Girona – …This small city is just 40 minutes from Barcelona from Sants Station by train – …easy, and it feels like you’ve really stepped into a totally different world. On one side, you’ve got narrow alleys, ancient stone walls, cobbled streets, and medieval cathedrals – and on the other, you have the colorful houses next to the river.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to fall for this little city so quickly, but now I genuinely think it’s one of Spain’s most beautiful destinations, and it’s the perfect escape for a day trip…

Oh, and if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’re in for a real treat here…

What to see in Girona

Ancient Walls – Passeig de la Muralla

Girona’s old city walls go all the way back to Roman times and over the centuries they were expanded. Parts were damaged in the 19th century, but now it’s restored so you can walk them and have the entire city at your feet, with the Pyrenees in the distance.
Bonus: there are towers you can climb for even better panoramas.

Girona Cathedral – Catedral de Santa Maria

It’s mostly Gothic, but the massive staircase and some elements are Romanesque and Baroque – this mix and of course the nave – the central space that extends from the entrance to the altar – makes it feel unique because it’s the widest Gothic nave in the world.
It’s huge.
When you step inside, the space feels both grand and a little surreal.

the Bridges

There are several bridges crossing the Onyar River, connecting the old town with the city. They are not only functional but also add a lot of character to Girona’s river views. The most iconic is the Pont de les Peixateries Velles or Eiffel Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel before he built that other famous thing in Paris…

Old Town – Barri Vell

Basically, a big ass labyrinth of narrow stone streets.
If you like history, there’s a small museum called Museu d’Història dels Jueus. The building used to be a synagogue, and it’s filled with the history of Girona’s Jewish community from the 9th to the 15th century.
Museu del Cinema – Col·lecció Tomàs Mallol is a gem if you’re into film history or just love a good collection. It has a surprisingly big exposition on the birth of cinema in the late 19th century from shadow puppets to early cameras.

… But honestly, just wandering around here is the best part. Just get lost, it’s full of surprises… Every corner looked like a movie set – literally, duh…

Game of Thrones Filming Locations

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, Girona is a must. The old town was transformed into the streets of Braavos and King’s Landing in Season 6 of the show.
All the filming spots are located pretty close together within walking distance in the old town, so you can see them all on foot – about 2 km in total.

Girona Cathedral

The Cathedral’s 91-step grand staircase stands in for the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor. This is where Margaery Tyrell was meant to begin her walk of atonement. It’s also the place where Jaime Lannister famously rides a horse straight up the stairs.

Plaça dels Jurats

This square was the theater in Braavos, where Arya watched a theater play mocking Westeros’ chaos. It’s still used for performances today.

Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants

This monastery was used as the exterior of the Citadel in Oldtown, where Samwell Tarly and Gilly arrive at the end of Season 6.

Pont de la plaça dels Jurats

This bridge is where Arya is stabbed and jumps into the river to escape – but the background is digitally enhanced to look over the harbor and the Titan of Braavos statue. In reality, this bridge doesn’t even cross any water, let alone a seaport!

Carrer del Bisbe Josep Cartañà

This street behind the cathedral served as the location where the blind Arya is sitting on the steps, begging, and then the Waif confronts her and starts to fight her.

Banys Àrabs

These historic arab baths appear briefly in Arya’s training scenes. Later, it’s used as a hideout during the chase scene with the Waif.

Pujada de Sant Domènec

This plaza and steps served as the location for the chaotic market scene, where Arya jumps over and then falls down the stairs while knocking over oranges and well… everything.

Various Jewish Quarter alleys
The labyrinth-like alleys capture Braavos’ old town and the locations for Arya’s chase from the Waif.

• Carrer de Ferran el Catòlic

• Carrer Sant Llorenç

• Carrer de la Força

• Carrer de la Claveria

• Carrer de la Cúndaro

• Carrer de l’Escola Pia

Ahhh, honestly – …since I’m a diehard fan of Game of Thrones – walking through Girona’s narrow streets and up those huge staircases totally felt like I was in King’s Landing for the day…

…. just without the dragons, sadly.

Traditional Foods in Girona

Girona may be a small city, but it has a food scene that’s seriously impressive. From traditional Catalan dishes to Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something for every taste – … and budget.

Mercat del Lleó

This market in the Old Town is great for a stroll. Colorful fruits, fresh seafood, and local cheeses and other products.

El Celler de Can Roca

Girona’s crown jewel in its food scene – one of the best restaurants in the world, run by the three Roca brothers. The cuisine is mixing traditional Catalan flavors with modern techniques in a creative, playful, and beautifully presented way.

______

Girona and the surrounding Catalan region have some delicious local specialties you can try out during your visit.
Oh, and just a heads up, you should definitely come hungry…

Botifarra amb mongetes – A classic Catalan dish of grilled sausage with white beans.

Escudella i carn d’olla – This is the ultimate comfort food in Catalonia, especially during the colder months. Rich broth filled with meat, sausages, vegetables, and sometimes pasta or rice.
Traditionally, it’s served in two parts – first the broth as a soup, then the meat and vegetables as a main course.

Pa amb tomàquet – Toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt.

Cargols – Don’t let the idea freak you out, snails are a classic Catalan treat! In Girona, they’re usually grilled and served with a garlicky, herby sauce. Considered a true taste of the region, especially in spring during the snail festivals.

Xuixo – A famous local pastry, a deep-fried dough filled with creamy custard and coated in sugar.

Herbes de Girona – A local herbal liquor infused with different Mediterranean herbs, popular as a digestif.

Vermut – Catalans love their vermouth, especially as an aperitivo on a sunny terrace. Sweet or dry, usually served over ice with an orange slice or olive.

Catalan wines – The Empordà region, just east of Girona, produces reds, whites, and rosés. Oh, and before I forget… there’s Cava too.

__________

All in all… Girona’s one of those cities that just sticks with you…
It’s small enough to wander without a plan, but full of surprises – … the streets and all the history that lies within them, the stunning views from the cathedral and city walls, amazing food – and a bit of Game of Thrones magic if that’s your thing.

It’s the perfect day trip from Barcelona, and chances are you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even left…

Aaaanyways,

See you at the next one,

Noémi

______________

Ps.: If you enjoyed this post, please let me know and hit the ★Like button, don’t forget to Subscribe – leave a comment, and share the love on your socials!
… Aaand if you want to hang out with me between uploads, follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily and more personal updates!