Girona Day Trip: The Perfect Day Trip From Barcelona

Girona is a Spanish city located northeast of Barcelona. There is a direct train connection between the two cities, making Girona the perfect choice for a day trip from Barcelona!

Girona is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the impressive Girona Cathedral, one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe, ancient city walls, and beautiful colorful houses.

Girona is a perfect day trip destination from Barcelona if you’re interested in history and architecture and enjoy wandering around cobblestone streets and old houses (just like I do!).

Last year, I visited Girona for the first time with my mum and her husband when they visited us in Barcelona.

Honestly, I didn’t have too high expectations for Girona. But Girona surprised me positively!

We had booked to stay for one night in Girona and spend two days exploring the city. This might have been a bit too much as the best things to do in Girona can easily be covered in one day!

So, I recommend jumping on an early train from Barcelona and doing a day trip to Girona!

I made this guide to share the best tips for an easy Girona day trip from Barcelona!

A Guide to Girona Spain: The Perfect Day Trip from Barcelona

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Day Trip to Girona – Before You Go

Girona offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and a more authentic Catalan experience than you’ll get by staying in Barcelona.

You can add a trip to Girona to your Barcelona itinerary or use this guide as a standalone guide to Girona.

Let’s dive into everything you need to plan the perfect Girona day trip from Barcelona!

Where is Girona?

The city of Girona is the capital city of the province of the same name in the Spanish region of Catalonia.

The province of Girona is located in the northeast part of Catalonia, bordering France. Girona lies right between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Costa Brava coastline in Catalonia.

Girona City, also known as Ciutat de Girona in Catalan, is located more or less in the middle of Catalonia.

Girona is a charming Catalan city and a perfect day trip destination from Barcelona with a rich history and many interesting things to do!

With Girona’s proximity to Costa Brava, Girona is also a great gateway to exploring Costa Brava’s beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming seaside towns.

Girona Map

Check out all the best things to do in Girona, Spain, on the map. In the top right-hand corner, you can click on the full-screen icon and have the map open directly in your Google Maps app

What is Girona Best Known For?

Girona is famous for its well-preserved historical Jewish Quarter, and the city’s ancient buildings, including Girona Cathedral and the medieval city walls. 

Girona’s Jewish Quarter is considered one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe.

In recent years Girona has become best known as the backdrop to the popular Game of Thrones TV show.

Personally, I’m not a Game of Thrones fan (I actually never watched it!) but after visiting Girona, I can definitely see that the city’s stunning medieval architecture and picturesque landscapes can provide the perfect scene for drama!

If you’re more of a Game of Thrones fan than me, then there are Game of Thrones-guided tours of Girona. The tours takes you around the most important sites from the series.

Girona is also known for its annual flower festival, Temps de Flors. Each year in March, the flower festival transforms Girona into a floral wonderland.

Transportation in Girona

It is easy to get from Barcelona city center to Girona as well as getting around Girona during your day trip!

How to Get From Barcelona to Girona?

You can take a train or a bus from Barcelona to Girona, or rent a car and drive yourself. 

Let’s explore them together!

From Barcelona to Girona with Train

The train is the most convenient option for a day trip to Girona from Barcelona.

Two different trains are going from Barcelona to Girona:

• The regional trains
• The high-speed trains

The Renfe high-speed train is the farthest option, taking around 45 minutes from Barcelona Sants Station to Girona. The high-speed train is also the slightly more expensive option, starting at around €15 – €17 euros for a one-way ticket.

The standard Renfe regional train is the slowest option with a two-hour travel time from Barcelona to Girona. The regional train costs around € 8 for a one-way ticket.

Before visiting Girona, I had read a lot of reviews saying you shouldn’t book your train tickets last minute as the trains back to Barcelona fill up quite quickly.

So, I brought my (non-refundable) ticket well ahead of time… And ended up waiting like 2 hours on the train station in Girona for my scheduled train.

I took the standard regional train. Next time, I visit Girona, I will definitely, try to catch one of the high-speed trains back to Barcelona.

For buying and comparing train tickets, I love Trainline! The website is super easy to use and shows the different options available for the day you are looking to visit Girona.

