Girona is a stunning city located in the northeast region of Catalonia, Spain just a quick 1 hour drive from Barcelona. It is a charming place to visit with plenty of things to see and explore. The city is rich in history and culture, with well-preserved ancient buildings and impressive museums. Walking through the Old Town is a must, with its cobbled streets and colorful facades creating a beautiful atmosphere. One of the highlights of Girona is the impressive Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. The city is also home to a vibrant culinary scene with a plethora of excellent restaurants that serve up delicious local specialties. Whether you are a foodie, history buff, or just looking for a charming destination to visit, Girona has something for everyone.

Below you’ll find the updated Guide to the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in Girona. As you know, we like to do small and compact guides where you find the best places right away and don’t get too overwhelmed.

When it comes to hotels there are not that many options in Girona but we were so excited to visit the newly opened Casa Cacao Boutique Hotel which we fell in love with right away.

**Casa Cacao Boutique Hotel**

There is no other place to stay in Girona, Casa Cacao is the Hotel of Michelin restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. It’s new, it has 15 large, cosy rooms and a splendid rooftop terrace with the most emblematic panoramic views
**Amenities:** Private rooftop terrace, Delicious Breakfast
**$$$ -** 4.8 (Google)
Carrer Ginesta, 2, 17002 Girona, Spain

Girona is a true food lover's paradise with a fantastic restaurant scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. The city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, including the famous El Celler de Can Roca, which has been voted the world's best restaurant. However, if you are looking for something less fancy, Girona has a wide range of eateries, from tapas bars to traditional Catalan cuisine. You can sample local dishes like botifarra amb mongetes (sausage with white beans), escudella (a hearty meat and vegetable stew), and suquet de peix (a fish stew with potatoes and almonds). Don't forget to try the famous Girona pastries like xuixo, a sweet pastry filled with crema catalana, or coca de vidre, a crispy flatbread topped with sugar and pine nuts. Ratafia is also a must, a local kind of liquor made by macerating different regional ingredients (such as fruit, medicinal herbs, roots, pine nuts and spices) in brandy or other spirit

**Si No Fos**

We fell in love with Si No Fos right away. The open kitchen makes it the perfect place to watch the cooks create your delicious dishes. I recommend the meat but also the extremely creative vegetarian dishes
**$$$ -** 4.5 (Google)
Plaça de Catalunya, nº25, B, 17002 Girona

**Ditifet**

At Ditifet you will find Traditional Catalan food with a modern twist. The staff is very friendly and the location is stylish and elegant. The oxtail croquettes are a must!
**$$$ -** 4.7 (Google)
Carrer dels Calderers, 10, 17004 Girona

**Nexe**

Nexe is a Mediterranean and Asian Fusion restaurant - the food is delicious and the tasting menu will really surprise you. The design is also really nice and you’ll feel comfortable right away.
**$$$ -** 4.5 (Google)
Carrer d'Abeuradors, 4, 17004 Girona

**Massana**

Dining at Massana is not just a meal but an experience in and of itself. The presentation is wonderful, the tasting menu is absolutely delicious and as soon as you start eating you’ll understand why it has the Michelin star.
**$$$$ -** 4.7 (Google)
Carrer Bonastruc de Porta, 10, 17001 Girona

**Normal Restaurant**

Restaurant Normal is owned by the Roca family who also owns the famous Celler de Can Roca. You can feel that there is a lot of love behind the making of the dishes and everything tastes really good. The restaurant is also super cozy and nice.
**$$$ -** 4.3 (Google)
Plaça de l'Oli, 1, 17004 Girona

Girona is widely known as a mecca for cycling enthusiasts, with its stunning mountain and coastal landscapes providing the perfect backdrop for cycling routes. Many professional cyclists, including Lance Armstrong and Bradley Wiggins, have chosen Girona as their home base due to its great climate and cycling infrastructure. The city has a vibrant cycling culture and a vast network of bike paths, making it an ideal destination for both casual and professional riders. And after a long ride, Girona's many cafes offer a great spot to relax and refuel. From cozy local cafes serving up traditional Spanish snacks to trendy specialty coffee shops, there is no shortage of great places to grab a bite and a coffee in Girona. Some of our favourites are: Espresso Mafia, La Fabrica Girona, Idle Hands Girona, Bali Coffee & Brunch, Shots Coffee & Brunch and Tramuntana.

**Espresso Mafia**

Espresso Mafia is a must while visiting Girona. The coffee is great, the location is perfect and the pastries are also amazing. You are bound to see some cyclists here after their ride!
**Amenities:** Great Coffee, Great People Watching & Outdoor Seating
**$$ -** 4.4 (Google)
Carrer de la Cort Reial, 5, 17004 Girona, Spain

When it comes to things to do around the city there are so many options. One of the must-see attractions in Girona is the historic Old Town, which boasts medieval architecture, winding streets, and stunning views of the city. The famous Cathedral of Girona is also a must-visit, with its impressive Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Another top attraction is the Jewish Quarter, which is one of the best-preserved examples of a Jewish community in Europe. Other notable sights include the colorful houses along the Onyar River, the ancient city walls, and the Museum of Art, which features works by local artists.

Girona is a great destination for sports enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities on offer in and around the city. As mentioned above, cycling is huge in Girona and you’ll find many bike shops around the city that offer bike rentals. Running is another popular activity, with many trails and paths to explore in the surrounding countryside. If you're looking for something more adrenaline-fueled, you can try your hand at white-water rafting or kayaking in the nearby rivers, or even go skydiving or bungee jumping. Golfers will be pleased to know that there are several top-quality golf courses in the area, while water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddle-boarding on the coast.

The Girona Guide (2023 Edition)

The Mallorca Guide (2023 Edition)