Things to do in 

Girona

Girona is more than tile-roofed homes tightly knit across cobblestoned roads. It’s a potpourri of places and emotions: top attractions that recreate medieval charm, neoteric neighbourhoods, and a myriad of things to do in Girona. Picture soft-edged shadows of autumn on the Onyar river, or springs serenading the city with a floral spectacle. Here in Girona, every stone and season weaves its own unique story.

Explore Girona off the beaten path

Wander past the postcard spots and seek alternative things to do, trading crowds for quiet alleys, small studios, and pauses where the city feels unhurried.

Cultural experiences: Roll through Mercat del Lleó late morning; order a cortado at the bar, sample cured meats, and chat with vendors about what's in season. In the evening, buy a ticket for an original-language screening at Cinema Truffaut and feel like a local.

Small museums and galleries: Book a guided visit to Casa Masó to step through a Noucentista home and its river-facing rooms. Then drift to Bòlit, Centre d'Art Contemporani, where compact exhibitions fill spaces like Bòlit_LaRambla and the old Capella de Sant Nicolau. If you love quirky collections, the Museu del Cinema lets you play with magic lanterns and early cameras without the crowds.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Walk the eastern stretch of the city walls near Torre Gironella in late afternoon; the path is quieter and the light is gentle. For a calm pause, duck into Jardins dels Alemanys behind the cathedral or wander up to the Sant Daniel valley overlook by the monastery.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Stop by La Simfonia on Carrer Cort Reial for DO Empordà wines, olive oil, and a wedge of Garrotxa cheese. Browse Llibreria Geli for Catalan posters and vintage-style maps you can roll into your backpack. For sweet gifts, Rocambolesc on Carrer de Santa Clara sells playful chocolates and jars of toppings dreamed up by the Roca brothers.

Popular neighbourhoods

Unravelling the iconic districts of any city lets you experience its authentic spirit. Each neighbourhood in the Catalan city of Girona paints a separate but interconnected part of the city's rich tapestry.

Old Town: Discover the core of the city with its narrow, twisting alleys, stone walls, and historic landmarks such as the Girona Cathedral.

Jewish Quarter: Lose yourself in one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, and delve into history at the Museum of Jewish History.

Eixample: Treat your taste buds to a variety of culinary delights in this neighbourhood, known for its food markets and restaurants.

Mercadal: Enjoy the charm of the old city's largest square, hosting a weekly market, and surrounded by colourful buildings and cafes.

Devesa Park: Stroll through the sprawling city park with its many trees, providing shade on hot summer days, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Things to do in Girona by season

Spring: Walk the city walls under soft light and watch courtyards bloom during May’s Temps de Flors, when floral art spills through the old town. Couples and photographers find quiet corners in the Call as cafés open their windows to the streets.

Summer: Seek shade in stone lanes at midday and move plans to the evening for tapas, riverfront strolls, and small concerts in plazas. Families cool off on nearby Costa Brava beaches, returning for golden-hour views from the ramparts.

Fall: Taste the season in market halls as mushrooms and new olive oil arrive, then wander leaf-strewn footpaths along the Onyar. Fires de Sant Narcís lights late October with fairgrounds, castellers, and street shows that fill the historic centre.

Winter: Enjoy crowd-free museums and calm cobblestone walks as cool, bright days alternate with Tramuntana gusts. Christmas lights and the Three Kings parade in early January add just enough sparkle to the quiet streets.

Girona’s year turns on Temps de Flors each May and the lively Fires de Sant Narcís in autumn, both easy to experience while exploring. Sant Jordi in April lines streets with roses and books, and pop-up music and theatre animate squares through warm evenings.