Itineraries for Your Trip to Girona
1 Day in Girona for First Timers
Girona sits in the shadow of Barcelona, waiting for travelers to discover that it, too, is a beautiful, historic city in Catalonia. At least, that’s how I felt about Girona as I wandered around and marveled at how quiet it felt compared to its always-busy neighbor.
Another thing that separates the two cities is how compact and manageable Girona is. With one day in Girona, you can cover plenty of ground if you know where you’re going and what to see. Follow this itinerary to see how to spend 1 day in Girona for first timers; you’ll make the most of your short and sweet visit, even for day trips.
Bring a jacket, especially when visiting outside of summer, as evenings can get cool.
If you only have time for one thing, explore the Jewish Quarter of Girona and its streets, alleys, and landmarks.
Start your first time in Girona by getting your bearings during a walking tour of the old town. Take in must-see Girona attractions around the Jewish Quarter while learning its complex history, and enjoy some of its best viewpoints, from the bridges along the Onyar River to the Passeig de la Muralla above its rooftops. Unless you choose a *Game of Thrones* tour, look out for pockets of the old town you might recognize from the show. Prepare for a lot of walking and stairs when navigating this dense, maze-like neighborhood.
While a walk around the Jewish Quarter is a great start to your day, many of the best things to do in Girona for first-timers require more than just a glance. Head back to Girona Cathedral and head inside to see how its immense Gothic interior contrasts with its baroque exterior. Next, explore the Girona Art Museum in the former bishop’s palace on the same square, before continuing to the Girona Arab Baths or the Jewish History Museum, both of which reveal insight into the city’s past.
With any 1-day Girona itinerary for first timers, it’s best to base your evening plans on how worn out you are from all that sightseeing. If you’ve still got some walking in you, take an evening stroll along Rambla De La Llibertad or join a food tour to explore Girona’s variety of tapas bars. Those who need an easy evening can head straight for Placa de la Independencia and pick one of the many restaurants hidden within its elegant arcades for a leisurely meal.
