A Day in Girona from Barcelona: The Ultimate Itinerary

After a few busy days in Barcelona, I wanted something a little slower—somewhere I could wander, take my time, and soak in the feeling of a smaller Catalan town. A day in Girona turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.

This charming medieval city is an easy 40-minute train ride from Barcelona, but it feels a world away. We spent a full day here exploring winding stone streets, walking along ancient Roman walls, popping into cozy wine bars, and taking in some seriously beautiful views. It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to rush—you can just enjoy being there.

In this Girona itinerary, I’ll show you how to plan your own perfect day in Girona. I’ll cover everything we loved: the must-see sights (hello, Girona Cathedral), a few hidden gems, great spots to eat and sip wine, and tips for making the most of your time. Whether you want to chase Game of Thrones filming locations or just experience the slower side of Catalonia, this is a Girona day trip I think everyone should add to their list.

Happy travels to Spain!

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Is Girona Worth Visiting?

After a few days in Barcelona, you might be craving something a little slower—and more local. Girona is exactly that.

With its medieval charm, walkable streets, and relaxed pace, it’s a refreshing change of scenery. Plus, it’s easy to reach and makes for an ideal day trip from Barcelona.

Girona offers a mix of small-town restaurants, historic landmarks, and quiet corners to wander. And, yes, there are the Game of Thrones sites, too. You’ll find Roman walls, colorful riverside houses, and some of the best preserved Jewish Quarter streets in all of Spain. It’s the kind of place that feels local and special. (Like, how are so few people visiting this town?!)

In my opinion, Girona is the perfect place to spend one day. You can hit the highlights without feeling rushed, soak in the slower pace, and still be back in Barcelona by nightfall. Anything more than a day, and you may start running out of things to do—unless you’re planning to use it as a base to explore Costa Brava.

Getting to Girona From Barcelona

The easiest way to get to Girona from Barcelona is by train. The ride takes about 40 minutes and departs from Barcelona Sants Station, the city’s main train station. Located west of the Gothic Quarter and Sant Antoni neighborhoods, it’s easy to reach by subway or bus—just check Google Maps to find the fastest route from wherever you’re staying.

You should buy your tickets in advance online, especially during peak travel months. Roundtrip fares usually start around $30 USD, but prices can vary based on your departure time and how early you book.

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If you want a super easy way to search, compare, and store your train tickets in one place, I highly recommend using Omio. I use the app regularly when traveling abroad—it helps me find the best deals and keeps all my tickets handy in one spot. And yes, I used it on my own day trip to Girona, too!

Getting Around Girona

In all honesty, Girona is a very walkable city. We spent an entire day here and never relied on public transit. If you stick to the Old Town—where most of the main tourist attractions are—you can easily explore on foot. Even the walk from the main train station in the city center to the Old Town takes less than 20 minutes.

However, if you’re planning to venture farther out, or just want to take public transit from the train station, there are around 10 local bus routes that can get you just about anywhere in the city.

And as for rideshare services—you won’t find them in Girona. The town still relies on traditional taxi stands. They’re pretty pricey for such a small city, especially for tourists. I’d only recommend one if you’re in a rush or traveling with luggage.

Another great option? Rent a bike. Girona is known for being incredibly bike-friendly, and you’ll see plenty of locals riding around. If you’re up for a more active day in Girona, it’s a fun and affordable way to explore beyond the historic center.

Your Morning in Old Town

Once you arrive in Girona, make your way straight to the Old Town. This is where the magic happens. Girona’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved historic centers in Catalonia, and walking through it genuinely feels like stepping back in time. With deep Roman roots, you can still walk along parts of the original Roman walls that once protected the city.

All around you, narrow stone streets, arched alleyways, and worn staircases reveal centuries of history—especially in the Jewish Quarter, which is one of the best-preserved in all of Europe.

