Girona, Spain: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

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Nestled in the heart of Catalonia, Girona is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, waiting to be explored. Just 40 minutes from Barcelona by high-speed train, this enchanting city is a perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay.

You can experience the best of Girona in just one day, wandering through its medieval walls, exploring the well-preserved Jewish Quarter, and marveling at its dramatic cathedral. With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality, Girona is a place that will leave you enchanted and eager to return.

As a filming location for Game of Thrones, Girona has gained international recognition, but its authentic Catalan character has been drawing visitors for centuries. Get ready to uncover the top attractions and experiences that make Girona a must-visit destination in Spain.

Discovering Girona’s Medieval Charm

As you step into Girona, you’re immediately enveloped in its medieval charm and rich history. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Girona is a city that seamlessly blends its past with the present.

A Brief Introduction to Girona

Girona is nestled in the heart of Catalonia, making it an ideal base for exploring northeastern Spain. The city’s rich cultural tapestry is evident in its architecture, traditions, and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants. With just over 100,000 inhabitants, Girona offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and experience the strong Catalan identity.

A great way to get to know Girona is by booking a free tour of Girona. This 2-hour tour will take you through the essential places, providing historical context and insights from a knowledgeable guide.

Best Time to Visit Girona

The best time to visit Girona is during spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), when the temperatures are pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. These periods offer the bonus of special events like the “Temps de Flors” flower festival in May. Summer brings warmer weather but also more tourists, while winter offers a quieter experience with the occasional snowfall dusting the medieval quarter.

To make the most of your trip, consider taking a guided walking tour early in your visit. This will help you get oriented to the winding streets and provide context for the city’s many historical landmarks.

Explore the Historic Jewish Quarter (El Call)

Step into El Call, Girona’s well-preserved Jewish Quarter, and experience the city’s cultural and historical depth. This enchanting neighborhood is a maze of narrow, winding streets that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Winding Through Medieval Streets

As you explore El Call, you’ll be transported back in time to the medieval period. The area is characterized by its narrow, cobblestoned lanes and ancient stone buildings, some of which date back to the 10th century. You’ll discover hidden courtyards, tiny squares, and stone archways that have been preserved in their original form.

The Jewish community in Girona thrived from 982 to 1492, leaving a lasting legacy in the city’s architecture and culture. As you wander through the atmospheric streets, you’ll gain insight into the lives of Girona’s Jewish residents and their contributions to the city’s rich history.

Museum of Jewish History

For a deeper understanding of Girona’s Jewish heritage, visit the Museum of Jewish History (Museu d’Història dels Jueus). The museum showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits that bring the stories of Girona’s Jewish community to life. Be sure to see the remains of the ancient synagogue within the museum, a powerful reminder of the cultural and intellectual achievements of Girona’s Jewish residents.

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Generate an image of the Museum of Jewish History in Girona, highlighting its exhibits and the remains of the ancient synagogue.

In conclusion, El Call is a unique and captivating part of Girona’s history, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to explore Girona’s charming neighborhoods, the Jewish Quarter is a must-visit destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Marvel at Girona’s Architectural Wonders

The city of Girona boasts an impressive array of architectural treasures that are sure to leave you in awe. As you explore this historic city, you’ll discover a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles that reflect its rich cultural heritage.

Girona Cathedral and Its 90 Steps

Generate an image of Girona Cathedral with its 90 steps.

One of the highlights of your visit to Girona will be the Girona Cathedral, perched atop a hill and accessible by a monumental staircase of 90 steps. This iconic landmark was featured prominently in Game of Thrones, making it a must-visit spot for fans of the series. The cathedral’s construction began in the 11th century and continued over several centuries, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find the widest Gothic nave in the world, measuring 23 meters across, along with stunning stained glass windows and an intricately carved Romanesque cloister. The climb up the 90 steps, divided into three sections, is well worth the effort for the panoramic views of the city.

Arab Baths

Generate an image of the Arab Baths in Girona.

Just a short walk from the cathedral, you’ll find the remarkably preserved 12th-century Arab Baths, a testament to Girona’s rich history. Despite their name, these baths were modeled after Roman bathing facilities, showcasing the city’s cultural influences. The most striking feature is the dome of the main hall, which adds to the baths’ mystique.

