Where to Stay in Girona 🇪🇸: 5 Top Areas & Best Hotels

Planning a trip to Girona can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to pick the right neighborhood. I’ve explored this beautiful Catalonian city many times, and I know exactly which areas work best for different types of travelers.

From the medieval charm of Barri Vell to the cycling-friendly spots that attract athletes from around the world, each area has its own personality. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Girona, so you can choose the perfect base for your adventure.

Best Hotels in Girona: 🏠

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Girona
• 🏨 4-Star: Ciutat de Girona
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona
• 💸 Cheap: Hotel Peninsular
• 🏢 Apartment: Apartamento Rei Martí
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Hotel Europa
• 🏩 For Couples: Hotel Ultònia
• 🛏️ Hostel: Lateral Rooms

Quick Guide to Best Areas to Stay: 📋

• 🏰 For Historic Charm: Barri Vell
• 🛍️ For Shopping and Local Life: Eixample
• 🍽️ For Food and Culture: El Mercadal
• 🌄 For Scenic Views: Montjuïc
• 🚂 For Transport Access: Girona Train Station Area

1. Barri Vell Girona – Where to Stay in Girona for Historic Charm

Walking Around. Trust me, you’ll love getting lost in these old streets. The stone paths around Carrer de la Força are my favorite – they lead right to Girona Cathedral. It’s like being in a movie set, but it’s all real and people actually live here. The Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu) has some of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe, and you can explore them for free anytime.

The Big Cathedral. You can’t miss this huge church – it’s everywhere you look in Barri Vell. I always grab a coffee at Café Central (Plaça del Vi, 1) around 9 AM and just stare at it. They make great cortados for €2.50, and you get the best view of the cathedral steps. The cathedral museum costs €7 (open 10 AM-6 PM) and includes access to the famous Tapestry of Creation.

Those Colorful Houses. Everyone takes photos of the houses by the river, and you’re super close to them from Barri Vell. Cross the stone bridge and boom – you’re right there. El Celler de Can Roca might be famous, but I prefer the small bar Can Boira (Carrer de les Ballesteries, 12) for drinks with a view. They serve excellent gin tonics for €8 and stay open until 1 AM on weekends.

Eating Out. You’ll find tiny restaurants everywhere here. I discovered La Penyora (Carrer Nou del Teatre, 3) by accident – they serve amazing botifarra for €8 and it’s open until midnight. For morning coffee, try Espresso Mafia (Carrer de la Cort Reial, 10) – opens at 8 AM, closes at 6 PM. Don’t miss Rocambolesc (Carrer de Santa Clara, 50), the gelato shop by the Roca brothers – their ice cream costs €4.50 per scoop but it’s incredible.

Getting Around. Everything’s walking distance, but forget about driving here. Park at Parking Devesa (€1.50/hour, €12/day) and walk 10 minutes. I always stay near Plaça de Sant Feliu – it’s quiet but close to everything. The Tourist Office at Rambla de la Llibertat, 1 gives out free maps and opens daily from 9 AM to 8 PM.

For Bike People. Many places here have bike storage, which is perfect if you’re planning rides to Sant Hilari or the coast. Bike rental at Girocleta (Carrer de la Rutlla, 23) costs €25/day and they open at 9 AM. They also do bike repairs for €15-30 depending on what’s broken.

Shopping in Old Town. Carrer de la Força has several artisan shops selling handmade leather goods and ceramics. Llibreria 22 (Carrer Hortes, 22) is my favorite bookstore – they have English books and local maps, open Monday-Saturday 10 AM-2 PM and 5 PM-8 PM. For souvenirs, try Espai Girona (Carrer Ballesteries, 29) where local products cost €5-25.

Best Hotels in Barri Vell Girona

Luxury Hotels

• DoubleTree by Hilton Girona – This elegant boutique apartment offers sophisticated accommodation with premium furnishings and modern amenities in a historic building.
• Bravissimo Mercaders – A beautiful 3-bedroom apartment featuring upscale design, spacious living areas, and high-end amenities for discerning travelers.
• Bravissimo Les Rajoles – This unique 3-bedroom apartment combines luxury comfort with distinctive character, offering premium accommodation just minutes from Girona Cathedral.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Elena Apartments Girona – These comfortable apartments provide excellent value with well-equipped kitchenettes and modern amenities within easy reach of the old town.
• Flateli Peixateries Velles – A charming apartment offering good value accommodation with contemporary design and convenient access to local attractions.
• Apartaments Plaça Del Vi – Located steps from the famous Plaça del Vi, these apartments offer comfortable stays with excellent proximity to cafes and restaurants.

