🗺️ What to see in Girona: 19 places and a route through the old town

Girona is an hour's drive from Barcelona. Many tourists pass it by, yet this is where one of the most intact medieval centers in Catalonia has been preserved.

The old town is compact. The cathedral, the city wall, the Jewish Quarter, and the Onyar riverfront are all within walking distance of each other. One day is enough for a first look; a leisurely visit with museums takes two.

Below we have broken down nineteen of the most interesting places in Girona in order, from the city wall to the art museum.

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1. Girona city wall

💡 In short:

You can walk around Girona's old town in a day: the main sights stand along the Onyar River.
Start with the city wall; from there you can see the city's layout and understand where to go next.
Buy tickets for the cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Felix, and the Art Museum in advance; lines are long in summer.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website.

The city wall surrounds the old town and is itself a monument. The fortifications were built more than ten centuries ago and withstood many sieges. The wall is immersed in the greenery of gardens.

View of the Girona city wall with a tower

From the top of the wall you can clearly see the labyrinth of passageways between the houses. Take a close look at the stones: they feature coats of arms with bats, mythical bird-women, and men with lion faces. Each such decoration is tied to a separate legend, and there are especially many of them in the Jewish Quarter.

Walk along the wall slowly and look not only into the distance but also under your feet. Since the ninth century this place has remained almost unchanged. Access is free, no ticket is needed, so you can come up here several times a day.

2. Rambla de la Llibertat

Rambla de la Llibertat is considered the main pedestrian street of the old town. For more than two centuries, merchants from all over the area have gathered here.

Pedestrian street with trees and arcades

Artisans and farmers sell handmade goods. Here you can buy everything you need for the home or a souvenir to remember your trip. The cafes and eateries on this street keep a character that is unique to Girona.

In the evenings, street musicians and dancers perform on the Rambla. Sometimes a sad song in a strange language can be heard. According to legend, it is sung by the ghost of Tolrana, a woman with a tragic fate. Come here on Saturday morning, when the market is open, and you will catch the street at its liveliest.

3. Girona Cathedral

The cathedral deserves its own dedicated time. Inside, a spacious interior with diagonal arches and monumental columns is filled with light, and the organ sounds here.

Baroque facade of Girona Cathedral above the grand staircase

Construction of the temple began in the 14th century and was completed in the 15th. Over the centuries the cathedral was expanded, with invited masters taking part in the work. On the western side, the "staircase of penance" appeared in the 17th century: it has ninety steps, and according to tradition you must atone for one sin on each.

From the outside, the cathedral is no less impressive than the interior. Find the drainpipe shaped like a human figure that juts straight out of the wall. According to legend, a quarrelsome neighbor who threw stones at the building was turned into it. Now only rainwater pours from her mouth.

Opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the cathedral's official website. The schedule changes from season to season. In summer there are more tourists, so come at opening time and you will get through without rushing.

4. Arab Baths of Girona

The Arab Baths were built in the Romanesque style, but got their name from the decorative finishing in an oriental manner.

Columns and pool in the Arab Baths of Girona

The building was destroyed during sieges of the city by French troops, so from the 13th century onward it was restored by various architects. The last restoration was undertaken by the Catalan master Rafael Masó. The complex consists of five rooms with hot and cold baths, a steam room, a changing room, and a room for warming the body with dry air.

In the center stands an octagonal pool with massive columns and stone benches. Eastern influence is felt in every detail, and no wonder: the Pyrenees were once conquered by Arab tribes. The baths have long ceased to function for their original purpose; here you are viewing a museum space.

Admission costs a few euros; check the exact price on site, as rates change by season. Come in the morning; in the afternoon a group gathers inside and the visit takes longer.

5. Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants

The Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants (Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants) is considered a striking example of 12th-century Catalan Romanesque style. The facade has been significantly renewed over time, but the building itself has retained its strict proportions.

Romanesque Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants in Girona

Since the mid-19th century the building has belonged to the state, and today it houses the Archaeology Museum of Girona. Nearby stands the octagonal dome of the Church of Sant Nicolau, which has guarded the secrets of ancient burials since the 12th century.

The Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres, which the artist designed himself, is not far away, but it requires a separate day.

6. The Girona Lioness sculpture

The "Girona Lioness" stands at the northern gate of the old town: a lioness climbs up a column.

Column with a lioness sculpture in Girona behind a fence

The legend tells of a she-wolf that a local resident taught to signal the guards when merchant carts approached the walls. After the animal's death, the people decided to erect a monument, but a plain she-wolf seemed not fearsome enough, so they replaced it with a lioness. There were no lions in these parts, so the sculpture turned out rather unusual.

Since the 13th century a tradition has been tied to this place: merchants who did not manage to enter the city before the gates closed climbed the column and stroked the animal. In this way they showed the guards that they were locals. Today a ladder is placed next to the sculpture, and the worn spots show that tourists repeat the custom every day. You can repeat it too, if you want good luck.

