Girona to Barcelona: Best Things to Do, Day Trips and Travel Tips

Robin
•
Jan 20, 2025

If you want to know more about Spain and its great culture Girona is a good starting point and it’s easy to get there from Barcelona. Learn more about the trip in this article.

aerial-view-of-barcelona

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Spain to visit. It’s on the Northeastern part of the Iberic Peninsula, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and with the Collserola mountain range at its back. Visitors often described it with admiration for its unique blend of history, rich culture, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere. Is a vibrant and energetic place so full of activities that one trip isn’t enough, especially if we consider the day trips that you can take from it, like the Girona-Barcelona.

Why Visit Girona from Barcelona?

Girona is close enough to Barcelona so day trips are very popular. Since it’s only 100 km away it usually takes between an hour and two to make the trip. In Girona, you’ll find a beautiful and charming medieval city with a very strong connection to its roots. We’re talking of a city with over 2000 years of history that hasn’t stopped evolving. But even with its dynamic history, you’ll find a slower pace of life in comparison with cities like Barcelona. So whether you’re searching to explore, or to relax, you’ll find some great activities to do in your Girona-Barcelona trip.

aerial-view-of-girona

Photo by Sergi Batlle on Unsplash

Top Things to See and Do in Girona

Visit the iconic Catedral de Santa Maria: Also known as the Girona Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. It has changed a lot in the 14 centuries it has existed, with its architecture evolving from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque as more structures were added.

girona-cathedral

Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

Walk through El Call: One of the best preserved medieval Jewish quarters in all of Europe, and dates back to the 9th century. In this part of the city, you’ll find cobblestone streets often stretching into narrow labyrinths, giving it a unique atmosphere.
Take some photos of the Houses of Onyar: They are iconic for being situated right on the water edge of the Onyar river, as well as for the vibrant hues of their facades. It’s the most photographed spot in the city so snap a lovely picture of your vacations.

colorful-houses-on-the-onyar-river

Photo by Lucas Gallone on Unsplash

Visit the Arab Baths: Don’t miss the opportunity to see an authentic 12th-century bathhouse. This building has a fascinating design, having the basic structure of a typical Roman bathhouse while showcasing the deep influence of the Islamic style.
Try Girona’s famous cuisine: If you like gourmet dishes, you should definitely visit El Celler de Can Roca, the most famous restaurant not only in Girona but in all of Spain. It has three Michelin stars and it’s recognized for its creative and innovative Catalan cuisine.

paella-dish-in-girona

Photo by Kaitlin Dowis on Unsplash

Take a Game of Thrones tour: If you’re a fan of this series you might recognize multiple locations while visiting. Many of the main attractions were used as film locations, so you can get a specialized tour and see these places of the city through a new lens.

How to Get from Barcelona to Girona

By train: The fastest way to make the Girona-Barcelona trip is by High-Speed Train. It’ll take you about 40 minutes and cost around 30 euros. For a cheaper alternative, you can take the Regional Train, though it will be a bit slower, around an hour and a half. Both depart from Barcelona Sants Stations and you can book them at Renfe or Trainline official websites.
By Bus: You can get Line 1 and Line 4 from the Barcelona North Station and arrive in Girona in 1 and a half, to 2 hours. While it’s a little slower, the bus option is also cheaper, with tickets costing between 7 to 15 euros and you can book them at ALSA or Omio.
By Car: A great option if you have your vehicle and like to keep your own pace. You can get to Girona in about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. There are two main routes you can take, the Ap-7 motorway and the C-25 highway. The second one is more recommended if you want a scenic route.

car-driving-near-the-mediterranean-sea

Photo by Anastasiia Krutota on Unsplash

Best Day Trips From Barcelona

Girona

The Girona-Barcelona day trip is one of the most recommended to make from Barcelona and one of the most easily accessible. If you want a hassle-free experience you might consider joining a tour. The full day usually lasts around 8 to 10 hours and includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes, some extra things like entry to the popular sites.

Some popular companies to book your tour right now are GetYourGuide, Viator, and Civitatis. You can visit their website to learn more and choose the option that suits you the best. Through these sites, you can also book day trips to other cities like Costa Brava, Montserrat, and Figueres.

medieval-buildings-in-girona

Photo by Anna Marszałek

Costa Brava

While the Girona-Barcelona trip is one of the most popular is not the only one you can make from Barcelona. Going to Costa Brava is one of the best opportunities to experience the stunning coasts of Spain. The region is known for its charming fishing villages, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. There you’ll find a wonderful place to both explore and relax.

