Things to do in Girona: Full one day itinerary

Things to do in Girona in one day

Despite its relatively small urban area, Girona has plenty to offer, with numerous must-see spots that shouldn’t be overlooked. With just over 100,000 inhabitants, the city is known for its warm hospitality and strong Catalan identity, offering a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions.

The best way to kick off a full day of sightseeing is with a hearty Catalan breakfast. Girona is home to many traditional cafés, as well as some fantastic specialty coffee spots—perfect for fueling up before exploring the city’s highlights in a day.

🛏️ If you do not yet have a hotel in the city, we recommend the hotel Ciutat de Girona. If you want to have a more special stay, check out the Hotel Palau Fugit. Below you will find other hotel recommendations for in Girona.

1. Plaça de la Independència

Our first destination will be the Plaza de la Independencia, and right there you will find different places to have a delicious breakfast. The city slowly wakes up around us, and we, with every bite, prepare ourselves for the day ahead.

Once you have had breakfast, it’s time to discover the square and its history. It is strategically located in the heart of Girona, connecting several commercial streets and being a central reference point for locals and visitors. The square itself presents a charming architectural design with historic buildings surrounding it.

From here, it is possible to access several shopping streets that offer a wide range of stores, boutiques, and local businesses, such as Santa Clara Street. You can also choose to access the Pont de Sant Agustí from here and visit the Casas del Onyar.

🎟️ A great way to get to know Girona and get a very good impression of the place is to book this free tour of Girona. It is a 2-hour tour that will take you through the essential places and thanks to which you will have the pleasure of knowing with a guide the most interesting historical facts. If you prefer a more extensive tour, you can opt for this complete tour of the city. It lasts 3 hours.

2. Houses of Onyar, one of the best things to do in Girona

After filling our stomachs, we head down to the Onyar River to admire the famous colorful houses that decorate its banks. This picturesque scenery, with vibrant reflections in the waters of the river, offers us a perfect opportunity to take pictures and appreciate the unique architecture of Girona from a different perspective.

The best way to appreciate the beauty of these little houses is to cross over the city’s bridges.

The most significant is the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, built in red iron in 1876 and designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company a couple of years before creating the most famous tower in Paris. The other bridges (Puente de Piedra, Puente de San Agustí, and Puente de Gómez) will complete your walk.

3. Pujada de Sant Domènec

In the Barri Vell, we find a corner known as the Pujada de Sant Domènec, one of the most charming places to see in Girona. Here you will find the steps of the Church of San Martin, surrounded by the Casa Palacio de Caramany and Casa Agullana, with its picturesque arch.

This little corner is so striking that it has even been the setting for several films.

4. El Call de Girona, the Jewish quarter

One of the best things to do in Girona in one day is to take a leisurely stroll through the Jewish quarter, known as “El Call” in Catalan. It is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in all of Europe and is an essential part of the city’s rich history dating back to medieval times.

Girona’s Jewish community thrived especially in the 12th and 13th centuries, and their presence left a lasting mark on the city’s architecture and culture. The narrow, winding alleyways of the Call are a distinctive feature of this neighborhood. Strolling through these cobblestone streets is like taking a step back in time.

A key point of this neighborhood is the Museum of Jewish History, which offers a detailed overview of the life of the Jewish community in Girona over the centuries. It exhibits historical objects, documents, and art related to Jewish culture. It is located on top of one of the synagogues of the city.

If you are interested in this topic, you can take this tour of the Jewish quarter, which includes the Museum of Jewish History.

In addition, this neighborhood has several charming cafes where you can enjoy a pleasant break. As you explore its streets, you will find small stores, art galleries, and cafes that add life and color to this historic corner of the city.

We went to Espresso Mafia Coffee (Cort Reial, 5), a specialty coffee shop that I fell in love with. Its owners are a couple who have made their love for bicycles, decoration, and coffee their livelihood. Be sure to visit. They have another place a little further up the street, La Fàbrica.

5. Cathedral of Santa Maria, a must if you’re visiting Girona in one day

Head towards the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria, an architectural symbol of Girona. We arrived there at night, and in the morning, we went back to visit it. I wouldn’t know which time to choose because both are impressive. If you can, I advise you to visit it illuminated at night and in the morning with the sunlight. You will see two different scenes.

The construction of the cathedral began in the 11th century and continued for several centuries, encompassing architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. From the Romanesque remains the oldest nucleus, such as the chapter house or the cloister; from the Gothic, the stained glass windows and the central nave; and from the Baroque, some side chapels.

Head up its staircase that has 90 steps divided into 3 sections (to make the climb lighter). A world-famous staircase, as it was part of the filming of the acclaimed series Game of Thrones. Here begins the visit of this impressive temple.

Girona Cathedral is open to the public and offers guided tours. It is also recommended to explore the cloister and enjoy the views from the cathedral towards the city. Check the schedule before you go because it varies depending on the time of the year.