From Barcelona to Girona with Bus

You can also choose to take the bus from Barcelona to Girona, but honestly, on a price/time ratio, it doesn’t make much sense.

The bus from Barcelona to Girona takes 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs around € 16 to € 20 euros.

With that money, you’re better off taking the high-speed train to Girona.

You can check the timetable for the buses to Girona on Omio.

From Barcelona to Girona with Car

Another popular option is to rent a car and make a road trip out of your day trip to Girona.

The benefits of renting a car are, of course, the greater flexibility. You can make stops along the way or extend your day trip to Girona to visit Costa Brava.

The car ride from Barcelona to Girona takes around 1.5 hours.

Rent a Car for Your Girona Day Trip

From Barcelona to Girona with Private Transfer or Taxi

Finally, if you are traveling in a bigger group or with your family, another option is to hire a private transfer or taxi to drive you from Barcelona to Girona.

A private transfer or taxi is the pricier option, but definitely also the more comfortable one! You can easily book a private transfer to Girona with GetTransfer.com.

How to Get Around Girona?

Once you arrive in Blanes, it is very easy to get around!

• Walking – The best and easiest way to get around Girona is by walking. Most attractions in Girona are within walking distance, making it the easiest way to explore the city in one day. Walking is also a good way to experience Girona and soak in the charming cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. During our trip to Girona, we only walked around the town – even though, we had a rental car! Bring a comfortable pair of shoes for your day trip, and you’ll be all set for an exciting adventure wandering around Girona!

• Taxi – Local taxi are available to stop on the street in Girona if you need a break from walking.

• Public Transport – Local public buses are running in Girona, but we never used them since Girona is such a walkable city.

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The Best Things to Do in Girona in One Day

Girona offers many interesting sites to visit, and it is actually hard to visit them all in one day.

Here are some of the most popular sites and things to do when spending one day in Girona, Spain.

Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Girona in one day!

Visit Girona’s Cathedral

The Girona Cathedral is a must-visit landmark on any day trip to Girona!

The Girona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Girona, is an impressive example of Gothic architecture in Catalonia.

The Girona Cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is located in the heart of Girona’s old town on the site of a former mosque.

The cathedral features an impressive Gothic nave with a beautiful interior courtyard and on the outside an impressive staircase leading up to the main entrance.

The beautiful courtyard was my favorite part of visiting the cathedral in Girona.

The Girona Cathedral offers a joint ticket for the Sant Feliu Church for 7.5 € for adults, with discounts available for seniors and students. Children younger than 8 years old are free of charge.

The Girona Cathedral’s opening hours are:

• November to March
  • Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 12 midday to 5 pm
• March to June
  • Monday to Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 12 midday to 6 pm
• June to September
  • Monday to Friday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm
  • Sunday: 12 midday to 7 pm
• September to October
  • Monday to Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 12 midday to 6 pm

Always double-check the Cathedral’s website for changes in opening hours.

Location: Plaça Catedral, Girona

Get the Combo Ticket to the Cathedral and Sant Feliu Church Directly on Viator

Wander Around the Jewish Quarter, El Call

To wander around the Jewish Quarter is one of the absolute best things to do in Girona!

The Jewish Quarter in Girona, also known as El Call, is one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe.

The area features narrow streets and alleys with medieval buildings alongside charming cafes, shops, and art galleries.

El Call is the perfect spot to wander around with your camera and explore Girona’s unique architecture and historic buildings. 

The Jewish Quarter also features landmarks such as the Museum of Jewish History. The Jewish Museum provides insight into the daily life and culture of Girona’s Jewish community during the Middle Ages and offers a fascinating glimpse into the Jewish heritage of Girona.

We passed on the Jewish Museum on our trip to Girona. But if you’re interested in learning more about Girona’s Jewish past and life in Girona in the Middle Ages, it is properly worth your time.

The Jewish Quarter in Girona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Girona, so you’ll almost certainly see big groups of tourists wandering around the area – with or without a guide!

Even though Girona’s historical neighborhood isn’t too big, it didn’t feel as overcrowded as Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. You could easily escape the crowds by making a turn in an alley or wandering up a pair of stairs.

Discover Girona’s Jewish Quarter with a Tour!

