Why Some Tourists Stay in Girona Rather Than Barcelona

Table of Contents

• 1. Less Crowded and More Tranquil
• 2. Well-Preserved Medieval and Gothic Center
• 3. More Affordable Destination
• 4. Base for Exploring Costa Brava and Pyrenees
• 5. Strong Cycling Connection
• 6. Distinct Architecture and Jewish Quarter
• 7. Game of Thrones Filming Location
• 8. Manageable Size and Walkability
• References
• Images Sources

1. Less Crowded and More Tranquil

Girona feels a lot calmer than barcelona.

You won't be elbow-to-elbow with tourists all the time.

You can actually walk down the streets without feeling rushed.

There's space to breathe, to take photos without a thousand heads in the way.

the pace of life here is just slower.

Cafés are relaxed, plazas are chill, and locals seem less in a hurry.

It's the kind of place where you can sit with a coffee for an hour and not feel weird about it.

In Barcelona, the chaos is part of the vibe-but in girona, the calm is the vibe.

for travelers who want peace but still wanna explore, girona nails it.

Honestly, its just refreshing.

2. Well-Preserved Medieval and Gothic Center

girona's old town looks like it jumped out of a history book.

ancient walls, narrow cobbled streets-it's the real deal.

the medieval part of the city feels untouched compared to big-city Barcelona, which has a mix of old and modern smashed together.

There are towering cathedrals that look both dramatic and haunting.

the Gothic buildings give off that "wow, people actually lived here centuries ago" feeling.

You can wander aimlessly and stumble upon courtyards, arches, and hidden alleys.

It's not just about sightseeing-it's like time traveling.

and yeah, it makes your travel photos look ridiculously epic.

3. More Affordable Destination

girona won't empty your wallet the way barcelona can.

Hotels, restaurants, even coffee shops-they usually cost less.

you get more bang for your buck when it comes to accommodation.

Food is cheaper too, but you still get top-notch quality (this is spain, after all).

Even public transport around girona tends to be cheaper.

So if you're on a budget but don't want to compromise on culture, girona's a smart pick.

In short: less stress on your bank account, more money for gelato.

quick Price comparison (average per day)

4. Base for Exploring Costa Brava and Pyrenees

girona sits in the perfect spot for day trips.

The Costa Brava beaches are just a short ride away.

think turquoise water and hidden coves.

head the other way and you're in the Pyrenees, surrounded by mountains.

this makes Girona super versatile-you can do city exploring, beach lounging, and mountain hiking without moving hotels.

Barcelona is cool, but its not as central for quick nature escapes.

For travelers who want variety, girona is like a travel jackpot.

it's the best of both worlds-city culture and nature adventures.

5. Strong Cycling Connection

if you're into cycling, girona is basically heaven.

the city has become a hub for professional cyclists from all over the world.

There are endless cycling routes-flat ones, mountain climbs, and scenic countryside paths.

bike shops and cycling cafés are everywhere, so its super cyclist-friendly.

Even if you're not hardcore, renting a bike to explore is a fun way to see the city.

Locals are used to bikes, so it feels safe and welcoming for riders.

Girona's cycling culture adds this sporty, outdoorsy vibe to the whole place.

6. Distinct Architecture and Jewish Quarter

the city's architecture has its own personality.

there's the jewish quarter, one of the best-preserved in Europe.

Walking there feels like stepping into a maze.

bridges cross the river in style-including one designed by gustave eiffel before the Paris tower.

the mix of roman, medieval, and modern touches keeps things interesting.

you'll find colorful houses along the river that look straight out of a painting.

Architectural nerd or not, its hard not to be impressed.

basically, Girona looks different than barcelona, and thats part of its charm.

7. Game of Thrones Filming Location

If you're a fan, you're in luck-Girona starred in game of thrones.

Scenes for braavos and king's landing were shot here.

walking around, you'll recognize streets and steps from the show.

Even if you're not a fan, its still cool to know Hollywood chose girona's old town.

Local tours highlight all the filming spots for die-hard fans.

it's like sightseeing with a twist-history mixed with fantasy TV.

So yeah, fans often come here just to geek out.

8. Manageable Size and Walkability

girona is the kind of city you can actually walk across without sweating buckets.

No need for endless metro rides or figuring out bus systems.

You can cover the main sights in a couple of days on foot.

It feels more personal than massive Barcelona-you're not lost in a crowd.

wandering on foot also means you spot little details tourists in a hurry miss.

That smaller scale gives it a cozy, friendly feel.

it's travel without the overwhelm.

At the end of the day, girona offers what a lot of travelers secretly crave-charm without chaos, beauty without breaking the bank, and enough variety to keep things exciting.

It doesnt try to compete with Barcelona's energy, and thats exactly why people love it.

Whether you're into history, cycling, food, or just a slower pace of life, Girona quietly checks all the boxes.

for some, its not just a side trip from Barcelona-it's the main event.

Sources and References

• Girona Tourism Board

• Lonely Planet: Girona Guide

• National Geographic Travel - Girona Features

• Cycling Weekly - Girona Cycling Culture

• Game of Thrones Filming Locations (HBO & Tourism Girona)

Images Sources and Attributions

All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.