Girona is worth visiting year-round, depending on your plans. For city exploration and discovering Catalunya, any time works well—even winter temperatures typically stay above 10 degrees Celsius.

Summer can get quite hot, though I’ve found it manageable. The narrow streets offer plenty of shade and cooling spots for outdoor activities, and coastal areas benefit from a refreshing sea breeze.

May, June, and September are ideal months with perfect temperatures and fewer tourists throughout the region. These months also offer the best conditions for cycling.

I visited a few times in August and simply started my bike rides early in the day.

While Girona has its own airport, Barcelona’s airport is generally more convenient due to its wider range of flight connections. From Barcelona airport, you can reach Girona by train (requiring one transfer), taxi, or rental car. If you plan to explore beyond Girona itself, having a car is highly recommended.

Driving to Girona is also convenient, especially from France, with the city center just minutes from the motorway. While parking isn’t cheap, rates are more reasonable than in major European cities. Budget-friendly parking options (or even free parking) are available if you’re willing to park a bit farther from the center.

There are many great options but here are some of my favorites and suggestions for different price ranges:

• Hotel Peninsular (3*)
  Ideally situated in the heart of Girona, this hotel offers clean, functional rooms at excellent rates. A recommended choice in the 3-star category.
• Hotel Ciutat de Girona (4*)
  This 44-room boutique hotel boasts an excellent location. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and guests consistently praise the breakfast. There’s also an elegant on-site restaurant for dinner. While prices tend to run higher than other nearby 4-star hotels, it remains a good choice.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Girona (4*)
  A solid 4-star hotel from the Hilton group. For Hilton Honors members, this is an excellent option. The only drawback is the location—while still good, it’s not as central as the other hotels on my list. However, if being directly in the city center isn’t your top priority, the DoubleTree is one of your best alternatives, especially given its reasonable prices.
• Hotel Nord 1901 (4*)
  My favorite hotel in Girona for value and quality. Located on a quiet street within easy walking distance of the entire city center. The breakfast buffet is excellent (though I recommend trying some of the amazing local cafés as well), and the dinner service matches this standard. The hotel features a charming small pool and secure bike storage. The rooms showcase a modern yet functional design. Prices are consistently reasonable.
• Hotel Casa Cacao (4*)
  Located in a historic building, this boutique hotel by the Roca Brothers (of “El Cellar de Can Roca” fame) offers 15 elegant, modern, and cozy rooms and a beautiful terrace. The old town and Girona’s main shopping street are only a few hundred meters away. Prices are relatively high by Girona standards, but in my opinion, this is the best hotel in town.
• Hotel Palau Fugit (4*)
  This is another top-tier hotel in Girona. Its rates are even higher than Casa Cacao, and while reviews are mostly very positive, they can be mixed. I’ve only visited their ground floor courtyard bar/café, which is an excellent spot for resting during the day or enjoying an after-dinner drink. The rooms appear luxurious, but expect to pay more here than at any other hotel in Girona.

Hotel choices are already great. When it comes to restaurants, options are almost endless. Here are some of my favorites which I can all highly recommend:

• Sinofos
  My favorite restaurant in Girona. The food is modern Catalán with creative twists, served tapas-style for sharing. They offer weekly specials of select meat cuts and fish on a first-come, first-served basis. The food is exceptional, complemented by a fascinating wine list full of hidden gems. The staff are wonderful, and while the atmosphere can get lively and bustling, this energy adds to the authentic dining experience. Highly recommended.
• El Cellar de Can Roca
  While I haven’t yet dined at this 3-Michelin star institution, I’ve only heard exceptional reviews. Based on my experience with other Roca brothers restaurants, I’m eager to try it. If you can secure a reservation and are prepared to spend several hundred euros per person, El Cellar de Can Roca is a must-visit.
• Normal
  Normal, the Roca brothers’ casual restaurant, offers an excellent and more affordable alternative to their flagship establishment. Though the menu is compact, every dish I’ve tried has been delicious and expertly prepared. The starter bread is outstanding, and their wine selection rivals that of high-end restaurants. While prices are still on the higher side, they remain reasonable for the quality offered.
• 8 de 7
  A popular tapas restaurant with a large menu and excellent prices. The food is delicious, and while the wine selection is basic, it’s perfectly acceptable. Overall, this is Girona’s best value-for-money restaurant- in my opinion.
• Bartali Pizza Co.
  Among Girona’s excellent pizzerias, Bartali Pizza Co. stands out for its lovely location and delicious food. The service is very friendly and reliable and the prices are reasonable. It’s a perfect choice when you want a break from tapas.
• Taverna d’El Forment
  An excellent tapas restaurant with spacious outdoor seating. The menu features classic tapas alongside hearty main courses. The food and drinks are delicious, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• Bèstia
  A bustling tapas and wine bar with an intriguing, compact menu. While the dishes may not be traditional tapas, the food is exceptional—featuring creative combinations of classic ingredients with unexpected twists. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate their curated selection of unique bottles. Their desserts are also a standout feature.
• Hors Categorie Girona
  A fantastic spot for cyclists and families alike, with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas. The diverse menu ranges from healthy salads and bowls to classic comfort food like burgers and nachos. The service is excellent.