What to see on a day trip to Costa Brava:

Tossa del Mar: A beautiful coastal town with a lot of well-preserved medieval charm. You can admire the coastline from the Castle of Tossa del Mar or visit the Platja Gran.
Cadaques: A charming little village that was of great inspiration for Salvador Dali. You can visit his statue there while you take a long walk through the city.

tossa-del-mar

Photo by Enrique

Montserrat

Named after the serrated mountains that characterize the area, Montserrat is known for its stunning natural beauty, unique rock formations, and scenic vistas. Is a good place to take long walks amidst nature and hikers will find multiple trails to explore.

What to see on a day trip to Montserrat:

Montserrat Monastery: The Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat is the heart of the city. Admire the Basilica, the Black Madona, and wait to hear the Escolonia boy’s choir, one of the oldest in Europe.
Funiculars: The city has two funiculars that will take you to explore its landscapes. The Sant Joan Funicular, which ascends to a panoramic viewpoint and the Santa Cova Funicular, which descends to the Holy Cave where legend tells the Black Madonna was discovered.

mountains-and-buildings-in-montserrat

Photo by Rodrigo Curi on Unsplash

Figueres

This small town has a rich history that started in the Roman times and keeps well-preserved architectural landmarks. It’s also the birthplace of the world-renowned Salvador Dali and keeps a significant part of his personal collection. If you love art and history is a place you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit.

What to see on a day trip to Figueres:

Dali Theatre-Museum: This iconic museum was designed by Salvador Dali himself and it’s a surreal masterpiece. Outside and inside the paintings and the sculptures intertwined in a surreal adventure, giving visitors a sublime peek inside the mind of its creator, who rests in the crypt beneath the museum.
Church of Sant Pere: This amazing structure is one of the oldest religious buildings in the area, being first documented in 1020. Originally Romanesque, it was expanded and rebuilt in the 14th Century and is now a beautiful example of the Catalan Gothic style.

dali-theatre-museum

Photo by Sergey Mind on Unsplash

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Girona

What to pack for a Girona-Barcelona day trip?

If you make the Girona-Barcelona day trip is better to pack light. That way you’ll be able to explore the whole city without being weighed down. Dress comfortably and sensible for the weather. Don’t forget to have your identification and wallet with you, as well as any ticket if you prebooked them. Some other recommended items include sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a camera.

Where to stay if you want to spend the night

There are several areas to consider if you want to spend the night. The Old Town is perfect if you want to stay close to the city center. Hotels like the Nord 1901 and Museu Llegendes de Girona offer decent options there. If you prefer a scenic view, a hotel like the Ultonia alongside the Onyar River will be best for you.

What is the best time to visit Girona?

The best time to visit Girona is during the spring (April to June), when the temperatures are gentler, between 15 and 25ºC, ideal for strolling through the streets and exploring the landmarks. In these months as well the plants are in full blossom, adding color and charm to the city. The Temps de Flors Festival is the perfect example of this, a massive festival where the whole city is transformed with beautiful floral arrangements.

temps-de-flors-festival-in-girona

Photo by Manuel Torres Garcia on Unsplash

Visit Girona during the summer (July to August) if you enjoy sunny and warm days, it’s a wonderful time to explore the city. The summer is also great for festivals like the A Cappella Festival and events like open-air concerts. On the contrary, choose autumn (September to November) to experience the pleasant weather and the vibrant colors of the foliage. If you travel in late October, you can visit the Sant Narcís Fair and enjoy the parades, live music, and food markets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Girona

How long should you spend in Girona?

It depends on how deeply you want to know the city. Usually, one day will be enough to visit the main attractions and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. However, if you’d like to take your time, explore less touristy spots, and discover hidden gems, consider staying overnight and spending two full days in Girona.

Is Girona worth visiting?

Yes, Girona is worth visiting. You won’t regret the trip to such a wonderful and historic city and you’ll definitely have a great time exploring its unique streets and landmarks. So don’t miss the chance to make a trip to Girona and learn more about the beauty of Spain.

Ready For Girona? Not Just Yet!

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