One Day in Girona: Ultimate Day
Trip Guide & Top Attractions

Located just 85 km from the Catalan capital of Barcelona, Girona is the perfect place for a day trip. This medieval city has plenty of attractions and will leave you mesmerised by its history and beauty.

Having been to Barcelona more times than I can count, this summer I chose to head out of the city and explore more of Catalonia. Being a history buff and a Game of Thrones fan, Girona flew right to the top of my list.

In this post, I’m going to guide you through the perfect day trip to Girona, featuring my top tips, places to eat and all the information you need to make your one day in Girona an unforgettable one.

Getting to Girona

First things first, how to get to Girona from Barcelona. Luckily for you, I made this trip in June 2024 and have all the up-to-date information for you.

By Train

The train is undoubtedly the best way to travel to Girona from Barcelona. The city is connected by the high-speed rail line to Barcelona (and Madrid!) and so the journey only takes 39 minutes.

The train station is about a 20-minute walk to Girona’s Old Town (where you’ll be spending most of your day) and is a nice flat route.

There are regular trains leaving every hour or so from Barcelona Sants. Sants is well connected to the rest of Barcelona by both the bus network and the metro. I paid around €40 for a return trip on the train which I thought was decent value.

Overall, I would highly recommend using the train as the best way for your day trip to Girona.

By Bus

With the trains being so good, there is no real reason to take the bus between Girona and Barcelona. However, if you love traveling by bus, here are your options.

There are three buses that travel between Barcelona Airport and Barcelona Estació del Nord daily. These are all with Sagalés. These leave Barcelona Airport at 10 AM, 1:45 PM and 4:45PM daily and take around two hours to get to the centre of Girona.

This could be an option if you are traveling into El Prat Airport in Barcelona and are staying in Girona. Personally, I would still travel into the centre of Barcelona and then get the train directly to Girona.

By Car

Another option is to go via car. This could be your best option if you are planning on visiting more of Catalonia or are in a group.

The journey between Barcelona and Girona takes around one hour and 15 minutes making it longer than the train. Whilst you have the freedom to explore some places on the way to Girona, you will also have to include the cost of parking.

The streets of Girona’s Old Town are narrow and parking there is at a premium. Also driving in and out of Barcelona can be chaotic so this is only an option I would recommend if you wanted to see the rest of the region.

Best Time to Visit Girona for a Day Trip

Girona is a fantastic city to visit at any time of the year. When you decide to go depends on your own preferences for weather, activities, and the amount of people.

Summer

Being a tourist destination, Girona can get busy in the summer months. The days are longer giving you more time for sightseeing and the better weather means it is the ideal time to visit nearby beaches. There are also numerous cultural events and festivals taking place.

That said, temperatures can soar above 30C. It is also high tourist season, leading to crowded attractions and higher prices.

I went to Girona in June and whilst there were some crowds, I found it the perfect time to explore.

Spring and Autumn

If you are looking for a quieter experience, why not try the shoulder seasons?

Spring in Girona is pleasant with lower temperatures, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities. The Temps de Flors flower festival also takes place in May, transforming the city with vibrant floral displays.

The only downside is that the weather is more unpredictable with the occasional rain showers occurring.

Autumn is another good option. Temperatures are still high but lower than summer. You can expect temperatures between 15C and 25C, making it much more pleasant for sightseeing. With fewer tourists and the opportunity to enjoy local wine and food festivals, Autumn offers a truly authentic experience.

Bear in mind that the days will not be as long as summer so there will be less time for sightseeing.

Winter

Your final option is the winter. In winter, you can expect milder temperatures than other European cities. You will be able to experience Christmas markets and holiday decorations adding to the charm of the city.

Those looking for a bargain will also find lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists making it the perfect time to visit. However, with the weather being cooler, it can get chilly, especially at night so ensure you bring more layers.

Whilst I haven’t visited Girona in the winter, I have spent time in Barcelona during this time. Whilst the days were shorter and it was slightly cooler, I still found the days very pleasant and had a great time so it is definitely an option to consider.

Whenever you choose to Girona will be dependant on what you are looking for in your trip. However, I can guarantee that visiting at any time of the year will be a fantastic experience.

One Day in Girona Itinerary

Morning – Exploring the Historic Centre

After arriving at Girona’s train station, enjoy the leisurely walk through the city to the Old Town. Girona is one of Spain’s oldest cities and its Old Town is breathtaking.

You’ll soon reach the Plaça de Catalunya, one of Girona’s central squares. Before continuing to the Old Town (or Barri Vell in Catalan), stop by the bridge and take a couple of pictures.