Game of Thrones fans will recognize the Arab Baths as the setting for scenes featuring Arya Stark, adding another layer of interest to these historical structures. As you explore the city, you’ll appreciate the blend of history, architecture, and pop culture that makes Girona so unique.

Walk the Ancient City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla)

As you explore Girona, a must-do activity is walking along the ancient city walls, known as Passeig de la Muralla. This historic pathway offers a unique perspective on Girona’s old town and is a highlight for visitors.

Panoramic Views of the City

The well-preserved walls provide a continuous elevated pathway around the old town, offering panoramic views of Girona’s terracotta rooftops, the cathedral, and the surrounding Catalan countryside. As you stroll along this historic fortification, you’ll encounter several watchtowers where you can climb up for even more impressive vistas and perfect photo opportunities.

Tips for Walking the Walls

For the best experience, consider the following tips: wear comfortable shoes, bring water (especially in summer), and start from the Gardens of the Germans (Jardins dels Alemanys) entrance, which offers a less crowded access point to the walls. The complete circuit takes about 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace, making it an ideal activity for late afternoon when the lighting is perfect for photography.

Tips	Benefits
Wear comfortable shoes	Enjoy your walk without discomfort
Bring water	Stay hydrated, especially in summer
Start from Jardins dels Alemanys	Avoid crowds and enjoy a smoother start

Girona, Spain: Best Things to Do – Top Picks for Game of Thrones Fans

Step into the world of Westeros in Girona, a city that brought Game of Thrones to life. As a major filming location for Season 6, Girona’s medieval architecture and historic quarters were transformed into the Free City of Braavos, making it a must-visit destination for fans of the series.

Famous Filming Locations

The city’s historic heart is filled with locations that were used in the show. The Girona Cathedral, with its grand staircase, became the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing, a pivotal setting for the confrontation between Jaime Lannister and the High Sparrow. The narrow, twisting lanes of the Jewish Quarter (El Call) were transformed into the streets of Braavos, where Arya Stark’s storyline unfolded.

Other recognizable filming locations include the Abbey of Sant Pere de Galligants, which became the Braavos citadel library, and the Arab Baths. The various staircases and alleyways throughout the old town were used in Arya’s famous chase scene. What makes Girona’s Game of Thrones sites particularly special is the minimal use of CGI, making the city’s medieval architecture feel like a direct portal into the world of Westeros.

Game of Thrones Walking Tours

To fully experience Girona’s connection to Game of Thrones, consider joining a guided walking tour. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can point out even the most obscure filming locations and share behind-the-scenes stories about the production. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of your favorite characters, exploring the city’s historic city walls and significant landmarks that were brought to life on screen.

By taking a Game of Thrones tour in Girona, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the city’s architecture was used to create the world of Westeros. It’s an immersive experience that combines history, culture, and fandom, making your visit to Girona truly unforgettable.

Experience Girona’s Riverside Beauty

As you wander through Girona, you’ll discover the city’s hidden gem: the picturesque Onyar River. This river runs through the heart of the town, offering a unique perspective on Girona’s architecture and history.

Colorful Houses Along the Onyar River

The Onyar River is lined with colorful houses that seem to rise directly from the water, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of Florence or Venice. These vibrant façades, painted in warm yellows, oranges, and pinks, are best viewed from one of the several bridges that span the river, particularly at sunset when the colors reflect brilliantly in the water below. You’ll discover one of Girona’s most iconic and photographed scenes along the Onyar River.

Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)

The most famous crossing over the Onyar River is the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, also known as the Eiffel Bridge. Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company in 1876, this striking red iron structure was built just before the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge’s distinctive red color creates a perfect contrast against the pastel buildings, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Girona. As you stroll along the riverbanks and cross between the old town and the more modern part of the city, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how the Onyar River has shaped Girona’s development.

Conclusion: Why Girona Deserves More Than a Day Trip

Located just 38 minutes from Barcelona by high-speed train, Girona is an ideal getaway. While you might be tempted to visit Girona as a day trip, we encourage you to stay longer and experience all that this charming town has to offer.

Girona’s magical evening atmosphere is a treat, with monuments illuminated and locals filling the squares and tapas bars. The city offers accommodations for every budget and style, from boutique hotels like ByPillow the Bloom to modern options like Hotel Ciutat de Girona.

