Travel blog - Tips to explore the world on a budget: Girona

Girona is a medieval city in northeastern Catalonia with over 2,000 years of history and scenic views along the Onyar River. The Cathedral of Girona is famous for having the world's widest Gothic nave, at 22 meters, and features architecture from the Romanesque to the Baroque periods. Inside, you can find treasures such as the 11th-century Tapestry of Creation. The Jewish Quarter, called El Call, is one of the best-preserved medieval Jewish neighborhoods in Europe, with winding cobblestone streets, the Museum of Jewish History, and a tradition of Kabbalah studies until the 1492 expulsion. Girona sits 99 km northeast of Barcelona at the foot of the Pyrenees, where four rivers meet. It was an important defensive city and endured 25 sieges over the centuries. The medieval walls, known as Passeig de la Muralla, date back to Roman times and the 14th century, and offer panoramic views of the old town. The colorful houses along the Onyar River, painted in ochre, pink, yellow, and red, are Girona's most famous sight and are best viewed from the Eiffel Bridge, built by Gustave Eiffel's company in 1877. Girona gained even more attention after Game of Thrones filmed scenes here, using the Cathedral steps, Arab Baths, and Jewish Quarter as locations for Braavos and King's Landing in Season 6. With about 103,000 residents, Girona is the capital of its province and a gateway to the Costa Brava. The city is known for its Catalan culture, local foods like xuixo pastries and ratafia liqueur, the lively Plaça de la Independència, and its rich history from Roman to medieval times.​

Europe’s capitals are all charming, lively cities that offer many things to do. However, when you are lucky enough to enjoy an extended stay in the same destination, you might want to discover what else the country has to offer too.