This won’t be the only bridge you’ll be stopping at today, but you will get your first shot of the Onyar River and the Pont de Pedra in the background. In the distance, you will be able to see the tower of the Cathedral of Girona, our next stop.

Make your way down the Rambla de la Llibertat. This notable street follows the path of the river and is full of shops, cafés and restaurants.

Girona Cathedral

Continue up towards Carrer de les Ballesteries. When the road forks, head off to the right and follow the street under a small archway. Once you head through the archway you’ll be at Girona Cathedral.

Girona Cathedral features a variety of styles and is well known for its grand staircase (more on that shortly). Inside the cathedral, you’ll find an impressive Gothic nave which is the widest of its kind in the world.

The lower levels of the cathedral including the impressive cloister and the tower of Charlemagne are Romanesque in style. Outside you will find a Baroque façade from the 18th century. This combination of styles makes the cathedral an interesting architectural feat.

Construction began in the 11th century and continued for several centuries, hence the changing architectural periods. Tickets to the cathedral cost €5 for adults and the visit was worth it for me. Budget around 45 minutes to an hour to see the various features of the church and the exhibits.

Fans of Game of Thrones should recognise the cathedral’s iconic staircase. This impressive staircase made up on 90 steps was used as the staircase leading to the Great Sept of Baelor, featured in the first six seasons of the series. It featured in Cersei’s walk of atonement and in various other scenes.

You’ll find plenty of people taking photos of the stairs so my advice is to get there as early as you can to avoid the crowds. It is also a good idea to return to the cathedral periodically as I noticed the crowds were a lot less around lunchtime.

Girona City Walls – Muralles de Girona

After finishing at the cathedral, head around the back of the building and you will come to the Jardins dels Alemanys. This beautiful and serene spot is named for the German soldiers stationed in Girona during the Napoleonic Wars. Alemanys translates as German in Catalan.

From here, you will see a set of steps. Heading up these brings you to the Muralles de Girona, the city’s ancient city walls.

The walls date back to Roman times back when it was a strategic military site known as Gerunda. The walls were expanded over the centuries to protect the city from invasions and attacks. Nowadays, they are the perfect place to explore the city.

The walls encircle a large part of the Barri Vell (Old Town), providing great views and photo opportunities. There are a few towers that you can climb along the way for even better views. The Passeig de la Muralla is the most well-known section of the city and a great place for those panoramic views.

This was one of my favourite things to do in Girona with the panoramic views of the city providing some great views and photograph opportunities.

Jewish Quarter (El Call)

After finishing your route along the city walls, head to the Jewish Quarter in Girona, known as El Call. This area is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe and dates to the medieval period.

The Jews originally settled in Girona as early as the 9th century and thrived under Muslim rule. With the return of Christian rule during the Reconquista, the 1492 signing of a law meant the Jews faced persecution and expulsion during the Spanish Inquisition.

El Call still reflects its Jewish past with narrow, winding streets and alleys, typical of Jewish medieval quarters. The best way to explore the area is to get lost in its labyrinth-like streets. Follow where your interest takes you and you’ll discover some truly, charming streets.

For those interested in the history of the area, there is a Museum of Jewish History. This museum provides insights into the history of the Jewish community in Girona. It has an impressive collection of artifacts, exhibits and multimedia displays detailing the history.

Lunch

After all the exploring, you will undoubtedly start feeling hungry. Where to eat in Girona is a big decision with some great options. I’ve got some great suggestions for the best lunch spots in Girona for a day trip.

El Pati de la Veina – Located on Carrer de les Ballesteries, this quirky restaurant is super charming and offers delicious food to boot. Offering a two-course lunch menu at just under €20, it was where I chose for my lunch, and I wasn’t disappointed. It is one of the best restaurants in Girona.

The starters include salads and toasted breads whilst the main courses featured roasted chicken and cannelloni as well as other dishes. There were plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. The staff were also fantastic. A really impressive lunch.

La Tabarra Girona – La Taberna Girona has an impressive menu with something for everyone. It is located in a central street in the Old Town, perfect for people watching and soaking in the atmosphere.

The restaurant offers a wide range of tapas and dishes that blend traditional Catalan flavours with modern twists. It is a great place for local food in Girona. Locally sourced ingredients are paired with a good range of local wines, innovative cocktails and craft beers and the quality is top-notch.

Madonna Gelats – Located in the Old Town near both restaurants, Madonna Gelats is the perfect place to get your sweet fix. This cute ice cream shop serves an entirely vegan selection.

I’d never had vegan ice cream before and honestly, I could not tell the difference. The flavours and texture were just like the real thing. Being lactose intolerant, I loved having some guilt-free high quality ice cream.