Take Pictures at the Eiffel Bridge

The Eiffel Bridge in Girona is a picturesque bridge in the heart of Girona, one of the most iconic landmarks in Girona!

The Eiffel Bridge’s official name is Pont de les Peixateries Velles in Catalan, which translates to the Old Fishmongers’ Bridge. The famous bridge is a massive red iron bridge spanning over the Onyar River.

The Eiffel Bridge in Girona was built in 1877 and gets its name from the famous French architect, Gustav Eiffel, who designed the bridge and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

When you look closely at the Eiffel Bridge in Girona, you can see how the bridge showcases Eiffel’s signature style of crossed ironworks.

The bridge serves as a pedestrian and transportation link within Girona and connects the old medieval part of Girona with the newer parts around the city’s main square, the Independence Square.

From the bridge, you have a perfect view of the city’s colorful buildings by the riverbanks of the Onyar River and the Girona Cathedral in the background. The view from the Eiffel Bridge is one of Girona’s most well-known and featured views!

Make sure to stop by this iconic Girona sight for a photo and enjoy the beautiful views of Girona from this must-visit on your day trip to Girona.

Location: Carrer del Riu Onyar, Girona

Walk on Top of Girona’s City Walls

The Girona City Walls, also known as Passeig de la Muralla, are the medieval walls built to protect and defend the city. The walls encircle the Old Town of Girona, also known as Barri Vell in Catalan.

Today the ancient walls are a popular tourist attraction serving as a walking path with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

The walls stretch around Girona City for about 3 kilometers and feature various towers, bastions, and gates for you to explore along the way. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb one of the many towers and enjoy the beautiful views.

The walking path on top of the city walls is narrow and it can, at times, be difficult to walk on them. If you have difficulties walking, you might skip exploring the city walls in Girona.

The entrance to access the city walls can be difficult to find. We entered from the gardens just in front of the Arab Baths.

Explore More of Girona’s History with a Guided Tour

Kiss the Lion’s Butt

Have you ever heard the saying “Give a kiss to the Lion’s butt and you’ll come back to Girona”?

I hadn’t before visiting Girona! But apparently, it is a thing in Girona!

In Girona’s old town, a lion statue is called El Cul de la Lleona, translated as the Lion’s Bottom. A local tradition said to bring good luck and you’ll return to Girona if you kiss the Lion’s bottom.

The tradition’s origins traced back to a legend around the Lioness Hostel. The legend states that a young woman who kissed the lion’s bottom, ended up marrying a local man and became a part of the community.

You can clearly see that the tiny lion statue has been touched quite a bit on its butt. But there are actually signs by the side of the statue telling people not to kiss the lion’s bottom (properly some COVID-time measures that have survived).

So, I guess you’ll have to decide yourself, if you’ll return to Girona or not.

Location: Plaça Sant Fèlix, Girona

Stop by the Street of the Flies

One element that is present throughout Girona is the flies. They are on ceramics, souvenirs, printed on t-shirts… and also on the streets!

In Girona, there is a street called El Carrer de les Mosques, translated as “the Street of the Flies”.

The fascination for flies in Girona comes from a local legend about Sant Narcís or San Narciso, the patron saint of Girona.

The legend tells that in 1285, the French King’s army arrived in Girona and attacked the tomb of Sant Narcís located inside the church of Sant Feliu.

However, a cloud of flies rose from the Saint’s body and attacked the French army.

This attack on the French army and other spectacular appearances of flies to defend the city, led to the flies becoming an important symbol in Girona.

And actually such an important symbol, that the flies also got their own street!

On the walls of Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona located on the Street of Flies, you can find reliefs and small sculptures of flies celebrating the legend and the insects’ importance for the city.

We bumped into the street of the flies a little bit by coincidence, and it is definitely one of the more special things to do in Girona.

If you want to experience more of the flies in Girona, you should consider visiting Girona towards the end of October.

Every year on the 29th of October, Girona celebrates Sant Narcís Day, called Les Fires de Sant Narcís meaning the Feast of Sant Narcís. During the week-long festival, the city of Girona also celebrates their flies.

Location: El Carrer de les Mosques, Girona

Visit the Arab Baths

The Arab Baths in Girona are a well-preserved example of traditional Arab baths from the 12th century.