Beyond Girona’s highlights, the surrounding region is also worth exploring. The Costa Brava coastline and Empordà wine region are just 40 minutes away, offering world-class beaches and wineries. Take a coffee break in Plaça de la Independència and watch local life unfold. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, Girona is a destination that will leave you wanting more.

When booking a cruise stateroom, you face one final choice after picking your deck and room category: Port or Starboard?

For decades, maritime tradition has designated the left side of the ship as Port (think of how both words have four letters) and the right side as Starboard when facing forward toward the bow.

Many first-time cruisers stress over this choice, worried they will spend a week staring at the empty ocean while passengers on the opposite side enjoy stunning postcard views. Let’s clear up the myths and look at how to choose the ideal side of the ship for your next vacation.

The Sunset Myth: Can You Guarantee a View?

The single most common reason travelers agonize over port vs. starboard is wanting to watch the sunset from their private balcony.

The Reality: Unless your cruise is a straight line going in one direction for seven days, the ship will be constantly changing heading. It snakes around islands, navigates twisting fjords, and turns around completely to head home.
The Math: If you are sailing south, the starboard side faces west (sunset) and the port side faces east (sunrise). When you turn around to sail north back to your home port, those views swap completely.

3 Scenarios Where the Side of the Ship Matters

While general ocean crossings make the side of the ship mostly irrelevant, there are three specific travel scenarios where your choice will drastically impact your experience.

1. One-Way Landfall Itineraries (e.g., Alaska or Europe Northbound)

If you are taking a cruise that begins in one city and ends in another without turning back, the side of the ship is critical.

Northbound Alaska: If you are sailing north from Vancouver or Seattle up to Seward or Whittier, the starboard side will face the dramatic mountain ranges, coastal forests, and passing wildlife for the majority of the trip. The port side will face the open Pacific Ocean.
Southbound Alaska: If you are starting up north and sailing south, you want the port side to stay facing the coastline.

2. Scenic Cruising Days (Glaciers and Fjords)

Some itineraries feature dedicated days where the ship sails deep into a narrow bay or fjord strictly for sightseeing, such as Glacier Bay in Alaska or the Geirangerfjord in Norway.

The Reality: Captains want everyone to get their money's worth. When entering a scenic area, the ship will typically slow down or spin a full 360 degrees in front of major landmarks so both sides of the vessel get a view.
The Catch: While both sides get a view eventually, one side will get it while you are getting ready in the morning, and the other will get it while you are at lunch.

3. Iconic Harbor Departures

Sailing out of certain world-famous ports offers spectacular sights right from your balcony—if you choose correctly.

Sailing out of New York City: If you want a close-up, unobstructed view of the Statue of Liberty as the ship heads out to the Atlantic, you need to be on the port side.

What About Docking at the Pier?

A common belief is that the port side always faces the cruise terminal or town dock. After all, it's called the "port" side for a reason.

In the modern cruising world, this is completely false. How a ship docks depends entirely on:

Coast Guard or Local Regulations: Marine traffic safety dictates how a ship must enter a harbor.
Ship Maintenance: Ships often dock with a specific side facing the pier so crew members can paint the hull or perform safety drills on the lifeboats.
Port Availability: If multiple ships are docked side-by-side, the captain will park whichever way fits safely.

You have a 50/50 chance of facing the bustling town or the open water on either side of the ship when tied up at a pier.

Summary Checklist: How to Choose

If you are still undecided, use these guidelines to make your final choice:

Choose Port If: You are taking a one-way southbound itinerary, love watching the sunrise while heading south, or want a view of the skyline when departing certain eastern ports.
Choose Starboard If: You are taking a one-way northbound itinerary, prefer watching the sunset while heading south, or enjoy seeing the coast while sailing north.
Choose Mid-Ship (Regardless of Side) If: You are prone to motion sickness. Staying low and centered on the ship matters significantly more for stability than being on the left or right side.

When booking a cruise, it is incredibly easy to get swept up in the excitement of choosing between an interior, oceanview, or balcony room. Cruise lines make every cabin look like a pristine, peaceful sanctuary in their brochure photos.

But seasoned cruisers know a hard truth: A cabin’s location on the deck plan matters significantly more than the room type itself.