Best Hostels

• Flateli Cort Reial – This budget-friendly accommodation provides clean, comfortable rooms with basic amenities and a central location perfect for exploring on foot.
• Bravissimo Cort Reial-1B – A cozy one-bedroom option offering affordable accommodation with modern touches and easy access to Girona’s historic sites.
• Força Old Town – This budget accommodation sits in the heart of the medieval quarter, providing simple comfort just steps from the Cathedral and Jewish Quarter.

2. Eixample Girona – Where to Stay in Girona for Shopping and Local Life

Shopping Streets. I spend hours walking down Gran Via de Jaume I – it’s the main shopping street with everything from Zara to local boutiques. Carrer Santa Clara has smaller shops selling handmade stuff and vintage clothes. You’ll find better prices here than in Barcelona, that’s for sure. The pedestrian area around Carrer Migdia is perfect for window shopping without dodging cars.

Real Local Life. This area feels like where actual Girona people live and work. I grab my morning bread at Forn Sarret (Gran Via, 45) – they’ve been making the same crusty loaves since 1920. The bakery opens at 7 AM and closes at 2 PM, then reopens at 5 PM. Their coca de recapte (savory flatbread) costs €3 per piece and makes a perfect lunch.

Market Day Fun. Saturdays are amazing at Mercat del Lleó (Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba) – fresh fish, local cheese, and the best tomatoes I’ve ever tasted. An old lady there sells honey for €6 per jar, and it’s incredible. The market runs from 8 AM to 2 PM. Tuesday and Friday mornings, there’s a smaller produce market in Plaça del Mercadal with cheaper prices.

Banks and Services. This area has everything practical you need. Post office at Avinguda Ramon Folch, 2 (open weekdays 8:30 AM-8:30 PM, Saturdays until 2 PM). Several ATMs along Gran Via, and the main pharmacy Farmàcia Central (Gran Via, 33) stays open until 10 PM and has English-speaking staff.

Easy Transport. The train station is a 15-minute walk from here, which is super convenient. Bus line L1 stops right on Gran Via and takes you to the old town in 5 minutes for €1.40. Taxis are everywhere and cost about €8 to get to Barri Vell. The main taxi stand is at Plaça Independència.

Food That Locals Eat. Skip the tourist places and try Bar Boira (Carrer de Migdia, 38) for lunch – their menu del día costs €12 and includes wine. Pastisseria Xurreria (Gran Via, 23) makes fresh churros every morning at 8 AM for €3.50. For dinner, Can Roca (not the famous one!) at Carrer de la Creu, 48 serves excellent grilled meats for €15-22.

Evening Activities. Cinema Albéniz (Carrer Ultònia, 1) shows movies in original version with Spanish subtitles – tickets cost €7.50. The area around Plaça Independència comes alive at night with several bars and terraces. Drinks typically cost €5-8, and most places stay open until 2 AM on weekends.

Best Hotels in Eixample Girona

Luxury Hotels

• Força Old Town – This modern apartment in Girona center features free parking, a private patio, and contemporary furnishings just steps from the Cathedral.
• Apartamento Céntrico en Girona – A centrally located apartment offering upscale amenities and modern design with easy access to the old town’s main attractions.
• Apartamento con Gran Terraza en Girona – This elegant apartment features a large terrace with city views and premium furnishings in a prime location.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Hotel Europa – A comfortable mid-range hotel offering good value accommodation with modern amenities and a central location near shopping areas.
• BYPILLOW The Bloom – This stylish boutique accommodation provides contemporary comfort with excellent service at reasonable rates in the city center.
• Carlemany Girona – A well-established hotel offering reliable accommodation with good facilities and convenient access to both old town and modern Girona.