Afternoon – Arab Baths

After having a delicious lunch and perhaps an ice cream, head to the Arab Baths. These well-preserved baths were built in 1194 and were used as public baths until the 15^th century. The building was used as a convent before restoration in the 20^th century.

The baths blend architectural and cultural influences including Roman, Christian and Muslim. They were used for social and hygienic purposes as a communal space where people could gather, relax and cleanse.

The visit costs €3 and is a short trip back in time. You enter through an entrance hall with an octagonal pool and domed roof before moving to the Frigidarium or the Cold Room. Next, you head through to the Caldarium or the Hot Room where bathers would sweat and cleanse their bodies.

Coming through to the steam room, similar to modern saunas, shows the final section of the baths.

The Arab Baths only require twenty minutes to visit but are a great experience for learning more about Girona’s past.

Eiffel Bridge

After the Arab Baths, head back down to the Rambla de la Llibertat. Keep your eyes peeled for a small opening with some steps to the right as you’re heading away from the cathedral. Your next stop is one of the top attractions in Girona for a one-day visit.

The Pont de les Peixateries Velles or known colloquially (and maybe easier to say for a non-Catalan speaker) as the Eiffel Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1876, it was designed by Gustave Eiffel, best known for the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The bridge showcases the same ironwork style that Eiffel used in his later more famous project. It’s red iron structure makes it really stand out against the colourful facades of the river houses. It also offers visitors stunning views of the Onyar River.

The contract between the red ironwork and the colourful buildings are an excellent spot for photography. I am by no means an expert photographer but was amazed at how easy it was to take some stunning photos from the bridge.

Museum of Cinema

Heading over the bridge brings you close to our next stop, the Museum of Cinema. This fantastic museum showcases the history and evolution of cinema from its beginnings to modern times.

The museum is housed in the Casa de les Aigües, a beautiful historic building. With a collection of over 30,000 items, the museum is a great place for adults and children to learn about the history of filmmaking.

There are pre-cinema artefacts, early film-making equipment and cinema-related memorabilia. Visitors can explore the development of visual storytelling from shadow puppets to modern film, with interactive exhibits, screenings, and educational programs.

Highlights include an impressive collection of magic lanterns and a reconstruction of the Lumière brothers’ cinematograph. It is a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours and should provide an interesting activity if you travel with children.

Late Afternoon – Parc de la Devesa

After leaving the museum, head north towards the Parc de la Devesa. It is the perfect place to relax and reflect on your day in Girona.

Parc de la Devesa is Girona’s largest urban park. It covers an area of around 40 hectares and is located near the confluence of the Ter, Onyar and Güell rivers.

Within the park are over 2,500 plane trees, dating back over 150 years. The park is popular with locals and visitors with wide pathways for walking, jogging and cycling. There are plenty of places to relax and chill out after all the walking you have done today.

The park also hosts various events with markets and fairs being fairly common. Check out the park’s website for the most up-to-date information about what is happening when you are there.

Local Shops and Boutiques

Our day trip to Girona is almost at an end! Now that siesta time is over, head back to the Old Town to visit the local shops and boutiques that line its old streets.

Girona’s local shops and boutiques add so much character to the city. You’ve got cosy places tucked into the Old Town streets, selling everything from handmade jewellery to stylish clothing.

It’s a real mix of old and new, with family-run joints that have been around forever next to fresh boutiques showcasing the latest trends. Walking around, you can feel the vibe—each shop tells a story about Girona’s culture and creativity.

Discovering Girona’s local shops and boutiques is not just about buying things. It’s about the experience! You can chat with shop owners who are passionate about what they sell and maybe even learn a bit about local crafts or traditions.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a unique souvenir, Girona’s shops make it easy to find something special that’ll remind you of this vibrant city long after you’ve left.

Once you have finished buying your souvenirs, it is time to head back to Girona’s railway station ready for your journey back to your base. Whilst on the train, I am sure you’ll be already dreaming about your return to this majestic city.

Tips for a Perfect Day Trip to Girona

If you’re planning the perfect day trip to Girona, keep reading for my top tips on how to make your trip unforgettable.

Packing Essentials

As Girona is a walkable city, make sure you dress accordingly. Good footwear is essential as you will spend lots of time walking around the city’s gorgeous Old Town. That’s one of the best bits of Girona – everything is within walking distance!

Depending on when you go, you’ll need different things. In the height of summer don’t forget to pack sunscreen. As an Irish descendant with pale skin, I am constantly lathering on Factor 50 sunscreen to ensure I don’t burn. Please don’t underestimate the sun. The UV levels can get very high in summer.

At other times of the year, continue to pay attention to the UV levels as you can get burnt at other times of the year. In winter you’ll need more layers as the temperature drops whilst it is wise to carry a waterproof in spring and autumn when the weather is more unpredictable.

