The 8 things to do in Girona

Visit Girona: what are the best things to do and see in this beautiful city of Spain within an hour of the French border?

Visit Girona , in the north of Catalonia, will be much cheaper than visiting a larger city of Spain, starting with Barcelona . Among the cultural gems of Spain, we will explore the charming little town of Girona 35 kilometres from the Costa Brava.

Girona is full of historical interest, also enjoying a lively cultural life with a full programme of cultural activities, gourmet restaurants, attractive boutiques and hotels. Once a Roman city, it was completely encircled with ramparts until the modern era. She was so regularly besieged that she became famous as “a city with a thousand seats” after being assailed 13 times from 1295 to 1809. Later he was given the title "three times immortal" for resisting Napoleon's troops three times. Girona, a city neither too small nor too large, is an ideal destination to spend a weekend, especially since the Catalan city is quickly reached by car from Toulouse, Montpellier and Perpignan, but also from many French and European cities thanks to its airport, served by Ryanair.

So we'll list you some ideas. Things to do in Girona !

1. Discover the old city and the Call Jueu (Jewish Quarter)

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Girona is known for its Ciutat Antiga (old city) or Barri Vell (old neighborhood), especially the Jewish quarter of the 13th century, the Call considered one of the two most important and better preserved in Spain (the other being to Toledo ). You can also visit an interesting Jewish History Museum . Built on a hill, the old town is also known for its beautiful staircases, like the one leading to the Església de Sant Martí , or the Escalinata 96 steps leading to the Cathedral of Girona. River Onyar separates the old town from the modern part, which is west of the river. Rendez-vous on the Rambla de la Libertat , a pedestrian area, which is the main street of the old town, lined with arcades, shops and cafes.

2. Take pictures along the Riu Onyar

Flickr – Joan Campderrós-i-Canas

The bridges on Onyar offer some of the most unforgettable views of Girona, including reflections of the facades of colorful buildings on the banks of the river.

3. The Cathedral of Girona

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The monumental cathedral of Girona, famous for its nave, wider gothic nave in the world , is impressive at the top of a long stone staircase. The construction of this superb basilica began in 1312 and took more than four centuries to be completed. Several architectural styles, including Renaissance and Romanesque style, have left their mark on them. The entrance to the cathedral also includes access to its cloister and museum, with a beautiful collection of ecclesiastical treasures, including medieval tapestries and manuscripts.

4. Experience history and culture in the city’s museums

Credit – campinglasdunas.com

The city has many interesting art galleries and museums of history, such as the Museu del Cinema , which presents the history of cinema through a fascinating private collection.

In the Carrer de la Força , which passes south of the square in front of the cathedral, is a former convent of Capuchins which now houses the Museo de História a museum on the history of the city, focusing in particular on prehistory in the region and the age of industrialization (19th-20th centuries).

In the incomparable setting of the former Episcopal Palace, the Art Museum of Girona houses the most important collection of art from the bishopric and the province, from the Romanesque to the dawn of the 20th century.

But the best museum in the city certainly remains the one in open sky, understand the city itself. Spread through its narrow alleys or follow the medieval walls of the 9th century along the east side of the old town.

5. Passeig Arqueològic

Flickr – Robert Young

From the cathedral, a marked archaeological path guides you to all important sites in the old city. This leads you in particular through Portal de Sobreportes then take you to Arab baths , which existed since the 12th century.

A walk along the medieval ramparts of Girona is a wonderful way to appreciate the landscape of the city from above. There are several access points, the most popular of which is done through the street des Rabbis (Arab Baths), whose walks lead in heavenly gardens where the city and plants are found in an organic masterpiece. The southernmost part of the wall ends right next to the Plaça de Catalunya .

6. Visit one of the best restaurants in the world

Credit – ealuxe.com

Girona welcomes the gourmet restaurant three times starred at the Michelin Guide El Celler de Can Roca . The latter was named the best restaurant in the world in 2013 by Restaurant Magazine (2nd in 2014). Rocambolesc Gelateria , in the center of Girona, also serves handicraft desserts (glazed creams...) for gourmet customers.

7. See also in Girona

Here are other ideas of things to see and do to do Girona If you come to spend more time there:

• Basilica Parroquial de Sant Feliu
• Portal de Sobreportes
• Plaza de la Catedral
• Casa Pastors
• Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants
• Capilla de San Nicolás
• Nightlife on the Plaça de la Independència

8. Things to do in the vicinity of Girona

Flickr – Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

If you’re in a car, don’t hesitate to get out of the city and visit the surroundings. There are some jewels not to be missed!

• The beautiful village of Ullastret
• Banyoles and its lake, as well as the monastery of San Esteban, and
• Besalú and its medieval bridge
• The Theatre-museum Dalí to Figueras
• Tossa de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols and the beaches of the Costa Brava

How to get to Girona? Where to stay?

Girona is easily accessible by all means of transport. The TGV for Barcelona now stops in Girona; the city is close to the border with France so that you can connect it quickly by car; Finally, Girona owns its own airport, including serviced by low-cost Ryanair. You only have to find the best prices for your plane tickets to Girona on Ulysses .

Girona is not a very large city, in order to fully enjoy the ideal is to house in the center . To find a cheap hotel in Girona, search our website Compare hotels .

Have you visited Girona?