There is a specific hum to Girona in the early morning. It isn’t the frantic, caffeine-fueled buzz of Madrid or the chaotic, vibrant clang of Barcelona; it is a deeper, older sound. It is the reverberation of the Onyar River hitting the stone buttresses of the bridges, the clatter of metal shutters rolling up on family-run panaderías, and the distant, echoing chant of the monks inside the Cathedral. I have been traveling to Catalonia for over a decade, and while I love the energy of the coast, my soul always seems to find its way back to the banks of the Onyar.
Girona is a city of layers. If you look at a map, you see a spiral. At the center is the ancient Jewish Quarter (the Call), winding tighter and tighter toward the Cathedral. Wrapped around that is the medieval Old Town, and then, hugging the curve of the river, the 19th-century Eixample. Finally, sitting high above it all like a protective stone crown, are the Passeig de la Muralla.
In 2026, Girona feels more relevant than ever. It has shed the tag of being merely a "stopover" or a "Game of Thrones set." It has emerged as a gastronomic powerhouse that rivals anywhere in Europe, while maintaining a sleepy, timeless dignity that feels like a secret you want to keep—but can’t help but share.
If you are planning a trip, whether for a frantic day trip from Barcelona to Girona 2026 or a leisurely weekend exploration, here is my curated guide to the twelve sights and hidden gems that define the soul of Girona.
1. The Cathedral of Santa Maria: A Lesson in Patience and Perspective
You cannot talk about Girona without bowing to its anchor. The Cathedral doesn't just sit in the city; it owns the skyline. To reach it, you must surrender to the climb. The Flight of Steps (Escala dels Sants) leading up to the main entrance is a test of will, consisting of 90 steep, worn stone steps. By the time you reach the top, panting slightly, you are ready to enter one of the most breathtaking interiors in Spain.
The Cathedral holds the widest Gothic nave in the world. It is a colossal, soaring space that feels less like a church and more like a stone cathedral of air. When the light hits the stained glass, the floor becomes a kaleidoscope of jewel tones. But the real magic, often overlooked by the rushing crowds, is the Cloister. Dating back to the 12th century, it is a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. The capitals are carved with scenes of everyday medieval life—hunters, beasts, and mythical creatures—that have watched centuries of history unfold.
2. The Jewish Quarter (El Call): Getting Lost Intentionally
If the Cathedral is the heart, the Call is the soul. This is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. Unlike the wide boulevards of the modern city, the Call is a labyrinth of narrow, shadowy carrers (streets) that are barely an arm-span wide. The stone walls seem to lean in, whispering secrets of the Sephardic community that thrived here from the 9th to the 15th century.
The best way to experience the Call is to put your phone away. There is no "right" way to navigate it. You will turn a corner and find yourself in a tiny, silent square with a central fountain, or stumble upon a plaque marking the home of a famous medieval philosopher. It is atmospheric and moody. In the evenings, when the sun dips below the terracotta roofs and the streetlamps flicker on, the Call feels like a film set. This is the highlight of any Girona Spain Jewish Quarter walking route.
3. The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs): A Roman Fantasy
Tucked away in the Jewish Quarter, the Banys Àrabs look like something out of One Thousand and One Nights. It is a stone structure with a stunning central dome punctured by star-shaped skylights. However, the name is a bit of a misnomer; these aren’t actually Arab baths, but rather a 12th-century Romanesque building built to imitate the thermal baths of the time. It was likely used as a public bathhouse well into the Middle Ages.
Stepping inside transports you to another era. The play of light and shadow on the stone is mesmerizing. There is a small garden outside that is often overlooked. I recommend sitting there for a few minutes after you tour the interior; it’s a quiet oasis in the bustling Call.
4. The City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla): The Walk of the Kings
You cannot leave Girona without walking the walls. The current walls are a patchwork of history, built by the Romans, repaired by the Carolingians, and expanded by the medieval lords. But the stretch that matters most to visitors is the Passeig de la Muralla. This is the elevated walkway that snakes along the top of the Old Town.
