Girona Travel Guide: Discover the City Like a Local

Tucked away in the northeast of Catalonia, just a short train ride from Barcelona, Girona is a city that effortlessly blends medieval charm with vibrant modern life. Known for its striking Gothic architecture, colorful riverside houses, and appearances as a filming location for Game of Thrones, Girona is much more than a day trip. It’s a destination rich in history, culinary delights, and local traditions waiting to be discovered.

This ultimate travel guide Girona will take you beyond the tourist checklist and into the heart of the city. We’ll share the best things to do in Girona Spain, from climbing its ancient city walls to wandering its labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, along with insider foodie recommendations on where locals eat in Girona. You’ll also uncover the best hidden gems Girona has to offer, plus practical Girona travel tips from locals to help you make the most of your trip.

At Lokafy, we believe the best way to truly know a city is through its people. So consider this your starting point, and let a Lokafy local guide bring Girona’s stories, traditions, and secrets to life.

How to Get to Girona

By Plane: Girona-Costa Brava Airport welcomes budget airlines from across Europe. From the airport, a shuttle bus takes you directly into the city center in about 25 minutes.
By Train: The fastest and most convenient route from Barcelona is the high-speed AVE train, which takes just 38 minutes. For budget travelers, regional trains are a cheaper option (around 1.5 hours).
By Car: Driving offers flexibility, especially if you plan day trips along the Costa Brava. Girona is well connected by the AP-7 highway.

Best Time to Visit Girona

Girona has something to offer year-round, but timing can make a difference:

Spring (April to June): Ideal for mild weather and the famous Temps de Flors (Flower Festival).
Fall (September to October): Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and vibrant festivals.
Summer (July to August): Warm and lively, but more crowded.
Winter (November to February): Quieter, with festive charm during Christmas.

Best time to visit Girona? For a mix of weather, festivals, and manageable crowds — May and September are golden.

Girona Accommodation Guide

From boutique stays to budget-friendly options, Girona’s lodging scene is versatile:

Boutique Hotels: Hotel Nord 1901 (modern comforts steps from the cathedral).
Local Guesthouses: Pensió Bellmirall, tucked into the old quarter with rustic Catalan vibes.
Budget Options: Affordable hostels near the train station for easy access.

Use this Girona accommodation guide as a starting point — but don’t be afraid to try a locally owned guesthouse for authenticity.

Top Attractions & Must-Sees

Girona Cathedral

One of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Girona Cathedral dominates the skyline with its massive baroque staircase (famously featured in Game of Thrones). Inside, marvel at the widest Gothic nave in the world.

Insider Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the morning light for stunning photos.
Girona Cathedral guide : This is the centerpiece of Girona’s cultural scene.

The Jewish Quarter (El Call)

Dating back to medieval times, El Call is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. Its narrow alleys and hidden courtyards are best explored slowly.

Insider Tip: Stop by the Museum of Jewish History for context.
Jewish Quarter Girona tips: Go in the late afternoon when shadows and quiet corners create an atmospheric experience.

The Onyar River & Colorful Houses

The postcard image of Girona is the row of painted houses along the Onyar River, best seen from the Eiffel Bridge (designed by Gustave Eiffel before the Paris tower).

Insider Tip: Visit at sunset when the houses reflect beautifully in the water.

The City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla)

Walk along Girona’s medieval walls for panoramic views of the old town and beyond.

Insider Tip: Enter near Jardins de la Francesa and walk eastward for the best progression of views.

Local Food & Where to Eat

Authentic Catalan Dishes to Try

Suquet de Peix: A hearty Catalan fish stew.
Xuixo: A sugary, cream-filled pastry invented in Girona.
Botifarra amb Mongetes: Traditional Catalan sausage with beans.

Where Locals Eat in Girona

For authentic Catalan food Girona, skip tourist traps and head to:

Mercat del Lleó: The local market where chefs and locals shop for fresh produce and tapas.
Bionbo Café Gastrobar: Creative yet accessible modern Catalan food.
La Fabrica: A favorite for cyclists and coffee enthusiasts, with a strong local following.

For fine dining, Girona is home to the world-renowned Celler de Can Roca, consistently ranked among the world’s best restaurants. Book months in advance.

Cultural Experiences & Festivals

Girona Flower Festival (Temps de Flors)

Each May, Girona transforms into a living artwork as flowers decorate courtyards, staircases, and monuments. Locals and visitors alike wander the streets to enjoy this citywide celebration.

Catalan Culture in Girona

Evening strolls (paseos) are a local tradition.
Cafés are social hubs — join locals for a morning cortado or evening vermouth.
Festivals like Sant Narcís in October bring concerts, parades, and fireworks.

Girona festivals and cultural habits give visitors a sense of authentic community.

Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path

Girona rewards those who wander:

Secret Courtyards: Tucked between medieval alleys, some are open only during the Flower Festival.
Indie Cafés: Espresso Mafia and La Comuna attract locals more than tourists.
Artisan Shops: Handcrafted ceramics, local wines, and Catalan textiles.

Day Trips from Girona

Costa Brava: Just 40 minutes away, perfect for beach lovers.
Besalú: A medieval town with a stunning Romanesque bridge.
Banyoles: Known for its tranquil lake and outdoor activities.

Hidden gems Girona extend beyond the city itself, making it a hub for exploration.

Experiencing Girona Like a Local

Want to experience Girona like a local? It’s about blending in:

Language: Catalan is widely spoken, but a simple “Bon dia” (Good morning) goes a long way.
Customs: Lunch is late (2 pm), dinner even later (9 pm or beyond).
Neighborhoods: Barri Vell (Old Town) is historic, but neighborhoods like Mercadal and Eixample show everyday local life.

Lokafy offers the chance to meet a local guide who can take you beyond the guidebook, sharing stories and showing you those local travel guide Girona insights you can’t find online.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: History & Highlights

Morning: Girona Cathedral and Jewish Quarter.
Afternoon: Stroll along the Onyar River and Eiffel Bridge.
Evening: Dinner at a local tapas bar.

Day 2: Culture & Food

Morning: Explore Mercat del Lleó.
Afternoon: Walk the city walls, coffee at La Fabrica.
Evening: Fine dining at Celler de Can Roca (or alternative local gem).

Day 3: Hidden Gems & Day Trips

Morning: Wander courtyards and artisan shops.
Afternoon: Day trip to Besalú or Banyoles.
Evening: Sunset walk along the river.

Practical Girona Travel Tips

Money Saving: Museums often have free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
Navigation: Girona is walkable, but cycling is also popular.
Etiquette: Respect siesta times — some shops close midday.
Safety: Girona is very safe, but like anywhere in Europe, watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Girona is a city of layers: medieval alleys, Catalan traditions, vibrant festivals, and hidden treasures. To truly uncover its charm, you need more than a map — you need connection. That’s where Lokafy comes in.

Discover Girona through the eyes of a local. Book a Lokafy tour today and uncover the city’s secrets while making a local friend.