7. The Jewish Quarter, El Call

The Jewish Quarter, El Call, will appeal to lovers of medieval architecture. The 15th-century buildings have been preserved here almost entirely.

Narrow cobbled street with steps between stone walls

The streets and squares remained untouched thanks to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella: they expelled wealthy Jewish families from here for refusing to convert to Catholicism. The once-thriving district was settled by Spanish Christians who had no money to develop it.

The Museum of Jewish History in Catalonia (Museu d'Història dels Jueus) on Carrer de la Forca tells the story of the life and persecution of the Jewish community. It occupies eleven halls, and the ticket costs a few euros depending on age. The museum is closed on Mondays; on other days you can get through the exhibition in a couple of hours. The narrow staircases are best explored in comfortable shoes: there are many climbs here.

8. Episcopal Palace of Girona

The Episcopal Palace (Palau Episcopal) once belonged to a local count, then the church bought it. From the 13th century onward the building was constantly rebuilt, and it mixes Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.

Facade of the Episcopal Palace with cypress trees on the square

Up until the 20th century, the palace was expanded with towers where prisoners were held. Inscriptions left by inmates survive on the walls of the Prison Hall. The bishops also kept rare works of art here: paintings by old masters, jewelry, and church utensils.

The Cathedral stands nearby, so you can combine both sights in one walk. Today the palace houses the Girona Art Museum. Tickets and museum opening hours are listed below, in its section.

9. Monastery of Saint Dominic

The Monastery of Saint Dominic (Convent de Sant Domènec) was built in the 13th-century Catalan Gothic style. It was founded by a monk of the Dominican order. The brotherhood had no money for rich decoration, so the building looks austere.

Gothic rose window on the stone facade of the monastery

Few windows and simple structures set the monastery apart from the ornate Spanish buildings around it. Today the building houses an arts university, and entry inside is closed. From the outside, you can view the facade and courtyard without restrictions: walk around the building in a circle, it looks different from each side.

10. Old hospital of Saint Catherine

The Old Hospital of Saint Catherine served as a leper hospital for the poor from the 13th century, and was later moved to the city center.

Courtyard of the Magnolias with a staircase and painted facade

In the 17th century, the hospital became one of the best in Spain under church patronage and operated until the 19th century. When the monks ran out of money to maintain it, the building was handed over to the state. Today it houses the government of Catalonia, but part of the complex is open to tourists.

Inside, be sure to see the "Magnolia Patio," a courtyard with entrances to the former hospital wards, and the Saint Catherine pharmacy, which has survived unchanged. The hospital is open on weekends and holidays, and admission costs a few euros. Come in the morning: by midday, tour groups fill the courtyard, and you will be able to see it more peacefully early on.

11. Church of Saint Felix

The Church of Saint Felix is considered a symbol of Girona. Its spire was struck by lightning in the 16th century, and the authorities deliberately chose not to restore it, taking the damage as a sign from above.

Bell tower of the Church of Sant Feliu above the rooftops of Girona

This is one of the oldest buildings in the city: the church dates back to the 4th century and is dedicated to two saints. One of the martyrs was named Felix, and his relics are still kept here. Inside the church you will see ancient Roman sarcophagi from the 3rd century and a sculpture of the Reclining Christ made in the 14th century.

The people of Girona believe that Saint Narcissus helped them repel a siege of the city: insects emerged from his tomb and drove off the French army. The basilica was modified up until the 17th century, which is why it combines Gothic and Baroque elements. Check the schedule and tickets on the basilica's official page: the cathedral and the basilica sell admission through the same platform, and opening hours depend on services.

12. Houses along the Onyar River

The houses along the Onyar River create the most recognizable view of Girona.

Night view of houses along the Onyar River

The colorful facades are reflected in the water, and artists have painted this scene many times. The "hanging houses" began to be built in the 17th century from the rubble of walls that had previously protected the city from French troops. Today this row of houses divides Girona into the old and new city.

There is no embankment along the river: the three-story buildings stand literally above the water. Instead, you can cross from one bank to the other over the bridges and photograph the houses from different angles. The best light for photos comes in the morning and at sunset.

13. Girona Cinema Museum

The Cinema Museum opened in Girona at the end of the 20th century and collects everything related to the history of film.

Shop window with magic lanterns and antique projectors

Most of the collection was donated by Tomàs Mallol, who spent about thirty years assembling it. It includes engravings and early animated films, antique projectors and modern cinema lenses. To present centuries of film heritage, the museum needed four floors divided into thematic zones.

Children will enjoy the educational program: it explains how animated films are made, and you can follow the entire journey from drawing to screen. Tickets start at a few euros, with the price depending on age and special offers. The museum is open daily except Sunday and holidays, when it closes in the early afternoon.

14. Agullana Palace in Girona

The Agullana Palace is surrounded by legends of vampire owners who lived here from the 14th to the 17th century. The building has many hidden rooms, which fuels the scary stories.

