Spain
Girona: the medieval city on the river, 40 minutes from Barcelona
Colourful houses over the river, a cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in the world and one of the world’s best restaurants. Girona is one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval cities. Here is what to see, and where to stay.
From the bridge over the River Onyar you look straight into Girona’s past: a row of houses in ochre, red and yellow hanging over the water, and behind them the cathedral tower. The city is only 40 minutes by train from Barcelona, yet it feels like another world, calmer, older and home to a restaurant twice named the best in the world.
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Short answer: why Girona?
Girona is one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval cities, with an old quarter inside its walls, one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters and one of the world’s most famous restaurants. It is an easy day trip from Barcelona, but deserves at least one night.
Where to stay
With a pool in the centre: Hotel Nord 1901, in an old townhouse. See rooms at Hotel Nord 1901
More affordable by the old town: Peninsular Hotel, right by the river. See rooms at Peninsular Hotel
Barri Vell: the old town
The old quarter is a tangle of steps, lanes and small squares. The cathedral towers above it all, with what is considered the widest Gothic nave in the world, and the stairway up to its entrance is one of the city’s best-known sights.
The houses on the Onyar and the Eiffel bridge
The colourful houses along the river are Girona’s trademark. The red iron bridge across it, Pont de les Peixateries Velles, was built by Gustave Eiffel’s company a few years before his tower in Paris.
El Call: the Jewish quarter
Narrow cobbled lanes hide the remains of one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters. The Museum of Jewish History gives a good insight into life here in the Middle Ages.
Hotel Nord 1901 in Girona.
The Arab Baths
The Banys Àrabs are a Romanesque bathhouse from the late 12th century, built on the model of Arab baths. Light falls through an octagonal opening in the roof above a pool ringed by slender columns, and it is one of the calmest places in the old town.
Taste Girona
The city’s own pastry is the xuixo, a deep-fried bun filled with cream and rolled in sugar. Jordi Roca, the youngest of the Roca brothers, runs the Rocambolesc ice cream shop in the old town, with ice creams that look like small sculptures. For lunch, there are good, affordable restaurants around Plaça de la Independència.
The city walls and the views
You can walk much of the old city wall around Barri Vell, with views over the rooftops, the cathedral and the hills around the city. The walk takes a little over an hour.
El Celler de Can Roca
The three Roca brothers run the restaurant twice named the world’s best. It holds three Michelin stars, and tables must be booked far in advance.
When to go
Spring and autumn are ideal. In May the city fills with flowers during the Temps de Flors festival.
Where to stay
Hotel Nord 1901: in the centre
A hotel in an old townhouse with a pool in the garden, a short walk to the old town.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Nord 1901
Peninsular Hotel: by the river
A simple, affordable hotel right by the Onyar, within walking distance of everything.
Book your stay: See rooms at Peninsular Hotel
Frequently asked questions about Girona
How far is Girona from Barcelona?
Around 40 minutes by high-speed train from Barcelona Sants.
Is Girona worth an overnight stay?
Yes. The city is quiet in the evening once the day-trippers have left, and the restaurants are good.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Girona?
Yes, several scenes in the sixth season were filmed in the old town.