Girona Day Trip from Barcelona: Old Town, Cathedral & Medieval Walls

Summary

Girona’s old stones, city walls and quiet corners from Barcelona

You’ll follow winding alleys with a local guide in Girona’s old town, see famous filming spots near the cathedral, walk along medieval walls with sweeping views, and have time to explore or taste something new before heading back to Barcelona. It’s not just sightseeing — it feels like stepping into someone else’s story for a day.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Barcelona just after sunrise — the city still half-asleep, our little group blinking at the light through the coach windows. I pressed my forehead to the glass as we left the highway behind and Girona started to appear, all soft colors and those slanting red roofs. Our guide Marta met us right off the bus; she had this way of making you feel like you’d known her for ages. We set off down la Rambla, dodging locals on bikes and that one dog who seemed to know every shortcut.

The old town felt like a maze — stone steps under my sneakers, warm air smelling faintly of coffee and something sweet (maybe those pastries in the window?). Marta pointed out where Game of Thrones filmed some scenes. I’m not a superfan but even I recognized that staircase by the cathedral. She told us about Girona’s Jewish quarter too — how it’s one of Europe’s best-preserved. The streets got narrower there, cool shadows and quiet except for our footsteps echoing off the walls. At one point I tried reading a street sign in Catalan; Marta laughed and helped me out, though I probably butchered it anyway.

We had free time after that. I wandered up onto part of the medieval city walls — didn’t expect how high they’d feel or how far you could see: terracotta rooftops, laundry flapping, a kid shouting somewhere below. The wind up there was sharp for June, but it cleared my head. Some folks went inside Girona Cathedral (the ticket was included if you wanted), but honestly I just sat on a bench by the wall and watched people go by for a while. There’s something about cities like this — layers on layers, stories everywhere if you look long enough.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Girona city

• Depart Barcelona by air-conditioned coach
• Arrive in Girona after 1.5-hour drive
• Join guided walking tour of Old Town
• Walk along la Rambla and main plazas
• See Eiffel construction near Onyar Houses
• Visit Game of Thrones filming locations
• Admire Girona Cathedral exterior
• Optional visit inside Cathedral
• Walk part of medieval city walls
• Explore Jewish Quarter cobbled streets
• Enjoy free time to explore and dine

Top questions

How long is the drive from Barcelona to Girona?

The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way by air-conditioned coach.

Is there a guided walking tour included in Girona?

Yes, if you select the guided tour option you get a two-hour walking tour with a local guide.

Can I visit inside Girona Cathedral during this day trip?

If you choose “on your own with cathedral” option, entrance to the cathedral is included during your free time.

Are Game of Thrones filming locations visited on this tour?

You’ll see several spots in Girona where Game of Thrones filmed scenes in season six.

How much free time do we get in Girona?

You’ll have free time after the guided walk to explore at your own pace before returning to Barcelona.

Is transportation included from Barcelona?

Yes, round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach is included.

Do I need to be very fit? How much walking is there?

The tour includes around three hours of walking over cobbled streets; comfortable shoes are recommended but it suits most fitness levels.

What languages does the guide speak?

The local guide leads tours in English and Spanish.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Barcelona by air-conditioned coach, a bilingual English/Spanish local guide for two hours in Girona (if selected), entry to Girona Cathedral if you pick that option, plus plenty of free time to wander or grab lunch before heading back together in the afternoon.