Best Hostels

• BYPILLOW Erba – Budget-friendly accommodation with clean, comfortable rooms and basic amenities in a convenient location for exploring the city.
• Còmode Apartament al Bell Mig de Girona – A comfortable apartment right in the heart of Girona offering affordable stays with kitchen facilities and modern touches.
• Cycle Haven Apt in Girona Center – Perfect for cyclists, this budget accommodation offers bike storage and is ideally located for accessing Girona’s famous cycling routes.

3. El Mercadal Girona – Where to Stay in Girona for Food and Culture

Food Paradise. This neighborhood has the best restaurants in Girona, no joke. I discovered Massana (Carrer Bonastruc de Porta, 10) here – they serve creative Catalonian food and their tasting menu is €55. Book ahead because locals love this place too. Nu (Carrer de l’Abeuradors, 4) does fantastic modern tapas for €4-8 per plate, and they’re open Tuesday-Sunday 7 PM-midnight.

Art and Culture. The Jewish History Museum sits right in this area, and I learned so much about Girona’s past there. Entry costs €4, and they’re open Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM. The Cinema Truffaut shows indie films for €7.50 per ticket. Galeria Mayoral (Carrer Força, 27) exhibits contemporary art and admission is free – they change exhibitions every two months.

Walking to Everything. From El Mercadal, I can walk to the cathedral in 8 minutes or reach the river houses in 5 minutes. It’s perfectly placed between the old town and the modern shopping areas. No hills to climb either, which my legs appreciate after cycling days. The neighborhood connects to three different bridges crossing the Onyar River.

Local Bars Scene. Evening drinks here are fantastic – try Gin Room (Carrer de les Ballesteries, 8) where they make 47 different gin tonics starting at €9. La Taverna del Call serves great vermouth for €4.50 and stays open until 2 AM on weekends. Sunset Jazz Club (Carrer Força, 13) has live music Thursday-Saturday starting at 10 PM with a €12 cover charge.

Cultural Activities List:

• Jewish Heritage Tours (€8, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 AM)
• Cooking classes at El Celler de l’Arc (€45, Saturdays 5 PM-8 PM)
• Art galleries on Carrer Força (free entry, most open Tuesday-Saturday afternoons)
• Live music at Sunset Jazz Club (€12 cover charge, starts 9 PM Thursday-Saturday)
• Flamenco shows at Tablao Carmen (€25, Friday-Sunday 9:30 PM)

Quick Market Shopping. Mercat de Sant Josep opens at 8 AM with fresh everything – fish, meat, vegetables. I buy ingredients here for picnics before cycling trips. Prices are fair: tomatoes €2/kg, local cheese €8-12/piece, fresh bread €1.50. The fishmonger Peixateria Jordi recommends the best seasonal catch and speaks basic English.

Local Services. Farmàcia Mercadal (Carrer Mercaders, 12) has a 24-hour emergency service and stocks international medicines. Internet café CyberJardi (Carrer Força, 18) charges €3/hour and opens 10 AM-10 PM daily. The local library Biblioteca Carles Rahola has free WiFi and English newspapers.

Best Hotels in El Mercadal Girona

Luxury Hotels

• Ciutat de Girona – This premium hotel offers elegant accommodations with modern amenities and sophisticated design in a prime city center location.
• Árbol del Té – A boutique accommodation featuring unique decor and upscale furnishings, providing a luxurious stay with personalized service.
• Bravissimo Eiximenis – This stylish apartment boasts a beautiful terrace with stunning city views and premium amenities for discerning guests.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Bravissimo Mercadal Duplex – A comfortable 2-bedroom duplex apartment offering good value with spacious living areas and modern facilities in the heart of El Mercadal.
• Bravissimo Hortes – This 3-bedroom center apartment provides excellent value for families or groups, with convenient access to shopping and dining areas.
• Hotel Nord 1901 – A cyclist-focused hotel offering specialized facilities including bike storage, repair services, and early breakfast options at reasonable rates.

Best Hostels

• Hortes 7 – Budget-friendly accommodation with clean, comfortable rooms and basic amenities in a central location perfect for exploring on foot.
• Apartaments Santa Clara – Baltack Homes – Affordable apartment-style accommodation with kitchen facilities and good access to both old town and modern areas.
• Flateli Penthouse Jaume I – A budget penthouse option offering unique elevated views and basic comfort at an affordable price point in the city center.