As you walk, you get two experiences. On one side, you look down into the private, tiled courtyards of the city’s residents—a voyeuristic glimpse of domestic Girona. On the other side, you have a panoramic, sweeping view of the modern city, the mountains of Montsec in the distance, and the river winding like a silver snake. It is particularly magical at sunset when the limestone buildings glow gold. This is a key stop for a Girona city walls walk 2026 guide.
5. Sant Feliu Church: The Guardian of the River
While the Cathedral grabs the glory, Sant Feliu is the understated classic. Located at the southern end of the Old Town near the river, this church has a spiky, Gothic silhouette that is unmistakable. It was the first cathedral of Girona before the seat moved to the current location.
The interior is a mix of styles, but the real draw is the exterior and the plaza in front of it. From the steps of Sant Feliu, you get a postcard-perfect view of the Onyar and the colorful houses that lining it. It is also the starting point for the walk along the river that leads to the famous bridges.
6. The Onyar River Bridges: A Study in Color
Girona is defined by its river. To understand the city, you must cross it. There are several bridges, but two stand out. The Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Old Fishermen’s Bridge) is the red one. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel) in 1877. It is painted a bold, vibrant red that contrasts beautifully with the stone buildings behind it.
Then there is the Pont de Pedra (Stone Bridge), a stone arch bridge that offers a lower, more intimate view of the water. Standing on these bridges, looking at the multi-colored facades of the houses leaning over the water (affectionately called the "washing line"), is the quintessential Girona experience.
7. Plaça de la Independència: The Neoclassical Living Room
After the winding claustrophobia of the Call, the Plaça de la Independència feels like a breath of fresh air. Built in the early 19th century, this square is a perfect square of neoclassical architecture, arcades, and cafes. It is the "living room" of the city.
This square was built to commemorate the resistance against the French in the Peninsular War. It sits on top of the old city ramparts. Today, it is the best place to sit outside, order a vermut (vermouth) or a coffee, and watch the world go by. The arches protect you from the sun and the rain, making it an all-weather spot.
8. Sant Pere de Galligants: A Glimpse of the Past
Hidden in plain sight near the Cathedral is this stunning Benedictine monastery. It is a prime example of Catalan Romanesque architecture, with a cloister that rivals the Cathedral's in intricacy (though it is smaller). Today, it houses part of the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia (MAC). Even if you aren't a huge museum buff, the building itself is worth the visit. The capital columns depict biblical scenes and animals with a primitive, striking power. It is often quieter than the main tourist drags, allowing for a moment of quiet contemplation.
9. The Monastery of Sant Daniel: The Hidden Gem
If you want to truly get away from the tourists, hike up the hill to the Monastery of Sant Daniel. It is a bit of a trek, winding up through a leafy residential area, but the reward is immense. The monastery is a serene, mystical place founded in the 11th century. It is dedicated to Daniel, a hermit who lived in a cave nearby.
Inside the church, there is a crypt that houses the tomb of Sant Daniel. The atmosphere here is thick with devotion and history. The surrounding gardens and forest are a sanctuary for wildlife and locals seeking peace. From the monastery, you also get a unique view of the back of the Cathedral and the cliffs of the city walls.
10. Carrer del Carme: The Gastronomic Artery
Girona is a food city, and Carrer del Carme is its pancreas. This street is packed with cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. In 2026, this street continues to evolve. You will find traditional spots serving "bunyols" (pumpkin fritters) alongside modern molecular gastronomy pop-ups.
The vibe here is electric. At night, the street is closed to traffic and the terraces spill onto the pavement. It is the perfect place to practice the art of the "tapa crawl." My personal ritual is to start at one end, grab a glass of local wine, and slowly work my way down, tasting a bite at each stop.
11. Casa Masó: The Modernist Surprise
We associate Modernism (Art Nouveau) with Barcelona, but Girona has its own treasures. Casa Masó is the birthplace of the painter Rafael Masó, a key figure in the Catalan Noucentisme movement. It is the only building on the Rambla de la Llibertat open to the public. The exterior is distinct, with floral motifs and warm colors, but the interior is a lesson in design. It functions as a museum and a cultural center.
Visiting here offers a contrast to the medieval stone. It shows you that Girona wasn't frozen in the Middle Ages; it was also a center of artistic innovation in the 20th century.
