Girona consistently features in "most underrated cities in Europe" lists, and for good reason. It packs an incredible amount into a compact, walkable old town. Whether you're here for a day trip from Barcelona or staying longer, here are the twelve things you absolutely shouldn't miss.

1. Explore the Old Town (Barri Vell)

Start at the Plaça de la Independència, the main square flanked by arcaded neoclassical buildings and buzzing cafés. From here, cross the river and lose yourself in the narrow medieval streets of the Barri Vell. The Carrer de la Força, the old town's main artery, is the spine that connects most of the major sights.

2. Visit the Cathedral of Girona

Girona's cathedral dominates the skyline with its vast baroque facade and the famous 90-step staircase leading up to it. Inside, it holds the record for the widest Gothic nave in the world at 22 metres. Don't miss the extraordinary "Creation Tapestry" (Tapís de la Creació), an 11th-century masterpiece that's one of the finest Romanesque textiles in existence.

3. Walk the City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla)

The restored city walls offer a stunning elevated walk along the eastern edge of the old town. The views over the rooftops and down to the River Onyar are spectacular, especially at sunset. The walk runs from the north near Sant Pere de Galligants down to the southern end of the old town. It's free and open to the public.

4. Explore the Jewish Quarter (El Call)

Girona's Jewish Quarter is one of the best-preserved in Europe. The Jewish community thrived here from the 9th century until the expulsion of 1492. The narrow, atmospheric streets feel almost unchanged since medieval times. Visit the Museum of Jewish History (Museu d'Història dels Jueus) for a fascinating insight into the community that once made Girona a centre of Kabbalistic study.

5. Cross the Onyar River on the Colourful Bridges

The iconic view of Girona — colourful houses lining the River Onyar, reflected in the water — is best seen from the bridges. The most famous is the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, an iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel) in 1877, before he built his famous tower in Paris.

6. Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)

Despite the name, these aren't actually Arab — they're a 12th-century Romanesque bathhouse inspired by earlier Moorish designs. The central pool room, with its octagonal cupola supported by slender columns, is one of the most photographed spots in Girona. It's also a Game of Thrones filming location (the Citadel library).

7. Game of Thrones Filming Locations

HBO filmed extensively in Girona for Season 6. The cathedral became the Great Sept of Baelor, Sant Pere de Galligants became the House of Black and White, and the Arab Baths became the Citadel. See our full Game of Thrones guide for details.

8. Eat World-Class Catalan Cuisine

Girona is a food city. The local cuisine features dishes like escalivada (smoky roasted vegetables), botifarra (Catalan sausage), and fresh seafood from the Costa Brava. And then there's El Celler de Can Roca — the three-Michelin-star restaurant run by the Roca brothers, regularly voted the best restaurant in the world. Book months in advance.

9. Museum of Cinema

A quirky and surprisingly excellent museum tracing the history of moving images from shadow puppets and magic lanterns to early cinema. The Tomàs Mallol collection includes over 30,000 objects. It's one of those museums that's far more interesting than you expect.

10. Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants

This beautiful Benedictine monastery dates from the 12th century and now houses a branch of the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia. The Romanesque cloister is exceptionally well-preserved, with carved capitals depicting biblical scenes, animals, and plant motifs. A peaceful spot away from the busier parts of the old town.

11. Day Trip to the Costa Brava

Girona is the perfect base for exploring the Costa Brava coast. Beaches, coves, and charming fishing villages like Cadaqués, Calella de Palafrugell, and Tossa de Mar are all within an hour's drive. See our Costa Brava Guides for more.

12. Fairs and Festivals

Girona comes alive during its festivals. The two biggest are:

• Fires de Sant Narcís (late October/early November) — the city's main festival, with fairground rides, concerts, fireworks, and castellers (human towers).
• Temps de Flors (early May) — a week-long flower festival where courtyards, churches, and hidden spaces across the old town are transformed with spectacular floral installations. An absolute must if you're here in May.