Gentle 3-Day Girona for Seniors — Comfortable, Accessible, Cultural
A relaxed, accessible 3-day itinerary through Girona in spring (May). Designed for seniors: short walks, frequent rests, step-free options where possible, calm dining and short taxi rides between sights. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming trees — ideal for gentle outdoor time in Parc de la Devesa and riverside views.
Highlights
- Girona Old Town (Barri Vell) — calm strolls along the Onyar River
- Museu d'Història dels Jueus and Museu del Cinema — compact, seated exhibits
- Parc de la Devesa — large shaded park with benches
- Mercat del Lleó — indoor market with easy access
- Short, comfortable visits to Banys Àrabs and Sant Pere de Galligants
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle orientation in the Old Town and riverside, early dinner and rest.
Hotel check‑in and settle: Hotel Gran Ultonia Girona
Arrive, check in and rest after travel. The hotel is centrally located and has elevator access to rooms, making it convenient for short transfers to nearby attractions.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a ground‑floor or low‑rise room if stairs are a concern; the hotel has lifts but quieter rooms may be on lower floors.
- Request a room near the elevator to minimize walking in corridors and to ease luggage handling.
- Confirm accessible restroom/toilet features if needed (grab bars, walk‑in shower) when you check in.
Late lunch in Plaza: Casa Marieta (calm, traditional Catalan)
Enjoy a traditional Catalan meal in the relaxed setting of Plaça de la Independència — spacious seating and a shaded plaza make this an easy first meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table inside or on the shaded side of the plaza to avoid sun and street noise.
- Request dishes that are served in smaller portions if you prefer lighter meals; staff can recommend gentle options.
- Accessible restroom available on site — staff can direct you to the easiest route to the facilities.
Gentle riverside stroll and view of the Onyar houses: Pont de les Peixateries Velles
Flat, riverside promenade with benches and plenty of photo opportunities of Girona’s colorful riverfront houses — minimal steps and mostly paved surfaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay on the wide riverwalk (Passeig de la Muralla approach is steep — avoid it) and use benches every 5–10 minutes to rest.
- The Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel-style bridge) has flat access ramps and is an ideal spot for photos without stairs.
- If you prefer not to walk from the hotel, a short taxi ride will drop you at the riverside with step-free access.
Afternoon rest back at hotel (quiet time)
Return to the hotel to relax, freshen up, and avoid late-afternoon crowds. Time to use hotel facilities or rest in-room.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to sit in the hotel lounge where chairs are higher and easier to get up from.
- If medication or a nap is needed, set an alarm and ask reception for a wake-up call to keep the evening on schedule.
- Check with reception about elevator operation times and any planned maintenance that could affect mobility.
Early dinner (calm, accessible): Divinum Girona
Relaxed, modern Catalan dining with service accustomed to varied dietary needs. Early seating reduces noise and wait times.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an early table (around 19:30) to avoid crowds and to ensure staff can provide an accessible table location.
- Ask staff for menu recommendations that are easy to eat and not overly rich — they are accommodating to seniors.
- Confirm restroom accessibility on arrival; many Girona restaurants have accessible facilities but spaces can be narrow.
Day 2
Museum visits with seating and elevators, gentle lunch, and shaded park time. Short taxi rides between points as needed.
Breakfast at hotel (easy start)
Buffet or à la carte breakfast at the hotel with seating, coffee, and options for light or full breakfasts.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table near the serving area to reduce walking with plates.
- Ask for smaller portions or separate plates if you prefer several small tastings rather than one large meal.
- Confirm the breakfast room has step-free access; request assistance with luggage trays if helpful.
Visit Museu d'Història dels Jueus (Jewish History Museum)
A compact museum in the Jewish Quarter with seated displays and generally accessible paths; take the short, flat routes through the neighborhood.
Tips from local experts:
- Enter via the flatter, main entrance on Carrer de la Força to avoid steep alleys; staff can provide the easiest route.
- The museum has benches and quieter rooms — plan short stops every 15–20 minutes and use them liberally.
- Request an elevator or accessible route inside upon arrival if stairs are present to reach any mezzanine displays.
Mid-morning coffee and light snack: Bionbo Café Gourmet
A calm spot close to the Old Town for coffee, tea and light pastries with seating and accessible entry.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table away from the front door to avoid delivery traffic and drafts.
- Order something light and hydrating, like a tea or natural juice, to keep energy steady for the afternoon.
