Girona city breaks

Girona is a Catalan classic with plenty of personality. It makes a doable day trip if you’re holidaying in the Costa Brava, so get ready to explore hidden treasures within medieval walls and gorge on gourmet treats. A warren of cobbled lanes makes up the old Jewish Quarter and a beautiful Baroque cathedral towers over the central square, where the Flower Festival is held every May. Add to that popular cycling routes, arcaded houses hanging over the river, a bridge designed by the Eiffel Tower’s creator and quirky museums, and you’ve got yourself a cracking city. And from casual cafés serving simple pintxos to splash-the-cash fine dining marvels, this ‘mini Barcelona’ buzzes around its food, so bring your appetite.

Walk this way

The best way to see this city? High upon the stone walls surrounding it. Head up first thing to have this walkway all to yourself or opt for sunset if you want amazing snaps. Check the ochre-coloured buildings by the river too. Ooh, it’s no wonder it’s been a Game of Thrones filming location.

Foodie paradise

The region has gastronomic bragging rights, so you’ll find fresh fish and meaty mountain fare. Expect stews and shellfish to pop up plenty. For a delicious morsel, satisfy your sweet tooth with custard-filled xuixo pastry. Why not do dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant or on a tree-shaded terrace followed by a cold one in a chic bar?

Discover Dalí

40 minutes from Girona is Figueres, the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and home to a theatre and museum opened as a tribute. Prepare for a mind-boggling time as you walk past mirrored walls and topsy-turvy sculptures, which bring Dalí’s eccentric vision to life.

DoubleTree by Hilton Girona

Girona City, Girona

Our rating

Based on 1447 reviews

Great for couples
70m from the nearest bus stop
1.6km from Girona Cathedral
Modern décor
Rooftop pool

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Dalí Theatre and Museum

Girona

This theatre and museum is located in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali. It's a great place to go to discover the wonderful works and life of the renowned surrealist artist. The museum was created by...

Eiffel Bridge

Girona

The name Eiffel might automatically conjure up images of a certain structure in Paris, but that’s not all the great engineer designed. This bridge, also built by Gustave Eiffel, is a striking metal structure...

El Celler de Can Roca

Girona

Often crowned one of the world’s best restaurants, you'll need to book in advance for this fine dining hotspot. It’s run by three brothers – Joan, Jordi, and Josep. They serve up...

Language

Spanish/Catalan

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£2

One-way local transport ticket

£1.25

Meal for two

£44.30

Sightseeing

Climb stunning stone steps and wander through ramshackle arches and you’ll get to Girona’s main attraction – its church. You’ll find a scattering of other religious buildings, as well as museums and galleries, in typical Spanish form. Pack a picnic and clear your mind as you explore the gorgeous green oasis of the local gardens.

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Eating and drinking

From cool and casual cafés serving simple pintxo to splash-the-cash fine dining marvels, this city buzzes around its food. Voted third in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2017, Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca adds a playful twist to Catalan classics using the latest in molecular gastronomy and cutting-edge techniques.

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Shopping

Spend an afternoon down Rambla de la Llibertat, an attractive stretch of smart arcade shops. On Saturdays, a splash of colour appears at the weekly flower market. Follow the scent of herbs to El Lleó – a buzzing and popular foodie hang-out. Local oils, wine and spicy butifarra sausages are all too good to pass up.

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Getting around

On foot, you won’t miss a thing – that little bakery you stumble across, an interesting backstreet or a pretty church to nose round. A regular bus service connects Girona to nearby towns and spots along the Costa Brava, plus there’s a train station. Hop on a bike and you can ride round the city, too.