If you choose the wrong spot, you could find yourself sleeping directly beneath a pounding nightclub subwoofer, or waking up at 5:00 AM to the sounds of metal lounge chairs scraping across a deck. To ensure your next vacation is actually relaxing, pull up your ship’s deck plan and ensure you aren’t accidentally booking one of these five problematic cabin locations.

1. The "Lido Deck Victim" (Directly Under the Pool or Buffet)

This is arguably the most common mistake first-time cruisers make. They see a cabin on a high deck just one floor below the pool and think, "Perfect! I’m only steps away from the action."

The Reality: The deck directly above you isn't just a place to swim; it is a high-traffic service zone. At 5:30 AM every single morning, the crew begins dragging hundreds of heavy, metal-framed lounge chairs across the deck to set up for the day, creating a loud, screeching noise that radiates straight through your ceiling.
How to avoid it: Always look at the deck plan for the level directly above your cabin. If it's the pool deck, the buffet, or a sports court, change your room.

2. The Late-Night Noise Trap (Above Nightclubs and Bars)

Conversely, you also have to look at what is directly below your feet. Many modern mega-liners place passenger cabins directly above the ship's main promenade, theater, or entertainment district.

The Reality: If your room sits over the main theater, a busy piano bar, or the nightclub, you are going to experience intense ambient noise. Even if a ship has great soundproofing, bass frequencies travel effortlessly through steel hulls. If the nightclub thumps until 2:00 AM, your cabin walls will likely vibrate right along with it.
The Worst Culprit: Cabins located near the aft (rear) elevator banks on lower passenger decks are notorious for sitting right over the ship's loudest late-night lounges.

3. The "Early Morning Wake-Up Call" (Lower Forward Cabins)

If you are trying to save money, the lowest passenger decks at the very front (bow) of the ship often look like an incredible bargain.

The Reality: These rooms face two major issues: motion and mechanics. The front of the ship acts like a teeter-totter; it pitches up and down far more dramatically than the middle of the ship, making it a nightmare if you are prone to seasickness.
The Hidden Noise: When the ship arrives at a port early in the morning, the captain will fire up the bow thrusters to maneuver, causing the entire front of the ship to vibrate violently. If the ship is dropping anchor rather than docking at a pier, the massive, clanging anchor chains are housed right next to these forward walls.

4. The Elevator Bank Bottleneck

Being close to the elevators seems like a great accessibility hack to cut down on walking down those incredibly long cruise ship corridors.

The Reality: Elevator lobbies are the primary meeting points on the ship. You will have to deal with the constant "ding" of the elevator doors opening and closing all night. Worse, you will hear crowds of high-energy passengers talking, laughing, and shouting as they return to their rooms after a few drinks at the bar.

5. Connecting Cabins (When You Don't Know the Neighbors)

Connecting cabins have a physical interior door that links two adjacent rooms—perfect for families traveling together. But if you are a solo traveler or a couple booking a standard room, cruise lines will frequently assign you a connecting room if it’s the last one available.

The Reality: An interior wooden connecting door provides significantly less sound insulation than a solid steel wall. Even when locked, you will likely hear your neighbors' television, their morning conversations, and the sound of their suitcases slamming around.

🛑 The Golden Rule of Cruise Booking
If you want a guaranteed quiet night of sleep, use the Sandwich Rule. Only book a cabin that is "sandwiched" safely between two other full decks of passenger cabins. If there are rooms above you and rooms below you, you are virtually guaranteed to avoid the ship's worst acoustic nightmares.

What About "Guarantee" Cabins?

When booking, you might see an option to book a "Guarantee Balcony" or "Guarantee Interior" at a steep discount. This means you pay a lower rate, but you let the cruise line pick your specific cabin number close to sail date.

While it's a great way to save money, keep in mind that cruise lines use this system to fill the rooms that nobody else wanted to pick. If you are a light sleeper or sensitive to motion, it is always worth paying a fraction more to hand-select your own room number safely away from the noise.

You’ve booked your cabin, picked your excursions, and now you’re staring at your cruise planner screen, facing one of the most hotly debated questions in travel: Should you buy the cruise drink package?