My final packing essential for one day in Girona is a refillable water bottle. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, especially in summer when the temperatures can soar.

By following my Girona travel tips, you are sure to have a great day trip.

Navigating The City

One of the things I loved about Girona was how walkable it is. After spending time in bigger cities including neighbouring Barcelona, Girona was a breath of fresh air in how compact it is.

Most of your activities will revolve around the Barri Vell or Old Town. It contains many of the city’s most well-known attractions and is remarkably easy to navigate. I quickly recognised different streets, especially the main ones.

Parts of the Old Town are quite hilly so if you are less agile, take things a little slower. There was nothing too steep and many of the hills in the Old Town had shallow steps to move up the hills.

One of the ideal things about Girona is its cathedral. It sits proudly on top of a hill and can be seen from many places across the city. If you ever get lost, look for the cathedral and head back towards it. You’ll be right in the heart of the Old Town again.

Budget Tips

Girona doesn’t need to be an expensive day out. So many of the best things to see and do in Girona are outside and free. It’s a good place to go if you’re on a budget. Here are some of my Girona budget tips to help you keep the costs down.

1. Explore on Foot: Girona’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot. Wander through the Old Town’s charming streets, cross its iconic bridges, and discover hidden gems without spending a cent.
2. Menú del Día – If you’ve been to Spain before, you will be familiar with the concept of the Menú del Día. Many restaurants will offer a set menu during the day for a set price. The menus are more restricted, but you often get a starter, main course, dessert, bread and a drink for a reasonable price. Keep your eyes peeled for the best offers as you walk around during the day.
3. Purchase Travel Tickets In Advance – Book your travel tickets to Girona in advance as prices do go up. It also helps if you’re flexible with when you can travel. You may find a train ticket that is cheaper for a slightly longer journey or on a different day. Be flexible for the best deals.
4. Visit Free Attractions – Take advantage of the free attractions in the city. Sights such as the Muralles de Girona, the Parc de la Devesa and the Jewish Quarter are all free to explore. If you are on a budget and want to visit a paid attraction, choose your favourite and stick to the budget.
5. Utilize Free Tours and Activities: Many cities offer free walking tours or downloadable audio guides. Check with local tourist information centres or online resources for options in Girona. These tours often provide insightful commentary on the city’s history and culture.

FAQs

Is One Day Enough in Girona?

One day is enough in Girona. I visited the city on a day trip from Barcelona and spent just a day there. During this time, I felt I managed to see a good amount of the sites. With the centre being compact, you can move from one location to another quickly.

That being said, Girona was absolutely stunning, and it would be a great place to spend a night or two depending on your budget and schedule.

Is Girona, Spain Worth Visiting?

Yes, Girona, Spain is worth visiting. Its beautiful, medieval old town is one of the most spectacular in Spain – I was blown away by it! Historic landmarks such as Girona Cathedral and the city walls are worth a trip alone.

Girona also offers beautiful architecture with colourful houses lining the river. There are other significant sites such as the Arab Baths and numerous museums. Couple this with some great dining options and Girona is most definitely worth visiting.

How Much Time Is Needed in Girona?

How much time is needed in Girona is based on what you want to see and your travel pace. You can see many of Girona’s sites in just one day and start to get a good flavour of the city.

However, if you have more time, you could spend longer in Girona. With two days, you can take things at a slower pace and visit some of the city’s museums. With three days, there is the opportunity to travel to Figueres to see the Dali Museum.

Girona is also a great base to visit the rest of the region. From here, you can visit coastal towns like Tossa de Mar and Cadaqués or take a trip to the Pyrenees.

Is Girona A Walkable City?

Yes, Girona is a walkable city. In fact, walking around the city is the best way of exploring Girona. The Old Town has many cute little streets inviting you to explore. Its compact size means that all of the major attractions are close together making Girona the perfect place to explore on foot.

Final Thoughts: One Day In Girona

And that’s a wrap on my perfect day trip to Girona!

When looking for your next day trip from Barcelona, Girona should be right at the top of your list. With a beautiful Old Town, iconic cathedral plus impressive city walls and green spaces, Girona is the perfect setting for an outing.

Whilst I felt one day in Girona provided me with a good overview of the city, the beautiful streets and incredible architecture would make me return. If you’re looking for a quieter romantic getaway, Girona is a great option. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, it is unmissable!

Ready to embark on your ultimate day trip to Girona? With these top attractions and insider tips, you’re all set to make the most of your visit. Save and share this post, and don’t forget to subscribe for more travel inspiration. Let’s make your day in Girona one to remember!