Although many only make Girona a day trip from Barcelona to see its historic churches and medieval walls, we recommend spending several days exploring the area’s incredible gastronomy. Did we mention that it was the main location for Game of Thrones? Girona is a great place to visit.
We had the opportunity to explore the area and capital of Girona between the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain’s province of Girona for a whole summer. Although I don’t know why we haven’t written about the best things to do and see in Girona, it’s better than never. Let’s find out why this place is so special that Game of Thrones made it a key part of filming scenes in Braavos, King’s Landing.
Things to Do in Girona
Girona can be found just 100 km from Barcelona. We drove from Barcelona to Girona and took a road trip through Costa Brava. The Costa Brava Coast is beautiful, and we recommend driving. You can find car rental prices from Barcelona and Girona, but it is possible to take a high-speed rail between the two cities. Trains between these cities can be purchased for as little as $13.95 and take only 38 minutes. Check out RailEurope for details.
Enjoy a Cycling Tour of Girona
A city tour is a great way to learn about a place. Our Girona cycling tour with BikeCat was our favourite thing to do. We explored the city but also visited the surrounding villages and countryside. The bike allows you to customize your tours, from single-day trips to multi-day tours. You will stay in hotels home to professional cyclists for many decades. Girona is a popular destination for Tour de France professional cyclists. Cycling through Girona will allow you to experience the true culture.
You don’t want to ride a bicycle? You don’t want to cycle? You will see filming locations for Game of Thrones and the Cathedral of Girona. Also, you can walk across Gustave Eiffel’s bridge.
Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)
The Eiffel Bridge is one of Girona’s most beautiful spots. Gustave Eiffel built this bridge on the spot where four rivers’ meat was. He also began the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Girona has eleven bridges linking the eastern and western parts of Girona, but this one is the most well-known. The Onyar River is lined with colourful houses that offer beautiful views.
Take a walk on the Medieval Wall.
Walking along the medieval city walls is our favourite thing in Girona. The Passeig de la Muralla, or walk of the wall, offers stunning views of Girona. Girona’s city walls date back to the 1st Century BC. They are the longest city walls in Spain. Parts of the Forca Vella, an old fortress, were built by Romans. The walls were rebuilt and expanded over the years to protect against attacks and sieges throughout the middle ages. They are a top tourist attraction in Girona, allowing you to view the city from the sky and the Pyrenees mountains below.
Girona Cathedral
Officially, the Girona Cathedral is known as Cathedral de Santa Maria Girona. The Girona Cathedral, located in the heart of the Old City on Placa de la Catedra, dates back to the 11th century. It took seven decades to complete, resulting in a fascinating mix of styles from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque. It is located at the highest point of Girona and is the main tourist attraction. It is a must-see on any Girona trip.
A cool fact: Many scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed at the Girona Cathedral stairs. Book this Game of Thrones Small Group Tour. You’ll start at Saint Martin’s stairs and visit the Jewish Quarter. GOT locations of Claveria street, Sant Llorenc street and Cundaro streets are also included. Next, you will pass the Cathedral of Santa Maria and reach Cartanya Bisbe Street in the vicinity of the Casserna dels Alemanys.
Game of Thrones Locations
We have talked a lot about Game of Thrones and Girona. A GOT tour is a must-do for fans of the series. A guided tour is recommended, but you can also see places you won’t miss, such as the steps to the Girona Cathedral at Placa De la Catedral, the cobbled streets in Girona’s Old Town, and Placa Dels Jurats (Girona’s festival square). This was where Arya saw the play about the Starks family and the Lannisters. This GOT Tour will show you all of the filming locations in Girona.
Jewish Quarter – El Call
The Jewish Quarter, also known as El Call, is found in the heart of Girona’s Old Town (Forca Vella). The narrow streets of cobblestone are a must-see when you visit Girona. You can enjoy a glass of Prosecco on a patio while taking in the architecture and archways of this historic district.
This highly-rated tour will take you to one of Europe’s most beautiful Middle Ages Jewish Quarters. Enjoy a guided tour of the Museum of Jewish History and learn about Nachmanides, Girona’s most prominent rabbi/doctoral figure.
Rambla de la Llibertat
Rambla de la Llibertat is where to go shopping, dining and people-watching. Many outdoor patios and cafes along Girona’s main street make it a great place to enjoy an aperitivo. This pedestrian street runs parallel to the Onyar River. It features a mix of 19th-century architecture with gothic and baroque facades, shaded portico walkways, and various architectural styles. Before heading out, this is our favourite place to have drinks and appetizers in Girona.