The Arab Baths, also known as Els Banys Árabes in Catalan, lie a stone’s throw from the stairs of the Girona Cathedral. You can see the bath’s small dome on top of a stone building from the Cathedral.

The baths consist of several rooms, including a changing area, a cold room, a warm room, and a hot room. All the rooms are designed according to the traditional Roman architectural styles.

Contrary to its name, according to Barcelo.com, the Arab baths weren’t built by Arabs but in a combined Roman and Arabic style.

Today, the Arab Baths is considered the best preserved public bath of the Romanesque style.

The baths are open to the public, and you can visit them for a small entrance fee of 3 €.

Visiting the Arab Baths doesn’t take too long time, and the most impressive room is located right at the beginning of the site.

The Arab Baths’ opening hours:

• Monday to Saturday: from 10 am to 6 pm
• Sundays and bank holidays: from 10 am to 2 pm

Location: Carrer Ferran el Catòlic, Girona

Visit the Church of Sant Feliu

The Church of Sant Feliu is one of the most iconic landmarks in Girona.

The church of Sant Feliu, also known as basílica de Sant Feliu in Catalan, is a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture and stands out with its beautiful bell tower.

The church was built between the 12th and 18th centuries. Originally Sant Feliu was Girona’s main cathedral before the Girona Cathedral took its place.

Inside, the church you can visit the beautiful Chapel of Saint Narcís, Girona’s patron saint. This is the place where the legend of Saint Narcís took place and the “flies of Saint Narcís” is said to have protected Girona during a siege (see the Street of the Flies above for more about the legend)

When exploring the things to do in Girona, the Church of Sant Feliu is a great place to visit if you love history and architecture.

The Church of Sant Feliu in Girona is open:

• Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5:30 pm
• Sundays and public holidays: 1 pm to 5:30 pm

Location: Pujada de Sant Feliu 29, Girona

Eat Tapas at the Independence Square

Plaça de la Independència is a historic square located in the heart of Girona and one of the best things to do in Girona to experience a bit more of local life.

The square was built in the 19th century and features beautiful architecture with an arched sidewalk around the square.

Around the square cafes and tapas bars with outdoor servings, making it a perfect spot to stop for tapas in the evening or a morning coffee.

The square is a popular place to meet up to grab a beer or a coffee for both locals and tourists.

At the center of the plaza stands a monument dedicated to the defenders of the city during the 1808 siege.

One block from Independence Square, you will find the Eiffel Bridge – Girona is a small town with everything within reach!

Location: Plaça de la Independència, Girona

People Watch at Rambla de la Llibertat

The Rambla de la Llibertat is a tree-lined promenade on the opposite side of the River Onyar from the Independence Square.

The Rambla de la Llibertat is a popular spot for locals and tourists to stroll and enjoy the lively atmosphere with cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Make a coffee stop after exploring the Jewish Quarter or grab a bite to eat in the afternoon.

Location: Rambla de la Llibertat, Girona

Stroll Along the Onyar River

The Onyar River is the name of the river that flows through Girona, and a scroll along the Onyar River is one of the things to do in Girona that you can’t miss.

Along the river banks of the Onyar River in the historic part of the town, you will find the iconic colored houses featured in most pictures of Girona.

The view of the colorful houses from the Eiffel Bridge with the impressive Girona Cathedral in the background is a popular spot to stop for iconic photos of Girona.

Back in time, the Onyar River was crucial for Girona’s development. The river provided water for the city and served as a means of transportation for goods.

Nowadays the river is slightly died out and seems to be more of a landmark. But it is a nice place for a stroll to enjoy the colorful houses along the river shore.

Location: Onyar River

Eat Ice Cream at Rocambolesc Gelateria

Rocambolesc Gelateria is an ice cream shop in the city center that has become one of those must-do things in Girona – so, of course, we had to try it too (okay, I might have pushed for this one after seeing it online!).

The interesting thing with Rocambolesc Gelateria is that it was founded by Jordi Roca, the pastry chef of a Catalan fine dining resturant in Girona, called El Celler de Can Roca.

Jordi Roca is a local of Girona, and he used the benefits of the reputation from the El Celler de Can Roca to make a fuss about the ice cream shop.

