Two Days in Girona (with a quick trip to Figueres!)

heartbcn
Feb 1, 2018
3 min read

Being only 40 minutes away on the high speed train from Barcelona it’s very easy to get to Girona. We had been talking about taking a trip to check it out for a while and decided now was as good a time as any.

The second city of Catalonia has become more well known over recent years as it is where many episodes of Game of Thrones is filmed, (I must be one of the few who hasn't watched it yet!). It's obvious why they chose to use Girona for filming as it has a beautifully preserved medieval centre. It is literally like taking a step back in time and because we visited in January the streets and museums were empty which seemed to add to the feeling of history.

Girona City

Day 1

What to see

Girona Cathedral - GOT fans will recognise the facade instantly. It sits majestically at the top of a vast set of steps, not the first set you will encounter as you explore the streets so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes!

Basilica de Sant Feliu - As beautiful as the Cathedral, this Basilica has an interesting history and is worth a visit in its own right

City Walls - First taking in the Banys Àrabs, one of the best preserved Roman Baths, you can then head towards the City Wall which you can walk the full length of. The wall is still perfectly intact and also gives great panoramas of the city and beyond.

Eiffel Bridge and Placa de la Independencia - The most famous of Girona’s many bridges, it’s actual name “Pont de les Peixateries Velles," was designed by the Eiffel Tower architect Gustav Eiffel. Make your way to Placa de la Independencia which is close by, where you can have a drink, people watch and rest those feet.

Tip - Your ticket for the Basilica will also give you entry to the Cathedral as well.

Girona Cathedral

City Walls

Where to eat

El Pou del Cal - A restaurant in the Jewish Quarter with great value Menu del Día at lunch time.

Vintages - This gorgeous restaurant with French influences has a great atmosphere and a great wine list!

Where to drink

Try Desti Vi Wine Bar for a pre or post dinner wine close by the Ajuntament de Girona.

Where to stay

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona - Right on the edge of the Old Town and a stones throw from the Cathedral - even better.

Hotel Històric - With Roman foundations and nestled in the heart of the Old Town, you can sleep amongst the history.

One of the many sets of steps

Day 2

What to see

Museu Arcqueologia - Housed in the old Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, this beautiful space is both historical and educational — a serene start to the day.

Jewish Quarter - Enjoy stepping back in time and wandering around the gorgeous streets full of little lanes and lots of steps. Again, wear comfortable shoes!

Museu d'Història dels Jueus - Learn about the history and culture of the Jewish community in Girona during medieval times up until more recent times.

Museu de Història de la Ciudad - An interesting look at how the city began — on the same street as the Jewish Museum.

Tip - When paying to get into one of these museums, you can then use your ticket to get half price entry into the rest of the Girona Museus - bargain.

View from Cathedral

Museu Arcqueologia

Winding alleyway

Where to eat

Cafe le Bistro - With a gorgeous terrace on the steps of “Pujada de Sant Domènec” literally lunch with a view, this place serves up tasty Catalan fare with a great value menu del día!

Mimolet - Treat yourself to the five or even ten course menu here with great service and some interesting twists on the classics at a very reasonable price

Where to drink

The River Cafe - open morning until night enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner here, it also has a great atmosphere for some gin and tonics or a beer with it's slightly American feel — great if you are a Bruce Springsteen fan!

Brots de Vi - In a lovely spot in the old town, a welcome stop late afternoon for some yummy natural wines.