4. Montjuïc Girona – Top Place to Stay in Girona for Scenic Views

Amazing Views. Montjuïc hill gives you the best views of the whole city below. I walk up here every evening around 7 PM to watch the sunset over Girona’s rooftops. The climb takes 20 minutes from the city center, but it’s worth every step. The best viewpoint is near the old water tower – completely free and never crowded.

Quiet Neighborhood Feel. Up here feels totally different from busy downtown Girona. You’ll hear birds instead of cars, and neighbors actually say hello when you pass them. The small grocery store Can Tomàs (Carrer de Montjuïc, 15) knows everyone by name and stays open 8 AM-2 PM, 5 PM-9 PM. They sell basic supplies, fresh bread, and local wine for €6-12 per bottle.

Park Life. Parc de la Devesa is huge and perfect for morning runs or afternoon picnics. I rent bikes here at the park entrance for €15/day from Bicicletes Devesa (open 9 AM-8 PM). The park has tennis courts (€8/hour, book at the clubhouse), playgrounds, and even outdoor gym equipment that’s free to use. Weekend mornings, local families have barbecues in designated areas.

Nature Walks. The trails around Montjuïc connect to longer hiking paths leading into the countryside. I follow the yellow trail markers for easy 2-hour walks through oak forests. The red trail is tougher – 4 hours round trip to Sant Daniel monastery ruins. Trail maps cost €2 at the park information center.

Getting Around Transportation:

• Bus L2 to city center: €1.40, every 15 minutes (6 AM-11 PM)
• Walking to Barri Vell: 25 minutes downhill via Carrer Emili Grahit
• Taxi to train station: €10-12 (call Radio Taxi Girona: 972 22 23 23)
• Bike ride to cycling routes: 10 minutes to countryside via GI-524

Local Eating. Restaurant Panoramic (Carrer Panoràmic, 3) has incredible city views and serves good paella for €18 per person – book ahead for window tables. Can Xarcu (Carrer de Montjuïc, 28) makes simple grilled fish – their daily menu costs €14 and changes based on what’s fresh. Both places close Mondays.

Exercise and Sports. Besides the free outdoor gym, you’ll find jogging groups meeting Tuesday and Thursday 7 PM at the park entrance. Club Tennis Girona (€12/hour court rental) has equipment rental for €5. The swimming pool Complex Aquàtic opens June-September, entry €8 for adults, €5 for kids.

Best Hotels in Montjuïc Girona

• Flateli Montjuïc – This sophisticated apartment in the scenic Montjuïc area offers premium comfort with stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
• THE RIVERSIDE LODGE – A cozy and spacious apartment featuring upscale amenities and elegant design, perfect for travelers seeking luxury comfort near the river.
• Apartamento con Increíbles Vistas y Terraza – This premium apartment boasts incredible views and a private terrace, offering an exclusive experience with top-tier furnishings and amenities.

5. Girona Train Station Area – Best Place to Stay in Girona for Transport Access

Super Easy Travel. The train station connects you to Barcelona in 38 minutes for €15.50, and I take this train all the time. High-speed trains to Madrid leave twice daily for €45. Local trains to coastal towns like Blanes run every hour and cost €5.80. The ticket office opens at 6 AM, but you can buy tickets online or at machines 24/7.

Practical Neighborhood. This area isn’t pretty, but it works perfectly if you’re arriving late or leaving early. Supermarket Mercadona stays open until 10 PM, and there’s a 24-hour pharmacy at Carrer Barcelona, 12. Everything you need is right here. The post office at Avinguda Jaume I, 56 handles international packages and opens weekdays 8:30 AM-8:30 PM.

Quick City Access. Bus L1 takes you to the old town in 12 minutes for €1.40. I usually walk though – it’s only 20 minutes to reach Barri Vell, and you pass some nice cafes along the way. Taxis wait right outside the station and charge €8 to downtown. The walk follows Carrer Barcelona then Gran Via – totally flat and well-lit at night.

Car Rentals and Services. Europcar and Hertz have offices right at the station (open 8 AM-10 PM). Daily car rental starts at €35 for economy cars. Gas station Repsol across the street opens 24/7 and has a convenience store. Parking lots charge €1/hour or €15/day maximum.