Start your morning with a stop at the Arab Baths. This was one of my favorite little surprises on my day in Girona. Not only did we have the entire 12th-century site to ourselves, but it’s also beautifully preserved—and entry is just three euros. It’s definitely worth a visit.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this is the perfect area to do a quick self-guided walking tour—or even book a guided one! Many major filming spots, including the Arab Baths and Cathedral steps, are right here in the Old Town.

Next, head to one of Girona’s most iconic landmarks: the Girona Cathedral. You might recognize the grand staircase from Game of Thrones, where it stood in for the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing. But even if you’ve never watched an episode, the Cathedral is breathtaking—and climbing the steps is part of the experience.

Before heading to lunch, take a quick walk over to Sant Pere de Galligants, a 12th-century monastery turned archaeological museum. It’s a peaceful spot to wander, admire Romanesque architecture, and view artifacts at the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya–Girona.

Lunch and Your Afternoon in Girona

After a morning of exploring Old Town’s most historic spots, it’s time to slow down and enjoy lunch. Girona has no shortage of charming places to eat, but two great options for a relaxed midday meal are Idle Hands Girona and Simple.

• Idle Hands Girona is known for its fresh ingredients, creative takes on brunch-style dishes, and cozy ambiance.
• Simple lives up to its name with minimalist decor and a focus on clean, flavorful food.

After lunch, head over to El Celler d’en Xiqui, a laid-back wine bar offering local Catalan wines by the glass. It’s the perfect spot for a tasting flight or a single pour if you’re looking to ease into the afternoon.

If you’re lucky enough to visit on a market day, spend a little time wandering through Girona’s local market scene. While the covered Mercat del Lleó is the main market hall, you’ll often find open-air stalls around town depending on the day of the week.

And unlike some of the markets nowadays in Barcelona this one truly is for locals. And though you won’t see as much commerce in the afternoon it’s still a great place to pick up some really local souvenirs, like wines and olives. Or, perhaps snag some local cheese to eat later.

Afterwards, head to one of my favorite walks in the city: the Muralles de Girona, the old Roman walls. You can climb up for panoramic views across the city’s rooftops and surrounding countryside. It’s a peaceful, photogenic spot that gives you a whole new perspective on the Old Town.

Before wrapping up your day, stop by the Jardins dels Alemanys, where you can explore the quiet garden paths and check out the Roman ruins tucked inside. It’s a calm, shaded area that’s often overlooked by tourists but makes for a lovely final stop before heading back to the train.

Dinner and Heading Back

Before you wrap up your day in Girona, treat yourself to dinner at Octopus. This paella restaurant blew me away. Seriously, some of the best I’ve had in Spain. The portions are generous and the seafood is fresh. It’s the perfect way to end a day trip on a high note.

After dinner, make your way back to Girona train station, which is an easy 15- to 20-minute walk from the Old Town. Trains to Barcelona run frequently into the evening, but I recommend booking your return time in advance.

Whether you spent your afternoon walking the Roman walls, sipping Catalan wine, or chasing Game of Thrones filming locations, a day in Girona is one you won’t forget. It’s the perfect mix of history, great food, and a slower pace that’s hard to find in bigger cities.

Things to Do in Girona

Walk the Roman Walls (Muralles de Girona)

If you only do one walk in Girona, make it this one. The views from the top of the ancient city walls are incredible — you’ll get sweeping vistas over the Old Town and surrounding countryside.

The Muralles de Girona are easily accessed from several points in the Old Town. One of the most popular entrances is near the Girona Cathedral, with stairs that take you right up to the wall walk. Another great starting point is near the Jardins dels Alemanys.

The best part? It’s completely free to visit. The path is open daily (usually from morning until around sunset), so you can fit it into your itinerary whenever it works for you.

Explore the Jewish Quarter (El Call)

This is one of the best preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe, and it’s easily one of the most atmospheric parts of Girona. The narrow, twisting alleyways and stone archways have barely changed in centuries — making it feel like you’ve stepped straight into the Middle Ages. (Probably why Game of Thrones loved to film here, too.)