As Girona has become know for its amazing cafés, I wanted to list my favorites here, as well:

• La Fabrica Girona
  Founded by former pro cyclist Christian Meier and his wife Amber, La Fabrica is a fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon coffee with snacks. Its great location offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it especially welcoming for cyclists.
• Espresso Mafia
  A sister café to La Fabrica, Espresso Mafia is a smaller venue with fewer food options but matches the quality of its sibling. The coffee drinks are delicious, making it a perfect spot for a break.
• Verd Coffee & Brunch
  My favorite spot for breakfast. The menu is similar to La Fabrica’s, though seating is more limited. The owner is wonderful and serves delicious food.
• Federal Cafè
  Federal Cafè is another excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or early dinner. The menu follows a similar style to the previously mentioned cafés but offers a wider selection for lunch and afternoon dining, including wine options.
• Oniria Cafe
  A small but cozy coffee shop next to Hotel Nord. They serve excellent coffee, and the staff and owner are incredibly friendly. The only drawback is its limited hours—it opens at 9am and stays closed on Sundays and Mondays. Despite this, it’s an amazing spot.

So, what else should you do in Girona when not eating and drinking….

Here are a few recommendations which should help getting to know the town and its surroundings better:

• Exploring the Old Quarter
  While exploring my recommended restaurants and cafés, you’ll naturally see much of the old town. However, it’s worth dedicating specific time to explore the old quarter properly. Guided tours are available in various languages, but exploring independently is just as rewarding. Simply wander through the charming streets and alleys at your own pace. The area is compact enough to cover in a few hours. Don’t miss the cathedral, which majestically crowns the old town.
• Visiting the Arab Baths
  Located just steps from the cathedral, the Arab Baths are a fascinating historical landmark featuring well-preserved remains of ancient public baths. While a visit typically takes only a few minutes and costs 3€, it’s worth exploring these centuries-old ruins.
• Joining a Game of Thrones Tour
  You can explore the Game of Thrones filming locations on your own by simply walking around the city. However, I’ve heard the guided tours are quite interesting—particularly for fans of the series. So why not take advantage of this opportunity while you’re in Girona?
• Visiting the Jewish Museum
  Another recommendation by most is to visit the Museum of Jewish History. Unfortunately, I haven’t done so yet but definitely will on my next trip. From what I heard and was told this is a really fascinating museum showing history of 600 years.
• Trip to Banyoles
  For a change of scenery from Girona, visit Banyoles, a charming nearby town accessible by car or bike. Its centerpiece is a stunning lake perfect for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the peaceful natural setting. The town offers numerous cafés and restaurants for refreshments or meals. It’s an ideal escape when you need a break from historic architecture.
• Trip to Figueres and Cadaqués
  You’ll need a car for this trip (unless you’re an exceptional cyclist), as it makes sense to visit both places together. Figueres—a 45-minute drive from Girona—is Salvador Dalí’s birthplace. Here you’ll find the Dalí Theater Museum and other buildings and places celebrating the artist. While the museum isn’t essential, Figueres’ charming city center makes the visit worthwhile. Cadaqués, a picturesque bay town, has attracted famous artists like Dalí, Picasso, and Miró. It’s another 50 minutes from Figueres, with the final stretch along winding roads. The town features beautiful houses, winding alleys, and a lovely promenade, though it can get quite crowded with limited parking. The restaurant scene is mixed with some amazing options, so research and book ahead. A day trip to both Figueres and Cadaqués should definitely be part of your Girona itinerary.
• Trip to Barcelona
  If you’re staying in Girona but want to visit Barcelona—whether to save money on accommodation or just for a day trip—it’s easily doable. The train takes only 40 minutes and is more convenient than driving. If you do drive, park in a garage outside the city center and use public transportation. On my last visit, I parked at the Westfield shopping center and took the subway, which worked perfectly. While Barcelona deserves its own guide so I won’t write more about it here, it’s definitely worth visiting during your Girona stay if time permits.

I hope you find this guide helpful. Please let me know if you have questions or miss some important information. Enjoy your next trip to Girona!