Free Walking Tours in Girona

The far north-eastern corner of Spain is often overshadowed by the vibrancy of Barcelona, but Girona is an exceptional city worth visiting. Its streets have seen more than two millennia of history pass , with many ruins and monuments still remaining.

Take a free walking tour in Girona to get an in-depth look at the most notable attractions in the city. Hear stories about Girona’s history, be captivated by legends of Spanish culture and see modern and ancient landmarks that have impacted the city.

Here is everything you need to know about these free walking tours, one of the best ways for sightseeing in Girona.

How do free walking tours in Girona work?  

Girona is a highly walkable city, so joining a free walking tour is the best way to see all it has to offer. Free walking tours don’t have an upfront fee, and participants tip the guide at the end of the excursion. You pay the guide as much or as little as you want in cash.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Girona?

The tip for a free walking tour in Girona is dependent on a few factors. Decide how much you enjoyed the tour and if you feel the guide offered a lot of information and value.

Normally people tip between €10 and €15 per person, but you are welcome to give your guide more if you feel the tour was exceptional.

What are the best free walking tours in Girona?

Free Walking Tour of Girona

Girona is an ancient city with tons of character, thanks to its impeccably preserved historic structures. Grand gothic cathedrals, cobbled lanes and imposing city walls make it a city to discover on foot.

Let expert local guides take you on a tour of Girona, while they share fascinating legends and historical tales from the city’s long history.

Itinerary

Start in the Mercadal, where Girona’s heart beats the strongest today. You will head into the historic Barri Vell neighborhood and lay your eyes on the Eiffel and Piedras bridges that cross the Onyar River.

Next, you will venture into the Jewish Quarter, which is widely regarded as one of the best preserved of its kind in Europe. The winding alleys will lead you to the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Basilica of Sant Feliu, two of the most emblematic religious pinnacles in the city.

The bridges that crisscross the Onyar River give you a splendid view of the colorful houses that line the river. The bridges transport you between old and new worlds, allowing you to get an all-encompassing experience of this vibrant city.

Girona by Night

Over Girona’s 2,000 years of history, it has seen many dark secrets pass through its narrow alleys. Take a nighttime walking tour of the city to discover all its secret corners and hidden history. An expert guide will show you hidden maps and secret sculptures and even take you to the smallest square in Europe. Take this tour to get an off-the-beaten-path experience and see the city in a new light.

Itinerary

Start at Sant Feliu Park to hear about the dark past of the neighborhood. It used to be the seedy underbelly of the city but has been transformed into a historic gem. Wander to the Jewish Quarter while your guide points out a myriad of hidden treasures along the way.

Once you reach the Jewish Quarter, you will learn about the hidden underground of the burrow and see the grand cathedral that holds many mysteries. Cross the city wall to reach the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, an imposing Romanesque abbey.

You will also pass through Chinatown, which is a far cry today from its dingy past. The last stop is at La Lleona de Girona, the most peculiar statue of the city, shrouded in myth and legend.

Game of Thrones tour of Girona

Die-hard fans of the most watched TV series of all time flood to Girona to have a taste of Westeros. There are several “Game of Thrones” filming locations dotted across the old quarter of the city where you can stop and take pictures.

Guides will also share anecdotes about the show and filming along with historical facts about the real-life locations. Grand scenes from Bravos and Kings Landing were created in the medieval setting of Girona.

Itinerary

Kick off your journey into Westeros from the Romanesque Sant Pere de Galligants Church. This is where Samwell Tarley received the keys to the Citadel Grand Library, one of the most iconic structures in Season 6 of the TV series.

In front of the church is Plaça dels Jurats, where Arya Stark overheard the terrible story of her family. Another of Arya’s adventures on Bravos played out at the Arab baths in Girona.

Swiftly switch cities and step into King’s Landing at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona. This iconic building was used for the Great Sept of Baelor and was the backdrop for Margaery Tyrell's gripping Walk of Atonement.

You will reenter the Jewish Quarter to see where Waif's pursuit of Arya took place and end the tour at Plaça de la Independència.

In which languages are free walking tours in Girona operated?

Free walking tours in Girona are all offered in English. Tour guides are mostly Spanish-speaking too and will be able to offer Spanish as a second optional language. Some tour guides can speak French and Catalan that is widely spoken in Catalonia.

Where do free walking tours in Girona start?

Most walking tours of Girona start on either side of the Puente de Sant Feliu bridge, which crosses the Onyar River close to the La Lyona statue and La Copa Garden.

There are roughly four other meeting points along the river. The next one is at the Independence Plaza, while the other is close to the famous Pont de les Peixateries Velles red metal bridge.

It is important to double-check with your tour guides where their tour leaves from, otherwise, you risk completely missing your adventure in Girona.

How long do free walking tours in Girona last?

Free walking tours in Girona last around 2 hours with a couple of exceptions that are around 1.5 hours. You have plenty of time to see all the most prominent sites of the city at a comfortable pace.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Girona?

Book a spot on a free walking tour of Girona as soon as you arrive in the city. This is the best way to get acquainted with its winding streets and be well-orientated for the rest of your trip. Most trips leave around 11 AM, with a few afternoon tours around 3 PM.

It is important to consider the season when taking a walking tour. Girona has most of its rain during the autumn, especially in October. A rainy walking tour might not be as enjoyable as a tour on a sunny day with blue skies.

Should Girona free walking tours be booked online?

Booking your walking tour of Girona is advisable, as you are guaranteed a spot on the tour, and your guide will know how many people to prepare for. You will be informed if the tour is canceled for any reason.

The process is simple and quick. There is no need to use a credit card for your booking.