Start by simply wandering the streets and soaking it in — the layout is so tight and complex that it’s easy to get turned around (in the best way). Be sure to visit the Museum of Jewish History, located in a restored synagogue. It’s small but rich in detail and adds powerful context to what you’re walking through.

Visit the Girona Cathedral

You can’t miss the towering steps of the Girona Cathedral. It’s a must for Game of Thrones fans — the site stood in for the Great Sept of Baelor — but even if you’re not a fan, it’s worth climbing. Inside, you’ll find one of the widest Gothic naves in the world and a beautiful collection of religious art. Even just standing at the top of the staircase gives you one of the best views back over the Old Town.

Entry to the cathedral and adjoining museum costs around €7.50, and it’s open most days from 10 AM to 6:30 PM, though hours may vary slightly by season—so it’s worth double-checking before you go.

Tour the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)

This was one of my favorite surprises on my day in Girona. The 12th-century baths are beautifully preserved, atmospheric, and a steal at just three euros.

Though called “Arab” baths, they were actually built in Romanesque style and inspired by earlier Muslim bathhouses. As you wander through the cool stone rooms, domed ceilings, and graceful columns, it’s easy to imagine what daily life here might have looked like centuries ago.

DIY Game of Thrones Walking Tour

Girona was a major filming location for Game of Thrones, and many sites are clustered in the Old Town. Do a self-guided walk — it’s easy to map out the filming spots and fun to spot them in real life.

If you’re a huge fan, consider booking a guided Game of Thrones tour in Girona instead of doing it on your own.

Wine Tasting at El Celler d’en Xiqui

One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Girona is sipping Catalan wines. This cozy wine bar is a perfect stop to sample a few local varieties. Be sure to try Garnatxa (Grenache) and Carinyena (Carignan), two of the signature red grapes of the region.

If you’re more into whites, look for Macabeu or a crisp Xarel·lo—both are common in Catalonia and often used in Cava, the region’s famous sparkling wine. No matter what you order, the staff here are super helpful if you want recommendations.

Visit the Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery

Just a short walk from the Cathedral, this Romanesque monastery is quiet and beautiful. The open hours are limited but if open take a glimpse inside while walking the Old Town.

Walk the Bridges of Girona

Girona is famous for its colorful riverside houses. Walk across several of the city’s bridges — especially the Eiffel Bridge (designed by the same Gustave Eiffel), which offers one of the best views.

Explore the Jardins dels Alemanys

This hidden garden is a peaceful little escape from the busier streets. You can also see ruins from Girona’s Roman past tucked in among the greenery.

Visit the Museum of Jewish History

This small but well-curated museum is a great stop to learn more about Girona’s Jewish community. It adds helpful context to your walk through the Jewish Quarter.

Try Local Girona Dishes

Beyond paella, Girona has its own culinary specialties. Look for xuixo (a local cream-filled pastry) or botifarra amb mongetes (Catalan sausage with beans) at a local restaurant.

Best Places to Eat in Girona (Mini-Guide)

One of the best parts of spending a day in Girona is how easy it is to eat well here. The town may be small, but it has no shortage of cozy cafés, great wine bars, and local spots where you can take a break and refuel. Here are a few places we loved (and a couple more worth checking out):

Other Spain Travel Tips + Recommendations

• Barcelona can be expensive. That’s why I created this complete Barcelona on a Budget guide to help plan your trip.
• Sagrada Familia is also a great choice when visiting Barcelona – here’s the best time to visit so you can avoid the crowds and get great photos.
• Looking for something a bit cheaper or more local? Check out my cheap eats guide to Barcelona with my favorite spots for tapas, snacks, and casual meals that won’t break the bank.
• Planning more day trips? My Montserrat day trip guide has everything you need to know, whether you want to go by train or join a tour.
• Trying to fly to Spain for less? Read my favorite airlines to Spain post for flight tips, points strategies, and deals I’ve actually booked.