- Confirm step-free access at the entrance; the café has several tables and staff are used to accommodating mobility needs.
Relaxed visit to Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths)
A small, atmospheric historical site with benches and a compact route — a short, low-effort cultural stop.
Tips from local experts:
- There are a few steps to enter, so request assistance or choose the gentlest access point; interiors are level once inside.
- Visit mid-morning to avoid the later tourist rush and to ensure seating is available throughout the visit.
- Limit the time inside to 30–45 minutes and sit on the benches pictured in the courtyard to rest and enjoy the architecture.
Lunch in calm setting: Mimolet (relaxed, modern menu)
Comfortable lunch with chairs at typical table heights and thoughtful, seasonal dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance and ask for quieter seating away from the bar area.
- Order dishes amendable to sharing small plates to avoid heavy portions and to sample local flavors.
- Check restroom access on arrival — staff will usually show the most accessible route.
Museu del Cinema — Col·lecció Tomàs Mallol (seated displays, elevator access)
A highly accessible museum with interesting, seated displays and lifts. Exhibits are paced and suitable for a relaxed visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the elevator inside to move between levels rather than stairs; staff can assist with directions.
- Take advantage of the benches and quiet viewing areas to rest between exhibits.
- Consider a taxi from lunch to the museum if legs are tired — it's a short ride and drivers know the easiest drop-off point.
Early evening rest and light stroll: Plaça de la Independència
A spacious, flat plaza ideal for sitting outdoors with accessible cafés and sheltered seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a café with indoor seating if you prefer climate control; cafés around the plaza often have accessible entrances.
- Sit near the square benches to rest between short walks — the plaza is mostly flat and well-paved.
- If walking back to the hotel is tiring, take a short taxi (5–10 minutes) to avoid steep streets.
Dinner at a relaxed pace (early seating)
An early, calm dinner near the hotel. Choose a place with easy seating and accessible restrooms — staff often help with comfortable seating choices.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table for around 19:00 to avoid crowds and to ensure staff can offer the best accessible spot.
- Ask for chairs with armrests if available — they make sitting and standing easier.
- Request a printed menu or slower pacing between courses so you can enjoy food without rushing.
Day 3
Market visit, monastery stop, a long shaded park visit and a calm farewell coffee before departure.
Morning visit to Mercat del Lleó (indoor market)
An indoor municipal market with stalls for fresh produce, cheeses and easy browsing. Flat floors and seating nearby for short rests.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early (market opens in the morning) for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds — easier to navigate.
- Use the main entrances for step-free access and ask vendors to show samples rather than standing for long periods.
- There are benches and cafés near the market where you can sit and watch activity without standing for long.
Short taxi to Sant Pere de Galligants (former monastery, Archaeological Museum)
A compact historic site with level interior spaces and seating; it's a calm cultural visit with shaded outdoor areas nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to drop you at the plaza in front of the monastery for the gentlest approach — minimises cobbled surfaces.
- Inside, look for benches and ask staff for the most level route; some outdoor areas are uneven so take care.
- If steps are present in parts of the church, stay in the cloister area which is flatter and still very atmospheric.
Shaded relaxation and light walk in Parc de la Devesa
Catalonia’s largest urban park — wide, flat paths, many benches and large plane trees offering continuous shade; ideal for a leisurely afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the main paved avenues which are flat and have numerous benches for frequent rests.
- Bring a light wrap even in spring — shade can be cool, and early May mornings are pleasantly crisp.
- For minimal walking, park benches along the main avenue allow you to enjoy people‑watching and the park atmosphere without long distances.
Leisurely farewell lunch nearby (calm, accessible seating)
A relaxed lunch close to the park or hotel to avoid long transfers; order lighter dishes and enjoy a slow meal before departure preparations.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a restaurant with ground-floor access and ask for a table near the restroom to reduce walking.
- Keep the meal light and hydrate well — consider soups or fish-based dishes that are easier to digest.
- If leaving later in the day, tell the restaurant staff you have a transfer so they can help pace the meal for your schedule.
Farewell coffee and packing time at hotel
Return to the hotel for coffee, final packing and to rest before travel. Hotel staff can assist with taxi bookings or luggage help.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception to arrange a taxi in advance to avoid last‑minute waiting and to ensure accessible vehicles are available.
- Use this quiet time to confirm any medication timing, tickets, or last notes for your onward travel.
- If you need help with luggage, request bell‑service assistance so you avoid carrying heavy bags on stairs or uneven streets.