12. The "Secret" Garden: Jardins de la Francesa
Near the base of the City Walls, close to the Pont de la Peixateries Velles, there is a relatively new addition to the city: the Jardins de la Francesa (The French Gardens). Created on the site of a former 18th-century fortress, this garden is a beautiful blend of landscaping and history. You can walk through the excavated ruins of the fortress ramparts while surrounded by lush greenery and water features. It is a favorite spot for locals to walk their dogs or enjoy a picnic. It offers a different, more manicured perspective of the river and the Old Town.
The 2026 Culinary Imperative: El Celler de Can Roca
I cannot write a guide to Girona in 2026 without mentioning the gravitational pull of El Celler de Can Roca. For years, it has been ranked among the best restaurants in the world. Run by the three Roca brothers (Joan, Josep, and Jordi), it is a temple of avant-garde cuisine.
Even if you cannot secure a reservation (which requires booking months in advance), it is worth visiting the area just to feel the energy. However, if you do manage to eat there, prepare for a sensory journey that plays with memory, smell, and texture. It is expensive, yes, but it is the pinnacle of what Girona represents: innovation rooted in tradition.
A Perfect Day in Girona (The Itinerary)
If you have only one day, the clock is ticking, but Girona is compact enough to see the highlights without rushing. This perfect day in Girona Old Town itinerary covers the essentials.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Highs and Lows
Start your day with a strong coffee and a "pa amb tomàquet" (bread with tomato) at Café de l'Opera on the Rambla. Then, brave the steps to the Cathedral. Explore the interior and the cloister. Afterward, descend into the Jewish Quarter. Visit the Arab Baths and get lost in the narrow streets. End your morning walk at Sant Feliu Church to look out over the river.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The Street Food of Girona
Head to Carrer del Carme. Do not sit down for a heavy meal. Instead, go to Bubo (if it's open) or any of the tapas bars. Order the "Xuixo" (a deep-fried pastry filled with custard) for dessert—it is the signature sweet of Girona.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The Walk
Walk off the lunch by climbing the City Walls. Walk from Sant Feliu all the way around to the Cathedral. This takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. Stop at the Jardins de la Francesa to rest your feet.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): The Vermut and Dinner
Return to the Plaça de la Independència for a pre-dinner drink. The local custom is to have a "vermut" (vermouth) on the rocks with an olive and a slice of orange. For dinner, if you aren't at El Celler de Can Roca, try Nu or Kokyu (located in the Mercat del Lleó) for a modern take on Catalan food.
Practical Tips for Girona 2026
Getting There
Girona is perfectly positioned. It has its own airport (GRO), but the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants is the most efficient way to arrive. In 2026, the train frequency is high—taking only about 40 minutes. It is also the gateway to the Costa Brava.
Where to Stay
- Budget/Central: Look for apartments in the Eixample (the grid area outside the Old Town). They are spacious and often cheaper than the medieval quarter.
- Luxury: Hotel Carlemany or UDL Hotel offer comfort and are walking distance to everything.
- Unique: There are few hotels inside the Old Town, but look for "Masía" style houses on the outskirts for a rural-chic vibe.
Language
You will hear Catalan spoken everywhere. While Spanish is universally understood, a simple "Bon dia" (Good day) or "Gràcies" (Thank you) in Catalan will earn you warm smiles and better service.
The Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May/June) and early autumn (September/October) are ideal. July and August can be hot and crowded with tourists heading to the Costa Brava. In 2026, keep an eye out for the Temps de Flors festival in May, where the city is transformed by floral installations. It is stunning, though very busy.
Final Thoughts on a City of Stone and Water
"Girona is a city that demands you slow down. It is not a checklist city where you run from monument to monument. It is a city of textures: the cool smoothness of the stone walls, the roughness of the river water, the crunch of a fresh pastry, the warmth of the sun on the Rambla."
In 2026, as the world becomes increasingly digital and fast-paced, Girona remains stubbornly analog. It reminds you that the best things in life are usually found in the small details—the curve of a Gothic arch, the taste of a perfectly aged cheese, the view of a river that has flowed for millennia.
So, pack your walking shoes. Bring your appetite. And prepare to surrender to the slow, beautiful rhythm of Girona.