Arch of the Agullana Palace at the Sant Marti steps

The Baroque facade gives the palace a gloomy appearance, and thrill-seekers love it here. If you walk up the stairs past the arched opening, you will find yourself at the walls of the Sant Martí Sacosta monastery. Artists with easels often stand near this medieval complex and paint a symbol of the city.

Visiting the palace is free, no admission fee is required. Stop by on your way to the river: the palace stands in the old town, close to other sites on this list.

15. Gironella Tower: observation deck

The Gironella Tower is a reminder of the destruction caused by Napoleon's troops in the early 19th century. The structure itself dates back to the Roman Empire, when it guarded a trade route.

Panorama of Girona with the Onyar River and the cathedral

A spiral staircase that has survived to this day takes you to the top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The climb is short, but the steps are narrow, so wear comfortable shoes.

16. Constitution Square in the new city

Constitution Square (Plaça de la Constitució) lies in the newer part of the city, a four-minute walk from the Onyar River.

Modernista facade of the Farinera Teixidor in Girona

The square is notable for its impressive size and sculptures by contemporary artists. The most intriguing of them is a bronze statue of a girl born on the day the Spanish Constitution was adopted. The square is easy to fit into your route, and you will pass through it on the way from the old city to the new one.

17. Gustave Eiffel Bridge

The bridges over the Onyar connect the newer neighborhoods with the old city. One of them, the "Red Iron Bridge," was built at the end of the 19th century and deserves a closer look.

The Gustave Eiffel Bridge is notable for its structure of interwoven red metal rods. It connects not so much two banks as two houses on opposite sides of the river. The design belongs to the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, who became famous later, after the tower in Paris.

For its time, the bridge was considered a technical marvel. The old houses on the riverbank look especially beautiful at sunset, when the sun disappears and the colors change. Come here in the evening, and you will understand why photographers love this spot so much.

18. Parc de la Devesa

Parc de la Devesa covers forty hectares and is densely planted with trees. Plane trees about fifty meters tall, palm trees and flowers create deep shade, and in the heat you can genuinely escape the sun here.

Path in Parc de la Devesa with a plane tree and a bench

A moat filled with water runs along the park perimeter, so you can only enter through the gates. Inside there is a banana grove and a botanical garden. Rides and playgrounds were built for children, so you can combine a walk with a family outing.

19. Girona Art Museum

The Girona Art Museum is housed in the Episcopal Palace. It was created by merging two collections dedicated to the city's cultural heritage.

Stone facade of the Girona Art Museum with a banner

The museum officially opened at the end of the 20th century, but the first mention of the building is linked to Count Borrell and dates back to the 10th century. The collection includes more than eight thousand ecclesiastical and historical items, arranged across eighteen rooms in chronological order.

You will see paintings by medieval Spanish artists, a 17th-century typewriter, stained-glass tables, jewelry, ceramics, and even 15th-century embroidery. Tickets are sold together with cathedral tickets; check the exact schedule and price on the museum's official website. On weekends the museum is open only until midday.

Tours and tickets in Girona

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much time do you need for Girona?

One day is enough to walk the city wall, the cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and the Onyar riverfront. If you want to visit museums, plan for two days: the Art Museum, the Cinema Museum, and the Arab Baths each take about an hour. The old town is compact, so you will hardly need transport. Come on a weekday, when there are fewer groups.

When is the best time to go to Girona?

In spring and early autumn the weather is mild and the lines are shorter. In summer the old town is hot, and the open sections of the wall have no shade. In winter there are few tourists, but some sites operate on reduced hours. Check exact times on official websites before your trip.

How much do tickets to the cathedral and museums cost?

Admission to the Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Felix, and the Art Museum is sold through the official platform; check the price and schedule on the tickets page. Tickets to Girona's other museums cost from a few euros, with discounts for students and seniors. Some museums are closed on Mondays.

How do you get to Girona from Barcelona?

Trains run from Barcelona, and the journey takes about an hour. Buses are also convenient, but they depend on traffic leaving the city. By car you can take the highway and leave it in a paid parking lot near the old town. There are few parking spots inside the center, so it is better not to bring a car.

What should you see in Girona with children?

Children usually enjoy the Cinema Museum with its projectors and cartoons, as well as Parc de la Devesa with its playgrounds and banana grove. The city wall has wide sections where you can walk at a relaxed pace. Bring water and do not plan museum visits longer than an hour: children's attention wanders quickly.

In short: what to book

In Girona you don't need to book a full-day tour: you can explore the old town on your own. It's worth getting tickets to the Cathedral and the Art Museum in advance so you don't have to stand in line in summer.

If you have one day: take the city wall, the cathedral, and the Jewish Quarter. If you have two days: add the Arab Baths, the Cinema Museum, and a walk across the bridges. If you're traveling with kids: leave time for the Cinema Museum and Parc de la Devesa.

Guided tours of Girona can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Girona in one day: 19 places for a walking tour