Day Tripping in Girona Spain
If you’re looking to get away from the busy city life in Barcelona, hop onto an AVE fast train and in less than 40 minutes, you will go back in time to an ancient medieval city. Girona will mesmerize you with watchtowers, Roman fortress remains, cobblestone lanes, and one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in the world.
Situated in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, Girona’s proximity to Barcelona and walkable city center make it very easy for travelers to plan a day trip. Book your train tickets in advance online for cheaper rates and less hassle!
Eiffel Bridge
There are five smaller pedestrian bridges that connect the newer part of the city (where the train station is located) to the old town tourist district. The most famous of them all is the Eiffel Bridge constructed by Gustave Eiffel just before the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It’s also known as Pont de Ferro (the Iron Bridge) and Pont de les Pescateries Velles (the Old Fishermen’s Bridge). It overlooks the Onyar River and the colorful buildings cast pretty reflections on the water.
El Call: Jewish Quarter
Within Girona’s old city center lies one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in the world called El Call. Walk along the narrow cobblestone lanes and steps, and discover Carrer de la Forca, the heart of El Call that has quaint restaurants and cafes, and little boutiques selling souvenirs and clothing. You can learn more about its history by visiting the Museum of Jewish History located in the old synagogue, and marvel at the ancient doorways and old Jewish houses.
The narrow lanes and medieval stone buildings were the perfect setting for the fictional city of Braavos in Game of Thrones. If you are a fan of the show, you can visit the exact spots they filmed various scenes at.
As with many ancient cathedrals in Spain, the Girona Cathedral was once used by the Moors as a mosque, and after the Catholics took over, the building was entirely rebuilt. The cathedral was built in a Catalan Gothic style, but over the centuries, a series of walls and spaces were built in Romanesque and baroque styles.
If the exterior of the cathedral looks familiar, it was featured in the HBO series Game of Thrones where the scene of Queen Margaery’s atonement was filmed at the steps. Fans of the show can also pop into a store across the cathedral where you can pose for photos sitting on a replica of the Iron Throne wearing a robe and a crown, and holding a sword.
While the exterior of the cathedral is well known to Game of Thrones fans, the interior space has been spectacularly famous for centuries. The most striking feature of the cathedral is its large Gothic nave which has a width of 23 metres and height of 35 metres, making it the widest of its kind in the world! One would need a wide camera lens to capture it in all its glory, which unfortunately I do not possess.
Opening Hours: April – October, Daily, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
July & August, Daily, 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
November – March, Daily, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed: January 1 & 6, Good Friday, and Christmas
Ticket price: 7€ per adult (for both Girona Cathedral and Basilica of Sant Feliu). Includes audio guide.
Basilica of Sant Feliu
You will see the basilica’s tall bell tower when you are crossing any of the five bridges from the direction of the train station to Girona’s old city center. The Basilica of Sant Feliu (or Saint Felix) is the city’s first cathedral and a representative of Gothic architecture. The interior is much smaller than that of Girona Cathedral but has an impressive collection of works of art from the 4th and 14th centuries, and beautifully preserved Gothic naves.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays, 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed: January 1 & 6, Good Friday, and Christmas
Ticket price: 7€ per adult (for both Girona Cathedral and Basilica of Sant Feliu). Includes audio guide.
We missed the Arab Baths because they closed early the day we visited so do head there as soon as you reach Girona to avoid that problem. The baths were first built around 1194 and were rebuilt again in 1294 by a citizen of Girona. The self-guided tour is only €2 and you guessed it, Game of Thrones filmed a pivotal scene there as well.
Opening Hours: April – September, Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
October – March: Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Established in 1892, Casa Marieta is one of the oldest restaurant in Girona serving traditional home cooked Catalonian food. We ordered “fideuà” (noodles paella) and the noodles absorbed the delicious seafood broth while retaining their perfect al dente consistency. The service was wonderful and welcoming, and it was a lovely place to fill our hungry stomachs and rest our feet. It’s located in Plaça de la Independència where there are many other bars, cafes, and restaurants surrounding it.
Opening Hours: Daily, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
* Summer days (outdoors) from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Eve & Holidays: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.