🎟️ If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, do not miss this free tour of the city, which will take you through the places where some of the TV show’s best moments were filmed.

6. The Arab Baths of Girona

On your tour of Girona, be sure to visit the Arab Baths, one of the most outstanding architectural jewels of the city. These baths were built in the twelfth century and are inspired by the Roman baths and Muslim baths. The most remarkable element is the dome of the main hall.

You can visit this beautiful place through a short tour. The entrance fee is €3 and you can visit it from Monday to Saturday (from 10:00h to 18:00h) and Sundays and holidays (from 10:00h to 14:00h).

By the way, if these baths look familiar to you, it may be because they have also appeared in the famous Game of Thrones series, with Arya Stark as the main character.

7. The Plaza de Sant Feliu and the Basilica of San Felix

Plaça de Sant Feliu is another must-visit spot to include in your one-day Girona itinerary. Here, you’ll find the famous Leona de Girona, and according to tradition, if you spot her, be sure to toss a coin and make a promise to return to the city.

In this square, you can also visit the Basilica of Sant Feliu, one of Girona’s most important churches. Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, it retains elements of its original Romanesque structure, later completed with Gothic naves and ceilings, as well as a striking Baroque façade.

8. Monastery of St. Peter of Galligants

If you feel like visiting buildings full of history in Girona, come to the Monastery of San Pedro de Galligants. Highlights include the Romanesque church, the cloister, and the bell tower.

The interior of the former Benedictine abbey houses the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia, which collects archaeological materials found in the excavations of different sites in the region of Girona, ranging from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

9. Girona’s wall, panoramic views and fresh air

Nothing beats a stroll along the Girona Wall, which allow you to enjoy beautiful views of the city. It was built in Roman times and expanded in the Middle Ages. At sunset, after visiting the other places we have mentioned, is a good time to go up and enjoy this pleasant walk with views.

10. Enjoy the gastronomy of Girona

When it comes to dining in Girona, we picked a couple of restaurants at random, and the result was a delightful success, especially at La Miranda, where we enjoyed a typically Catalan menu for just €14.40 in a beautifully designed, cozy space. Other restaurants worth mentioning in the city are Le Bistrot, Casa Marieta, and Arròs i Peix.

However, the ultimate gastronomic experience in Girona is stepping into the world of the Roca family, the brains behind El Celler de Can Roca, one of the best restaurants in the world.

Beyond this renowned establishment, you can also try the Roca family’s culinary creativity at Rocambolesc Bikineria, Rocambolesc Confectionery, and Rocambolesc Gelateria. And for chocolate lovers, don’t miss Casa Cacao, a must-visit spot to indulge in their exquisite creations.

Other things to do in Girona, Spain

Although I have tried to include in this one-day trip to Girona the most important places and highlights of the city, if you have time left or want to extend your stay, there are also other key places to see. Some of them are:

• Devesa Park.
• Vi Square.
• Gardens of the Germans.
• Rambla de la Libertat.
• Cinema Museum.
• Old Convent of Santo Domingo.

It is also worth mentioning that it is worth taking a walk around Girona at night and enjoying the main historical sites illuminated in the dark.

Where to stay in Girona

If you have the opportunity, sleeping in Girona is a gift, especially to enjoy the city at night and see its monuments illuminated. There are accommodations and hotels for all tastes, but most of them have a unique charm. Some of the most popular are:

• ByPillow the Bloom. Simple but cozy hotel located in the historic center. Single, double and triple rooms are available.
• B&B Placa Bell-Lloc. Small hotel with shared kitchen and lounge for common use. They offer double rooms and serve breakfast.
• Ciutat de Girona. 4-star hotel located in the historic center with single, double, and triple rooms. There is a bar-restaurant and breakfast service.
• Hotel Palau Fugit. It is a beautiful design hotel. We were in their cafeteria/bar having a vermouth, and it was really unique.

If you want to discover the best areas to stay and other hotel recommendations, this article on where to stay in Girona will help you a lot.

Map of things to do in Girona in one day

There are many places that we have detailed on this map, and so that you do not miss a single one on this one-day route in Girona, we have located them all on this map:

Girona and cycling culture

As promised, before wrapping up our one-day itinerary in Girona, let’s talk about its deep connection to the world of cycling.

We were amazed by the sheer number of cyclists everywhere, as well as the many bike-focused stores, not just shops, but also cafés, restaurants, and more. Naturally, we kept wondering why. A local friend explained that Girona is considered one of the world’s top cycling hubs.

The secret lies in its ideal conditions for the sport: a mild climate, challenging yet scenic terrain, and excellent infrastructure. In fact, Girona even hosts the prestigious Sea Otter Europe Cycling Festival, a testament to its status in the cycling world.

In short, the city’s climate, accessibility, and quality of life make it a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, offering a truly unique space for those who love life on two wheels.

And with that, we conclude our journey through the beautiful Catalonian city of Girona.