Top travel guide of Girona, Spain
Where: Girona, Spain | Number of days: 2 | Local currency: Euro
How to get to Girona?
Plane
Travelling to Girona from outside of Spain is most easy and efficient by plane as the city has its own airport - Girona/Costa Brava Airport (GRO). Most European cities are connected with Girona, from Amsterdam / Rotterdam it’s just an 2 hour flight. The great thing about the airport is that it is located relatively close to the city center, the airport itself is small which means after you’ve landed you’ll be quickly ready to pick up your bags and start exploring the city.
From the airport you can grab a taxi, which tend to be quite expensive but does save you the hassle of having to wait for the nearest bus to leave. We were lucky and hopped on a bus right away, they leave every hour, and tickets could be purchased at the station for 4 euros. The trip itself takes about 30mins. You’re dropped off right on the edge of the city center and from there on you can walk to your final destination. The city is flat and easy to access - apart from the city walls, more on that later in this blog.
Train
From Barcelona it is also possible to travel via train, this journey only takes 40 minutes and departs every hour for ~10euros.
Where to stay in Girona?
If you want to enjoy the convenience of the city, there are plenty of hotels and airbnbs right in the heart of the cozy center. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel, a bigger hotel chain or a private stay, the city offers it, for all budgets. As the city center isn’t too big, I would advice to try to find a place in the Old Historic center, this way you get to experience the vibrant Spanish evenings and still be close to all the highlights during the day - best of both worlds I would say! :)
We stayed in a cosy Airbnb and really enjoyed our stay, the balcony created the perfect place to have breakfast and as it is right in the center we were able to walk everywhere and quickly freshen up in between exploring and dinner.
What to do in Girona?
The Arab Baths
These baths from the 12th Century can be found around the corner from the Cathedral and are well worth a visit. Tickets cost 3 euros per person and you can have a quick walk around the premises. There are clear explanations inside that will share details on how the baths worked, the ingenious way these baths were set up and the labour it cost to create this unique meeting place for people back in the days. We were there in the morning on a week day, which meant we had the baths to ourselves.
As the baths also appeared in Game of Thrones - like many locations in Girona - it does tend to get more busy on the weekends with groups, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your visit.
The City Walls
After the baths, we continue our journey on the East side of the center, where the city is surrounded by the old remains of the city walls, built one century B.C. The stairs can be accessed from four points and require a bit of climbing up the stairs before you get on to the walls,, but it is well worth it for the views and explore the historic sites of the town. The walls allow for an easy connect between the cathedral and the Mercat del Lleó, but if you don’t feel like wandering down the entire wall you can also take one of the two sets of stairs down into the city center again.
The Cathedral
The Girona Cathedral is definitely in the top 3 of things to do in Girona, its impressive size, beautiful interior and colourful stained glass make it worth a visit. Tickets cost 7,5 euro and include entrance to the cathedral and basilica, a free audio guide is also available. In front of the cathedral you will find a large dramatic staircase leading up to the cathedral.
The gardens behind the cathedral are easy to reach and allow for a break underneath high-reaching cypress trees. Here you can also access the first remaining parts of the city walls. Make sure that you start your day with visiting the cathedral surroundings and the walls as shade is limited here.
Mercat del Lleó
After climbing the city walls and exploring the magnificant cathedral, it is time for some lunch, and what better way to gather your picknick essentials at the Girona food market - El Mercat del Lleó. It is the place to go for the locals to pick up their daily groceries and a perfect place to stroll around in search of the best bits and pieces. From fresh fish, bright and colourful vegetables to pastries and crispy bread, the market has it all. That is until 14:00, when they close. So don’t count on dropping by for some snacks in the afternoon because either the stalls have sold out or they have closed for the day. We decided on some delicious local ham and artisan bread to enjoy on one of the benches across the street, while watching people and the day pass by.
Shopping
Besides all the Spanish brands like Zara and Mango, the center of Girona is filled with cute little stores and boutiques. For the mainstream brands, try looking out for the Eixample area which is more south of the Old Center (Barri Vell). Here you can find Bershka, Oysho, Mango, H&M and Massimo Dutti.
If you need a little pick me up along the way, stop by at Bali Coffee and Brunch for a delicious and health avocado toast or a well-deserved cup of coffee.
Boutiques for more unique items can be found closer to the river at the Carrer de Santa Clara, in this street you find stores filled with homegoods, hand made jewellery and confectionary. The latter can be found at Rocamblesc, a colourful shop filled to the brim with chocolates, gifts, ice cream and sweets.
Visit Yerse for timeless and chique pieces of clothing, walk a few minutes down the road if you’re looking for more colour in your wardrobe and pay a visit to Ribes Girona. For high quality homeware, stop by La Santâra, which you can also find in the same street.
Back in the Old Town, you can find Duran Sisters, a boutique that is just as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside. They sell unique pieces of clothing with a feminine touch
Where to eat and drink in Girona?
Girona is definitely a foodies paradise, whether you’re looking for Spanish Tapas, local favourites with a twist or just a quick bite, the city offers it all. Additionally, the local drink Vermouth is found on every street corner. This traditionally Italian drink is sold at Vermuteria’s across town. Pick between red (robust and bit more bitter) and white (sweeter) and enjoy with ice and olives or tonic, a great summer drink. The staff at Vermuteria’s are passionate and love to share more about their favourite drinks.
We particularly like Vermuteria Lola and La Malabarista, to enjoy a Vermouth and some people watching on the terrace.
Right next door to La Malabarista you can find Bèstia a unique restaurant that serves dishes with a twist like patatas bravas with smoked rosemary, tomato carpaccio with fennel ice cream and, our absolute favourite, braised leek with pistachio, burrata and Serrano ham. The menu can be paired with (local) natural wines.
Besides the great food options, the restaurant is located at a cozy square, with restaurants on all sides. It’s one of those places were locals meet up after a long working day, enjoy some bites and drinks and just spend a nice evening together, in true Spanish style.
If you’re really craving a laidback dinner with tapas in their true form, find a table in the street at El Café. Just order inside from the large menu and grab some pinxos to enjoy while you wait. The patatas bravas with Chorizo were an absolute highlight, as was the manchego.
After an evening filled with vermouths and tapas, I’m sure you’re looking for a nice brunch and breakfast spot. La Fábrica is just the place to soothe your cravings. With nice sunny tables outside and spots indoor, there are plenty of spaces to sit down for a proper cappuccino, fruit platters or salmon bagels. The food is fresh and colourful, perfect for getting those instagram pictures while enjoying some well deserved vitamins.
Just around the corner of La Fábrica, you will find Espresso Mafia, a place dedicated to good coffee (and pretty flowers). Both places are owned by Amber and Christian, coffee lovers on a mission to share good coffee with fellow enthusiasts, and they’ve done a great job at it!
