If you are visiting Barcelona for a few days and would like to explore other beautiful cities which are close, we highly recommend you this day-trip: from Barcelona to Girona by train. This city has really beautiful architecture as well as beautiful scenarios (which actually might ring a bell if you are a Game of Thrones fan .-)).
One easy way to get from Barcelona to Girona: the train
It is pretty easy to travel from Barcelona to Girona by train. You just have to take the train from one of these stations: Barcelona Sants, Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona El Clot-Aragó, or Barcelona Sant Andreu Comtal. In approximately one hour you will arrive in Girona, and you just have to walk around ten minutes to get to the center of the city. Definitely the train is the best way to get to Girona from Barcelona.
How and where to get your train tickets to Girona from Barcelona?
You can buy them directly in the train stations through the ticket vending machines you will find there. Also you can book them online in advance on www.renfe.com.
It is the “Tren Regional” the one you will have to take, not the AVE (AVE is more expensive). You can check the schedule in advance on Renfe.
If you feel like taking a trip from Barcelona to Girona and explore this beautiful city, here we share what to see to get a general view.
Exploring Girona
Old Town and Girona’s Wall
We suggest you first to explore the magic streets in the Old Town. Narrow streets filled with traditional bakeries, museums, charming shops… Discover the history this beautiful city hides.
In your Girona day trip, we also recommend you to walk through the Girona city wall, which surrounds the historical center of the city. They views from up there are beautiful.
Girona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria)
Girona Cathedral is possibly the most visited place in Girona from tourists all around the world. It is located in “casc antic”, and the views from above make this monument simply stunning. Its interior includes the widest Gothic nave in the world. Even though its construction was in a Romanesque style first in the 11th century, was continued in 13th century in Gothic style.
Onyar river
Do you want to get the perfect postcard from Girona? This is the best spot to stop by, and take a bunch of pictures. The red bridge over Onyar river, along with the colorful houses in the background make the perfect scenery to be immortalized.
Game of Thrones filming locations
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you can’t miss these spots:
The Jewish quarter: streets, alleys and squares which form a kind of maze which has its origins in the 9th century. Despite the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, you realize their footprint is permanent when you walk these streets.
The steps of Girona Cathedral: The Cathedral is also another Game of Thrones scenario. Not the inside of this cathedral but its long and beautiful staircase.
La Plaça dels Jurats: A large square which is located near the cathedral. Is it one of the filming locations for a scene in Braavos.
Parc de la Devesa
Save some time also to walk this beautiful park. Even though it is pretty close to the city center, you will enjoy some peacefulness while feeling the nature (it will take just a 15-minute walk from the cathedral).
Legends and myths: la Lleona
“Qui besa el cul de la lleona, retorna a Girona” is what you will read on this plate that you will eventually find while walking the historical center. And those words mean: “Whoever kisses Lleona’s but will definitely come back to Girona”. So if you would like to come back to this beautiful city in the future… make sure to give her a kiss before leaving!
If you were wondering which city near Barcelona is worth a visit, Girona is one of the best choices for sure. Specially in terms of travel time/costs we highly recommend you this day-trip from Barcelona to Girona by train. And you can also check out other day-trips from Barcelona.