Self-Guided Walking Tour Girona

A self-guided walking tour of Girona lets you explore this medieval Catalan city’s winding cobblestone streets, ancient walls, and Jewish Quarter at your own pace.

Quick Walking Route Overview

This 2-3 hour route covers Girona’s main attractions in a logical sequence, starting from Plaça Catalunya.

• Start: Plaça Catalunya
• Rambla de la Llibertat
• Pont de Ferro (Iron Bridge)
• Jewish Quarter (Call)
• Cathedral
• Arab Baths
• City Walls
• End: Sant Feliu Church

Detailed Walking Instructions

1. Plaça Catalunya – Begin at this central square, easily accessible from the train station with a 10-minute walk.

2. Rambla de la Llibertat – Walk north along this historic promenade lined with shops and cafes in medieval arcaded buildings.

3. Pont de Ferro – Cross this red iron bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company, for excellent views of the colorful houses along the River Onyar.

4. Jewish Quarter (Call) – Enter the maze of narrow streets that made up one of Spain’s most important medieval Jewish communities.

5. Cathedral – Climb the 91 steps to reach Europe’s widest Gothic nave (23 meters), open daily 10:00-19:30 (€7 entrance).

6. Arab Baths – Visit these well-preserved 12th-century baths at Carrer de Ferran el Catòlic, 3 (€2 entrance, open 10:00-18:00).

7. City Walls – Walk the medieval walls for panoramic views of Girona (free access, best visited late afternoon for photos).

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes – streets are steep and cobbled
• Start early (9:00-10:00) to avoid crowds and afternoon heat
• Bring water and snacks – there are many scenic spots for breaks
• Download offline maps as narrow streets can affect GPS signals
• Visit April-June or September-October for ideal walking weather

Game of Thrones Locations

Fans can spot filming locations from Season 6 throughout the old town:

• Cathedral steps – Braavos scenes
• Jewish Quarter – Streets of Braavos
• Sant Pere de Galligants – Oldtown

Food Stops Along the Route

• Rocambolesc – Award-winning gelato at Carrer de Santa Clara, 50
• El Celler de Can Roca – Three-Michelin-starred restaurant (book months ahead)
• La Fabrica – Popular cafe for coffee breaks at Carrer de la Llebre, 3

Save this route on your phone or print it out – mobile reception can be spotty in the medieval quarter.

Allow extra time to explore interesting spots you discover along the way – some of Girona’s best experiences are found in its hidden corners.

Additional Highlights

Several optional detours can enrich your walking experience:

Museums Worth Visiting

• Jewish History Museum – Located in the Jewish Quarter (€4 entrance)
• Cinema Museum – Unique collection of early film equipment
• Art Museum – Houses Romanesque and Gothic collections

Photo Opportunities

• Colorful houses along River Onyar – Best light in early morning
• Cathedral steps at sunset
• Sant Feliu Church spire from city walls

Evening Activities

After completing the walking tour, consider these options:

• Sunset drink at Hotel Nord 1901’s rooftop bar
• Evening tapas crawl in Barri Vell
• Night photography walk along illuminated walls

Accessibility Notes

• Many streets have steep inclines
• Cathedral access via elevator available
• Alternative flat routes available through lower town

Conclusion

Girona’s walking tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. The route’s flexibility allows visitors to explore at their own pace while covering the city’s essential sights. Whether interested in medieval architecture, Jewish heritage, or Game of Thrones locations, this self-guided tour provides a comprehensive introduction to one of Catalonia’s most charming cities.

Consider extending your stay to explore nearby Costa Brava beaches or medieval villages, using Girona as your base.

FAQs

1. What is the best time of year for a self-guided walking tour in Girona?
   Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer can be hot while winters are mild but can have occasional rain.
2. How long does it take to walk Girona’s historic center?
   A complete walk through the historic center typically takes 2-3 hours, though you may want to allow 4-5 hours if you plan to visit museums and enter monuments.
3. Are the Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu) paths wheelchair accessible?
   Many streets in the Jewish Quarter are narrow with steps and cobblestones, making wheelchair access challenging. Some main streets are accessible, but the medieval layout limits full accessibility.
4. Where does the famous Girona Game of Thrones filming location walk start?
   The walk typically starts at the Girona Cathedral’s steps, which were featured as the Great Sept of Baelor, and continues through various filming locations in the old quarter.
5. Is the walk along the medieval walls continuous?
   Yes, the Passeig de la Muralla (city walls walk) is a continuous 3km path that circles the old city, offering panoramic views and connecting major landmarks.
6. Where can I get a reliable walking map of Girona?
   Free maps are available at the tourist office in Plaça de Catalunya or at the Municipal Tourist Office near the Cathedral. Digital maps can be downloaded from the official Girona tourism website.
7. What are the must-see stops on a self-guided walking tour?
   Essential stops include the Cathedral, Arab Baths, Jewish Quarter, Sant Feliu Basilica, Eiffel Bridge, and the colorful houses along the River Onyar.
8. Are there public restrooms available along the walking route?
   Public restrooms are located at major tourist attractions and museums. Many cafes and restaurants also offer facilities to paying customers.
9. Is it possible to combine the walking tour with visits to museums?
   Yes, museums like the Jewish History Museum, Art Museum, and Cinema Museum are all located along typical walking routes through the old city.
10. What type of footwear is recommended for walking in Girona?
    Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential due to the cobblestone streets, inclines, and medieval stairs throughout the historic center.