The fuss worked and now Rocambolesc Gelateria is not just in Girona but also in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Houston (U.S.).

The focus of Rocambolesc Gelateria is soft ice cream with a wide variety of flavors and creative toppings.

Right by the side of Rocambolesc Gelateria is a Rocambolesc Chocolate Shop and a sandwich shop, Rocambolesc Bikineria, selling traditional Catalan sandwiches called bikinis.

Rocambolesc Gelateria’s opening hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm

Location: Carrer Santa Clara 50, Girona

Explore the Game of Thrones Sites in Girona

To learn more about Girona’s history and important monuments, consider joining a guided tour of the city.

There are several guided tours focused on Girona’s history providing insider knowledge and sharing captivating stories about the city’s past.

But another type of guided tour have become increasingly popular: Game of Thrones tours of Girona.

The Game of Thrones tours include visits to the major filming locations of the popular TV show.

I mentioned it before, but I’m not a Game of Thrones fan at all (actually never saw one episode!) but that doesn’t mean I would fool you by mentioning these tours.

Book a Quick 1-Hour Game of Thrones Tour Perfect for a Girona Day Trip

Drinks on the Rooftop of Hotels Ultonia Girona

Make a stop at the rooftop bar of Hotel Ultonia for refreshing drinks or a snack and to enjoy the view over Girona!

We stayed at Hotel Ultonia during our stay in Girona and tried their rooftop bar by coincidence.

The rooftop is nicely put together and offers some amazing views over Girona. So, here is the recommendation to try the rooftop out if you are in Girona!

Location: Gran Via de Jaume I, 22, Girona

 

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Get the Most Out of a Day Trip to Girona

Girona offers a unique destination to visit as a day trip from Barcelona.

To get the most out of time in Girona, here are some ideas for top-rated tours and activities in Girona or enjoy one of the popular guided day trips to Girona from Barcelona.

You can also use Girona as the starting point to explore other parts of Catalonia or Costa Brava and turn your day trip into a longer stay.

Top-rated Tours & Activities in Girona

Here are some of the most popular tours and activities to do in Girona:

• Girona Small-Group Walking Tour
• Girona Mysteries and Legends Tour
• Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour
• Games of Thrones Guided Tour
• Local Wineries Tour from Girona
• Girona Food & Market Tour
• Girona Walking Tour with Attraction Entry Tickets

Popular Guided Day Trips to Girona From Barcelona

If you want to visit Girona on a guided day tour from Barcelona, there are a couple of top-rated day trips for your inspiration:

• Day Trip to Girona & Costa Brava Tour (incl. Game of Thrones Sites)
• Day Trip to Girona, Figueres, and Cadaqués
• Day Trip to Girona, Calella de Palafrugell, Pals, and Peratallada
• Private Day Trip from Barcelona to Girona & Besalú

Most of the guided day trips to Girona also include visits to other beautiful historical towns in Catalonia. Personally, I think you can easily spend a whole day in Girona, and it is so easy to get to Girona on your own by train.

So, I would recommend going to Girona and doing a guided tour once in Girona to you have more freedom and flexibility to explore on your own afterwards.

Where to Stay in Girona?

Girona is one of the most popular destinations to visit from Barcelona. So, there are plenty of accommodation options if you want to stay longer than one day in Girona.

We stayed at Hotel Ultonia in Girona. It is a nice standard hotel with a decent breakfast and within walking distance to the Old Town. What really makes Hotel Ultonia stand out is their beautiful rooftop with a nice view over Girona!

Use the map to find accommodation in Girona suitable for your budget

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Final Thoughts: Is Girona, Spain Worth Visiting?

Yes, Girona is definitely worth visiting! There is a reason why Girona is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona!

Girona is a perfect spot to explore one of Catalonia’s most impressive medieval towns with beautiful Gothic architecture and cobbled streets.

A visit to Girona is a great break from the busy city life in Barcelona, but Girona can also be a great starting point for exploring more of Catalonia and Costa Brava.

While you can spend longer than a day in Girona, with one day in Girona, you can cover most of the popular things to do in Girona.

With this Girona day trip guide, I hope I have given you some inspiration for things to do in Girona and how easy it is to do a Girona day trip from Barcelona!