Is Girona Worth Visiting in 2024? Top Things to Do on a One Day Trip
Nestled in the heart of Catalonia, Girona is a city that promises to captivate your senses and enrich your travel experience. Wondering if Girona is worth visiting? This article is for you.
We’ll explore the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of Girona, making it clear why a trip to this beautiful city is definitely worth your time in 2024.
I have been currently sharing my Barcelona Series on Youtube and Girono is one place which did as a day trip from Barcelona.
How to Get to Girona from Barcelona ( Barcelona to Girona )
Girona is located just over an hour from Barcelona, making it an easy day trip from the bustling Catalan capital. You can get to Girona by train from Barcelona Sants station or by taking a bus. The early train from Barcelona ensures you’ll have a full day to explore all that Girona offers.
What Makes Girona Worth Visiting?
Girona is one of those cities that effortlessly blends history with modernity. From its well-preserved medieval walls to contemporary art installations, there’s something here for everyone. Girona is a beautiful city that offers panoramic views, delicious Catalan cuisine, and a rich tapestry of history and culture.
How many days to spend in Girona?
I recently took a day trip to Girona from Barcelona and found that the experience felt rushed. Exploring Girona in just one day through a guided tour only scratches the surface of what the city has to offer.
Consider adding more days to accommodate all the things to do in Girona. For a more in-depth visit, I recommend checking out my post on how many days to spend in Girona and other things to do in Girona.
Exploring the Old Town is one of the prime things to do in Girona
The old town of Girona is a labyrinth of narrow streets, each filled with stories of the past. As you wander through, you’ll discover charming squares like Plaça de la Independència and historic landmarks that date back centuries. The old town is also home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Spain.
The Iconic Girona Cathedral
One cannot visit Girona without stopping by the Girona Cathedral. This stunning building dominates the cityscape and is known for its unique blend of architectural styles. The cathedral of Girona features a grand staircase and an impressive bell tower, making it a must-see for any visitor.
A Walk Along the City Walls
A walk along the medieval walls of Girona offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Passeig de la Muralla provides a unique perspective on the city’s layout and history. These walls have stood for centuries, bearing witness to the city’s rich past.
Discovering the Jewish Quarter in Girona
The Jewish quarter in Girona is one of the best-preserved in Europe. It’s definitely worth a visit. This area, known as El Call, is filled with narrow, winding streets that seem frozen in time. The Jewish quarter in Girona is one where you can learn about Jewish history and culture through various museums and historical sites.
Visiting the Famous Arab Baths
The Arab baths are another highlight of Girona’s rich historical tapestry. These baths date back to the 12th century and offer a glimpse into the city’s Moorish past. The bath complex includes a frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room), each meticulously preserved.
The Onyar River and Its Colorful Houses
The Onyar River runs through the heart of Girona, flanked by colorful houses that create a picturesque scene reminiscent of Florence. The Pont de les Peixateries Velles, designed by Gustav Eiffel before he built the Eiffel Tower, offers one of the best views of these iconic houses.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Girona gained international fame as a filming location for season six of Game of Thrones, making it all the more worth a visit. Fans will recognize many parts of the city, including the cathedral steps and various streets in the old town, as key locations from the show. This makes Girona a must-visit for any Game of Thrones fan.
Day Trips from Girona: Costa Brava and Beyond
Girona is also an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like Costa Brava and Figueres, home to the Salvador Dalí Museum. Whether you’re into beaches or art, these day trip options from Barcelona offer something for everyone.
If you are already there I would recommend you to visit Tossa de Mar from Girona as it will be one excellent things which you can do. Adding it to your list of things to do in Girona is essential.
One Day Girona Itinerary
While I will be covering this topic in detail on my separate post about One Day in Girona but just to give you a quick run down about what you can do you can follow along the below Itinerary.
One Day in Girona
If you’re short on time, a day trip to Girona from Barcelona can still provide a fulfilling experience. In one day, you can:
- Morning: Start your visit with a tour of the old town, exploring its narrow streets and historic squares. Don’t miss the iconic Pont de les Peixateries Velles and the colorful houses along the Onyar River.
- Midday: Visit the Girona Cathedral and take in the breathtaking views from its bell tower. It’s definitely worth a visit. Grab lunch at a local Catalan restaurant.
- Afternoon: Walk along the medieval city walls for panoramic views of Girona. Definitely worth a visit. Finish your day by exploring the Jewish Quarter and its rich history, a key highlight of things to do in Girona.
Summary
- Getting to Girona: Easily accessible from Barcelona via train or bus, making it a perfect Girona day trip.
- Why Visit: Rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture.
- Old Town: A labyrinth of historic streets and squares.
- Girona Cathedral: A must-see architectural marvel.
- City Walls: Offers panoramic views and historical insights.
- Jewish Quarter: One of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters.
- Arab Baths: A well-preserved glimpse into Moorish history.
- Onyar River: Iconic colorful houses and picturesque scenes.
- Game of Thrones: Key filming locations for fans.
- Day Trips: Explore Costa Brava and Figueres from Girona. Don’t forget to check out the famous Celler de Can Roca restaurant.
Girona is 100% worth visiting in 2024, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
FAQs
Why is Girona famous?
Girona is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is famous for landmarks such as the Girona Cathedral, the colorful houses along the Onyar River, the Eiffel Bridge, and its picturesque old town. It also gained international fame as a filming location for the television series Game of Thrones.
Which is better, Girona or Montserrat?
Both Girona and Montserrat offer unique experiences, making it difficult to say which is better. Girona offers a blend of historical sites, cultural activities, and urban charm, while Montserrat is known for its stunning natural landscapes, the Montserrat Monastery, and spiritual significance. If you’re interested in history and architecture, Girona may be more appealing. For breathtaking natural scenery and a spiritual retreat, Montserrat is the better choice. However, Girona is worth a visit for its own unique charm.
How many days should you spend in Girona?
To fully appreciate all that Girona has to offer, spending at least two days in the city is recommended. This allows time to explore the old town, visit the Girona Cathedral, walk along the city walls, and enjoy the local cuisine. If you have more time, you can also take day trips to nearby attractions such as Costa Brava and Figueres.
Is Girona worth a day trip from Barcelona?
Absolutely! Girona is worth a day trip from Barcelona. It’s easily accessible by train or bus, and a day in Girona allows you to explore the old town, visit key landmarks like the Girona Cathedral, and experience the city’s unique charm. The city is compact enough to see many of its highlights in a single day, making a Girona day trip totally feasible.
What is interesting about Girona Spain?
Girona offers a rich tapestry of interesting attractions. The old town is filled with narrow medieval streets and historic buildings. The Girona Cathedral boasts an impressive Gothic nave. The Jewish Quarter is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Additionally, the colorful houses along the Onyar River and the various filming locations for Game of Thrones add to the city’s allure.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Girona?
Yes, Game of Thrones was filmed in Girona. The city served as a key filming location for season six of the series. Fans can recognize various parts of Girona, including the cathedral steps and numerous streets in the old town, as scenes from the show.
Can you do Montserrat and Girona in one day?
While it is technically possible to visit both Montserrat and Girona in one day, it would be a very rushed experience. Both destinations offer a wealth of attractions that deserve ample time to explore. It’s recommended to dedicate a full day to each location to fully appreciate what they have to offer.