Eating Near Station. Bar Estació (Plaça de l’Estació, 2) opens at 6 AM for early travelers and makes decent bocadillos for €4.50. For dinner, try Casa Marieta (Carrer Barcelona, 45) – their grilled chicken with potatoes costs €9 and portions are huge. McDonald’s at the station opens 24/7 if you need familiar food late at night.

Cycling Connections. Many cyclists stay here because bike boxes are easier to handle at the station. The cycling routes toward Sant Feliu or Banyoles start just 2 kilometers away. Bike shops on Carrer Barcelona rent road bikes for €30/day. Cicles Girona (Carrer Barcelona, 67) opens at 8 AM and does emergency repairs.

Internet and Communication. Free WiFi in the station waiting area works pretty well. Locutorio Internacional (Carrer Barcelona, 23) offers cheap international calls and internet access for €2/hour. The main Vodafone store nearby sells SIM cards and phone accessories.

Best Hotels Near Girona Train Station

Luxury Hotels

• Ático con Gran Terraza en el Corazón de Girona – This luxury penthouse apartment features a spectacular large terrace in the heart of Girona’s historic center with premium amenities and stunning city views.
• Juli Garreta's Apartment – An upscale apartment offering sophisticated design and high-end furnishings in a prime location with easy access to major attractions.
• New Top Floor Apt with Lot of Light & Aircon – This contemporary top-floor apartment boasts modern design, abundant natural light, and premium air conditioning for maximum comfort.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Bravissimo Falcó – A spacious 3-bedroom apartment with balcony offering excellent value for families or groups, featuring comfortable furnishings and good central location.
• Hotel BESTPRICE Girona – Budget-friendly accommodation offering clean, basic rooms with essential amenities at competitive rates in a convenient location for exploring the city.

FAQ about Visiting Province of Girona

Which Hotel Nord 1901 offers best accommodation?

Hotel Nord 1901 stands out as the premier cycling-focused Girona hotel with specialized bike facilities and early breakfast service. This boutique hotel in central Girona provides bike storage, repair services, and wellness amenities perfect for exploring the Costa Brava region.

What are best Girona hotels with breakfast?

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona serves breakfast in their elegant dining room starting at 7 AM for early risers. Most popular hotels in the center of Girona offer Catalan breakfast options, with many boutique hotels providing local specialties.

Which Hotel Palau de Bellavista offers best deals?

Hotel Palau de Bellavista Girona by URH frequently offers competitive Girona hotel deals with modern amenities and city views. This 4-star hotel provides excellent value with spacious rooms and business facilities just minutes from the old town.

Where to stay near Girona Jewish Quarter?

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona sits just 200 meters from the historic Jewish Quarter in the old town. This boutique hotel offers direct access to medieval streets and provides themed rooms based on local Catalan legends.

Which Hotel Ciutat de Girona offers best location?

Hotel Ciutat de Girona provides premium accommodation in the heart of Girona city center with easy access to major attractions. The hotel’s central location makes it perfect for exploring the Catedral de Girona and walking along the river from the old town.

What budget hotels offer best Girona hotel deals?

Ibis Budget Girona Costa Brava and Hotel Gran Ultonia provide excellent cheap hotels with modern amenities at competitive rates. Many budget accommodation options around Girona offer rooms with basic facilities perfect for exploring the city of Girona.

Which Hotel Carlemany Girona suits business travelers?

Hotel Carlemany offers reliable accommodation with meeting facilities and convenient access to both old town and modern areas. This well-established Girona hotel provides professional service and comfortable rooms for business visitors to Girona province.

Where to find best 4-star hotel deals?

Popular hotels like Hotel Palau de Bellavista and Best Western Premier CMC Girona offer luxury amenities with competitive pricing. These 4-star properties provide excellent service in central Girona with easy access to navigate Girona’s main attractions.

What selection of boutique hotels exists downtown?

Hotel Llegendes de Girona and similar boutique properties offer unique character with personalized service in the city center. These smaller hotels provide intimate experiences with Catalan charm, many within walking distance of Girona Cathedral.

Which accommodation offers perfect place to stay?

Hotel Palau Fugit and similar properties near the walls of Girona provide the ideal base for visitors wanting to explore Girona thoroughly. These hotels offer comfortable rooms in central Girona with easy access to both historical sites and modern amenities around the city.