Things to Do in Girona

Girona is one of Catalonia’s most charming cities, and it’s far more than a Barcelona day trip. Cobbled lanes wind through a medieval old town, colourful houses line a slow-moving river, and Michelin stars sit quietly among the tapas bars. Fans of Game of Thrones will spot filming locations at almost every turn. Whether you’ve got one day or three, this list covers the best things to do in Girona. Pair it with our 3-day itinerary for Girona to plan your trip in full.

Girona Cathedral

Climb ninety steps and you’ll reach one of Europe’s most striking church façades. Girona Cathedral sits at the top of the old town, and it holds the widest Gothic nave in the world. Inside, you’ll find the Tapestry of the Creation, a rare and richly detailed piece from the 11th century. Because it doubled as King’s Landing’s Great Sept in Game of Thrones, fans often linger by the steps. The cloister is equally worth a visit, with carved capitals depicting biblical scenes. Light pours through tall windows, so aim for a sunny afternoon if you can. Since queues form quickly in summer, it’s worth buying tickets online in advance.

Arab Baths

Tucked below the cathedral, this small domed building feels like stepping into another century. The Arab Baths were actually built after the Moors left Girona, but they still follow a Roman-Arabic bathing layout. Despite the name, the baths date to the 12th century and once served the city’s public bathing needs. A central octagonal pool sits beneath a stone lantern, letting soft light spill in from above. It’s one of the best-preserved Romanesque public baths in Spain. The rooms are small, so visits rarely take more than half an hour. Even so, it’s a peaceful, atmospheric stop between busier sights.

The Jewish Quarter

Narrow stone stairways and shadowy passages make El Call one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters. Girona’s Jewish community thrived here for centuries, until their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Wandering the maze-like lanes today, you’ll find hidden courtyards and archways at every corner. The Museum of Jewish History sits along Carrer de la Força, telling the story of this once-thriving community. Because the streets twist unpredictably, getting a little lost here is half the fun. Visit early morning or late afternoon, when the light catches the stone just right. It’s one of the most atmospheric things to do in Girona, and it costs nothing to explore.

The Colourful Houses on the River Onyar

Pastel-painted houses line the River Onyar, and they make for Girona’s most photographed view. Yellow, orange, and red façades reflect in the water below, especially at golden hour. Several bridges cross the river, but the Eiffel Bridge stands out, since it was designed by Gustave Eiffel’s studio. Cross it for a closer look at the ironwork, then continue along Rambla de la Llibertat on the other side. Locals still live in many of these riverside homes, so keep noise down as you pass. For the best photo, stand on Pont de Sant Feliu and look north along the water. It’s free, quick, and unmissable.

Girona’s Medieval City Walls

Walk above the rooftops on one of Europe’s best-preserved defensive walls. The Passeig de la Muralla stretches for around 1.6 kilometres around the eastern edge of the old town. Built originally by the Romans and later expanded, the walls offer sweeping views over terracotta roofs and the cathedral spire. Watchtowers punctuate the route, and several have staircases you can climb for even better views. Because the path is mostly flat with occasional steps, it suits most fitness levels. Sunset is the best time to walk it, when the light turns the stone gold. Entry is free, and the walk takes around an hour at a relaxed pace.

Rambla de la Llibertat

This arcaded street has been Girona’s social hub for centuries, and it still buzzes today. Stone columns support a covered walkway lined with cafés, shops, and market stalls. Grab a coffee and watch the city go by, or browse the small boutiques tucked beneath the arches. On weekends, flower and food stalls often pop up along the street. It connects easily to both the old town and the riverside, so it’s a natural stop on any walk. Locals treat it as a meeting point, so expect a lively, sociable atmosphere at most hours. It’s a great spot to pause between sightseeing stops.

Museu del Cinema

Long before Netflix, magic lanterns and shadow puppets entertained audiences, and this museum tells that story. The Museu del Cinema holds the Tomàs Mallol Collection, with over 8,000 objects tracing 400 years of moving image history. Exhibits include early projectors, optical toys, and rare film reels from cinema’s earliest days. Interactive displays make it enjoyable for kids as well as film buffs. Because it’s the only museum of its kind in Spain, it draws visitors from well beyond Girona. Give yourself at least an hour to see everything properly. Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month, so plan around that if you’re on a budget.

Basilica of Sant Feliu

Just below the cathedral, this basilica holds one of Girona’s oldest religious traditions. The Basilica of Sant Feliu blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, built up gradually between the 14th and 17th centuries. Inside, eight Roman and early Christian sarcophagi line the walls near the altar. Its bell tower, visibly truncated after a lightning strike, still dominates the skyline. Because it sits so close to the cathedral, most visitors combine the two in one trip. A combined ticket covers both sites, along with the Girona Art Museum. It’s a quieter, less crowded alternative if the cathedral feels busy.

El Celler de Can Roca

Foodies travel from across the world just to eat here, and Girona is lucky to have it. El Celler de Can Roca has held three Michelin stars for years, and it’s been named the world’s best restaurant more than once. Three brothers run the show, covering cooking, wine, and dessert with real precision. Tasting menus change with the seasons, blending Catalan tradition with playful, modern techniques. Because tables book out months in advance, don’t expect a walk-in spot. If you can’t get a reservation, admire the buzz from outside or read up on their story instead. Either way, it says a lot about Girona’s serious food scene.

Devesa Park and La Copa

When the old town feels busy, this leafy park offers an easy escape. Devesa Park spreads across more than 40 hectares, shaded by rows of towering plane trees. Locals jog, cycle, and picnic here, especially on weekend mornings. It also hosts Girona’s biggest festivals, including the popular Temps de Flors flower festival each spring. Nearby, La Copa food market brings together local producers selling cheese, wine, and fresh produce. Combine both for a relaxed break from sightseeing. It’s a good reminder that Girona isn’t only about medieval streets and old stone.

Closing Thoughts

Girona rewards slow exploration. Between Gothic cathedrals, quiet riverside views, and food that punches well above its weight, there’s plenty here to enjoy at any pace. Spend your mornings among the old stone streets, then wind down with tapas or a walk through Devesa Park. However long you stay, Girona tends to leave a lasting impression. For more planning help, see our guides on where to stay in Girona, where to eat in Girona, and the best day trips from Girona.