Best Travel Guide Girona | ArrivalGuides.com

GironaGuide was updated: 2025-12-23

Catalonia's second city is many things: medieval stronghold, university city, party town, and modern urban centre. The Old Quarter, with its majestic cathedral, winding alleys and ancient city walls bring the Middle Ages to life, while the modern neighbourhoods across the River Onyar showcase Girona's cosmopolitan side with chic restaurants and cafes, superb shopping and vibrant nightlife. It is no wonder that for years running, Girona has been voted the best place to live in Spain.

Do & See

Don’t forget to pack your most comfortable walking shoes, because you are sure to need them in Girona. The medieval beauty of the Old Quarter, with its winding cobblestone alleys, peaceful plazas and unique façades hanging over the River Onyar, is compact enough to explore in depth on foot, and beautiful enough to keep you wandering in circles for days. Make sure to visit some of the wonderful museums and local attractions, including superb skiing (in winter) and hiking (in summer) spots, ancient monasteries, and the unmissable Costa Brava.

Plaça de la Independència

Plaça de la Independència is the elegant neoclassical heart of Girona, designed by Martí Sureda in the 19th century on the site of a former Augustine convent. Its porticoed arches frame a lively scene of locals and visitors dining or sipping coffee under the shade. The square’s name honours Girona’s defenders during the 1808–1809 siege by Napoleonic forces, a struggle memorialised by Antoni Parera’s central monument in 1894. By day, it’s a prime spot for people-watching; by night, the terraces fill with revellers enjoying tapas and evening drinks. An essential stop for both history and atmosphere.

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The Cinema Museum

Housed in a historic building, The Cinema Museum holds Spain’s first and most significant collection of cinematic history, thanks to the visionary Tomàs Mallol. Acquired by the city in 1994, his private collection forms the core of this public museum. It traces over 400 years of visual storytelling through 25,000 artefacts — from magic lanterns and zoetropes to early cameras and projectors — making it one of Europe’s most comprehensive archives on pre-cinema and early film. Beyond the permanent exhibition, the museum hosts temporary shows, educational workshops, and a specialised library. While some displays are labelled primarily in Catalan and Spanish, introductory materials are available in English, French and German.

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Passeig de la Muralla

A stroll along Passeig de la Muralla offers Girona’s most dramatic perspectives, tracing the line of ancient fortifications that once enclosed the city. These walls, Europe’s longest surviving Carolingian remnants, combine Roman foundations with medieval expansions, now restored to create an elevated walkway. The path winds past historic watchtowers and through the lush Jardins dels Alemanys, offering quiet corners and photogenic vantage points. Though some sections involve steep steps and uneven stones, the reward is a peaceful, crowd-free journey through layers of history. For a memorable descent, exit at the Jardins de la Muralla, where the ramparts gently return you to the modern city. Access is free, with multiple entry points. Start near the cathedral for a climb up the Torre Gironella, where a spiral staircase leads to sunset views over the terracotta skyline and distant Pyrenees.

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Sant Martín Steps

Tucked away in the heart of the Barri Vell, the Escales de Sant Martí (St. Martin’s Steps) form one of Girona’s most iconic and photographed scenes, also featured on Game of Thrones. This timeless corner blends medieval romance with Baroque grandeur, framed by the 17th-century façade of the former Convent of Sant Martí and the striking Casa-Palau Agullana. The palace’s skewed arch stretches over the steps, creating a covered passage that feels both intimate and theatrical — a favourite backdrop for artists and Instagrammers. Even though often busy with visitors, the spot retains a quiet magic, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Sit on the steps with a coffee, and watch as the city’s history unfolds in every shadow and angle.

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Dalí Theatre-Museum

Take a 1-hour journey to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and step into his surreal masterpiece — the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself. Constructed to replace an old theatre that burnt down during the Spanish Civil War, the building is a work of surrealist art, topped with giant eggs and crowned by a geodesic dome. Inside, it holds the world’s largest collection of Dalí’s works, from early impressionist pieces like Port Alguer (1924) to later marvels like Galatea of the Spheres (1952). Don’t miss the Mae West room, an upside-down bathtub fixed to the ceiling, or the glittering jewellery collection. The artist himself is buried in a crypt below the stage, adding a layer of solemnity to the whimsy. Book tickets online to avoid long queues, and allow at least half a day to fully absorb the labyrinthine galleries, optical illusions, and the sheer audacity of Dalí’s vision.

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Salvador Dalí House Museum in Portlligat

The Salvador Dalí House Museum in Portlligat offers an intimate glimpse into the daily life and creative world of the surrealist master. What began as a simple fisherman's hut in 1930 evolved over four decades into a labyrinthine complex of interconnected rooms, each personally designed by Dalí and his wife Gala. The house is a surreal work of art in itself, with winding corridors, unexpected level changes, and windows meticulously framed to capture views of the serene Portlligat bay. Visitors can explore the artist's studio, private quarters, and the famous "Bear Hall", surrounded by the eclectic objects and taxidermy that fueled his imagination. The preserved interiors feel frozen in time, maintaining the atmosphere of creative isolation Dalí cherished.

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