Girona is a charming city located in the province of Girona, in northeastern Catalonia, just one hour from Barcelona, very close to the Costa Brava and the French border. With a perfectly preserved medieval old town, internationally recognized gastronomy, and a year-round cultural agenda, Girona city has established itself as one of the most attractive urban destinations in the world.
If you are planning to visit Girona and wonder where to stay in central Girona, choosing a well-located hotel like Hotel Carlemany is key to exploring the city on foot and making the most of its cultural and gastronomic offerings.
What to see and do in Girona?
The city combines heritage, culture, and unique gastronomic experiences. Among the must-see attractions in Girona are:
- El Barri Vell, one of the best-preserved old towns in Europe.
- Girona Cathedral and its impressive staircase.
- The Jewish Quarter (El Call Jueu), one of the most important Jewish neighborhoods of the Middle Ages in Spain.
- The iconic colorful houses along the Onyar River.
- The Passeig de la Muralla with panoramic city views.
But Girona is much more. In addition to these emblematic spots, there are museums, historic squares, charming bridges, and corners full of history that complete the experience. At Hotel Carlemany you will find more points of interest in Girona listed with exact distances from the hotel, so you can organize your visit comfortably on foot.
To make sure you don’t miss anything, Hotel Carlemany also has a specific section “What to do in Girona” with an updated monthly agenda featuring the city’s most iconic events: festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural activities.
Some of the most notable Girona festivals throughout the year are:
Girona Fair
The Fires de Sant Narcís, held at the end of October, are Girona’s main festival. For over a week, the city fills with concerts, amusement rides, family activities, and traditional events. It is one of the liveliest times of the year.
Temps de Flors
Girona Temps de Flors takes place in May and transforms the Barri Vell into a large flower festival. Monuments, courtyards, and staircases are decorated with temporary artistic installations attracting visitors from around the world.
Temporada Alta
The Temporada Alta festival is one of the most prestigious cultural events in southern Europe. Theater, dance, and performing arts fill Girona and Salt from autumn to winter, establishing the city as a cultural reference.
Girona restaurants and its gastronomic scene
Girona is a city where gastronomy is part of its identity. Most restaurants in Girona work with local and seasonal products, focusing on high-quality cuisine. Many of them are located in the city center, close to the hotel.
Within Hotel Carlemany itself, the gastronomic offering is a city reference. The Restaurant Pati Verd stands out for its market-based cuisine using fresh, local products, making it ideal for both gourmet meals and large events, celebrations, and groups in Girona. Its elegant and spacious setting makes it one of the top-rated restaurants for events in the city center.
Next to it, the Restaurant Indigo offers a more contemporary proposal in a modern and cozy atmosphere. And the Carlemany Cafeteria, located in the main square and shopping area, is a quiet spot perfect for breakfasts, coffees, or informal meetings, especially pleasant in good weather.
The culinary culture in Girona is also shaped by the Roca brothers, internationally recognized for their restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, and by smaller establishments bringing gourmet gastronomy to everyone, such as Rocambolesc, with surprising flavors like violet ice cream; Casa Cacao, offering artisanal creations; or La Bikineria, specializing in gourmet sandwiches.
Typical Girona cuisine
Talking about typical Girona cuisine begins with its most emblematic product: the traditional xuixo de Girona, a cream-filled pastry sprinkled with sugar, a must in any visit to the city. They can be tasted in various patisseries in the center, such as Fleca Oriell, just 7 minutes on foot from Hotel Carlemany.
But Girona cuisine goes far beyond the xuixo. In the Girona province, specialties include sweet botifarra, anchovies from l’Escala, rice dishes, the famous Girona apple, meats, and a wide tradition of artisanal sausages and cheeses.
All of this is complemented by local wines and spirits, especially from the DO Empordà, offering a rich, varied, and deeply local gastronomic experience.
Girona, a bike-friendly city
Girona is a major European destination for cycling. Internationally recognized as a bike-friendly city, it combines a mild climate for much of the year, quiet secondary roads, and a wide variety of routes connecting the inland with the Costa Brava. From iconic climbs like Els Àngels to panoramic routes towards Empordà or coastal paths with Mediterranean views, cycling in Girona offers options for professionals and amateurs alike. The city also has specialized shops, technical workshops, and cycling-friendly cafés.
Hotel Carlemany is a bike-friendly hotel in central Girona that offers specific services for cyclists. It features a 24-hour monitored bike storage, maintenance area with tools, cleaning zone, route guidance, and all necessary amenities for those traveling with a bike. Its strategic location allows direct access from the hotel to some of the most iconic cycling routes in Girona, making it ideal for both sports getaways and training stays.
Beautiful towns of Girona and their beaches
Girona city is the starting point to discover some of the most beautiful towns in the province and the best beaches of the Costa Brava. A few kilometers from Girona center, you will find charming destinations such as Calella de Palafrugell, Begur, Pals, or Peratallada, which combine medieval history, cobbled streets, and Mediterranean views. Nearby, there are also iconic coves like Cala Sa Tuna and various coastal trails running along cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Hotel in central Girona to explore the city
If you are looking for a hotel in central Girona, well-connected, with on-site gastronomic services and suitable for both urban tourism and cycling tourism, Hotel Carlemany Girona is your choice.
In the commercial heart and just minutes from the historic center, you can explore the city on foot, enjoy its gastronomy, and experience its most emblematic events comfortably.
