need to do is to book your flight and hotel via the Orbzii app and you can start planning your Girona adventure.