Cruise lines heavily market these unlimited packages, tempting you with the peace of mind that comes with a truly "all-inclusive" vacation. But at prices frequently soaring past $80 to $100+ per guest, per day (plus an automatic 18%–20% gratuity), a drink package can easily add over $1,400 to a 7-night vacation for a couple.

Let’s skip the marketing fluff and look at the actual math. Here is exactly how many drinks you need to consume per day to break even on major cruise lines right now, along with the hidden rules you need to know before you buy.

The Baseline: What Do Drinks Cost A La Carte?

To know if a package saves you money, you have to know what you’d spend without one. Across mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity, average a la carte prices generally sit within these ranges:

Cocktails & Mixed Drinks: $12 – $15
Glass of Wine: $10 – $14
Draft or Bottled Beer: $7.50 – $9.50
Specialty Coffee (Lattes, Espresso): $4.50 – $5.50
Bottled Water / Sodas: $3.00 – $4.00

Cruise Line Break-Even Math

Most lines require every adult sharing a cabin to purchase the package if one person does. This rule is designed to prevent couples from sharing a single package, and it drastically changes the financial math for a lot of travelers.

Here is what the daily math looks like based on average pre-cruise booking discounts:

1. Royal Caribbean (Deluxe Beverage Package)

Average Onboard Price: $75 to $105 per day (varies heavily by ship and sail date)
The Break-Even Number: 5 to 7 alcoholic drinks per day.
The Catch: If you use your package for morning specialty coffees, bottled waters to take to port, and fresh-squeezed juices, that break-even number drops to about 4 cocktails and 3 non-alcoholic premium drinks per day.

2. Carnival Cruise Line (CHEERS! Beverage Program)

Pre-Cruise Price: $64.95 per day (+18% gratuity)
The Break-Even Number: 5 to 6 alcoholic drinks per day.
The Catch: Carnival enforces a strict 15-alcoholic-drink limit per 24-hour period. While most people don't hit this cap, the package also includes unlimited sodas, energy drinks, and milkshakes.

3. Celebrity Cruises (Classic vs. Premium Package)

Average Price: Classic sits around $89/day; Premium sits around $109/day.
The Break-Even Number: 6 to 8 drinks per day.
The Catch: Celebrity’s Classic package only covers individual drinks up to $10. If you like premium spirits or high-end wine, you'll be charged the difference out of pocket unless you upgrade to the Premium package (which covers up to $17 drinks).

The "Hidden" Value: Non-Alcoholic Add-Ons

People often forget that these packages aren't just for alcohol. If you are someone who drinks a lot of fluids throughout the day, the non-alcoholic options can quickly push you into the profit zone.

Pro-Tip: If you drink two specialty lattes in the morning ($10), grab two large bottled waters for a shore excursion ($8), and have a Red Bull or soda by the pool ($5), you’ve already knocked $23 off your daily break-even target before ever touching a drop of alcohol.

When the Drink Package is WORTH It

You Love Peace of Mind: If you hate looking at your running balance on the ship's app and want to walk off the ship on the final morning with a $0 balance, buy the package.
You Spend a Lot of Time at Sea: On sea days, you are steps away from a bar 24/7. It is incredibly easy to hit your break-even point when you're lounging by the pool all day.
You're Visiting Private Islands: If your itinerary includes Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean) or Labadee, your drink package actually works on the island. This adds a massive amount of value to your purchase.

When the Drink Package is a WASTE of Money

Your Itinerary is Port-Intensive: If you are on a European or Alaskan cruise where you are off the ship from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM almost every day, you won't have enough time on board to drink your money's worth.
One of You Doesn't Really Drink: Because of the "all adults in the cabin must buy it" rule, if you drink 8 cocktails a day but your spouse only drinks water, you are paying for two packages while only utilizing one. You will lose money overall.
You Only Drink Beer: Because beer is significantly cheaper than cocktails, you have to drink almost double the volume to break even. If you're a beer-only cruiser, paying a la carte is usually the smarter play.

The Verdict

Before hitting "purchase" in your cruise planner, look at your itinerary and your daily habits. If you honestly see yourself having a specialty coffee in the morning, a few beers by the pool, wine at dinner, and a cocktail during the evening theater show, the package will likely save you money.

If that sounds like exhausting work just to break even, save your cash, pay a la carte, and spend that money on a fantastic shore excursion instead.

The above is subject to change. Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel information and deals.