Girona in 3 Days — Friends' Fun & Vibrant Escape
A lively 3-day Girona weekend tailored for a group of friends: culture-packed Old Town strolls, market bites, cycling in the city park, kayaking at nearby Banyoles, group-friendly dinners, live music and playful city games — all paced for social energy and shared costs.
Highlights
- Sunset photos on Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel bridge)
- Group bike ride through Parc de la Devesa
- Kayak at Estany de Banyoles (day trip)
- Tapas & market session at Mercat del Lleó
- Live music and nightlife in Plaça de la Independència / JazzSí Club
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and an energetic Old Town evening: cathedral, medieval lanes, market vibes and a fun group dinner plus bar crawl.
Check in at a central hotel (Hotel Carlemany recommended)
Drop bags, confirm any group requests (table for 4–6, late check-in) and get a quick city orientation at reception.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a nearby quieter table for the group or a late-check-in option — hotels in the centre know group logistics.
- If you arrive by train, request luggage storage while you explore if rooms aren’t ready yet.
- Confirm nearby recommended routes to walk into the Old Town and ask about group taxi numbers for late nights.
Catedral de Santa Maria de Girona — quick group visit
Climb the dramatic steps, admire the wide nave and snap iconic group photos with the cathedral façade as a backdrop.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets online in advance to avoid ticket lines for a smooth group entry.
- Best light for photos is late afternoon in May — take turns on the steps (one friend can manage the camera).
- If someone prefers to skip the climb, agree a meet-up spot by the main steps so the group can split costs and time.
Banys Àrabs — atmospheric short stop
Visit the small but evocative Romanesque-style Arab Baths for a calm contrast to the cathedral bustle.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a compact site — plan a 20–30 minute stop so the group keeps energy high for the rest of the walk.
- Good photo angles: the upper gallery windows facing the courtyard — rotate members quickly to avoid crowds.
- If you’re tight on time, one person can wait outside while 2–3 friends pop in — then swap.
Stroll El Call — the Jewish Quarter & Museu d'Història dels Jueus
Wander narrow, charming lanes of the medieval Jewish Quarter and drop by the Jewish History Museum for context.
Tips from local experts:
- Take a relaxed walking pace and let the group split for photos — regroup at the museum entrance to compare shots.
- Museum offers concise exhibits — perfect for groups who like bites of history without long audio tours.
- If anyone wants more depth, arrange a short private guide for the quarter; otherwise keep it light and social.
Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel bridge) — sunset photo stop
Iconic colorful houses along the Onyar River — a must for group photos and a great pre-dinner viewpoint.
Tips from local experts:
- Golden hour in May is perfect — get there ~20–30 minutes before sunset for best light and fewer crowds.
- The bridge handles groups well; assign one person as photo director to speed up shots.
- If someone wants quieter photos, cross to the riverside walkway for a different vantage with less foot traffic.
Coffee/Break at Plaça del Vi (quick regroup)
Sit on a terrace, plan the evening and split any reservations or bills before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this stop to confirm dinner reservation details and split payments if someone pays the deposit.
- Terraces in Plaça del Vi are group-friendly — ask for one table for 4–6 to keep the group together.
- Pick up a local pastry (ensaimada/“xuixo”) to share while you relax and swap photos.
Group dinner at Casa Marieta (Plaça de la Independència)
Classic Girona restaurant with dishes that suit sharing — request a group table and share tapas/entrées.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance and mention you’re a lively group — they’ll often seat you at a bigger table.
- Order several starters to share (ideal for splitting the bill) and ask for pitchers of water/wine to save time.
- If budget-conscious, agree beforehand on shared plates vs. individual mains to keep costs even.
Night out at Plaça de la Independència — bar crawl
The plaza is the social heart of Girona at night: multiple bars, lively terraces and easy hopping for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at one terrace, then hop — pre-agree a walk-back time or meeting point so nobody gets lost.
- Many bars accept card splitting for groups of 4–6; ask before ordering to speed up the bill.
- If you want live music, ask bartenders for nearby recommendations — they know which bar has a vibe that night.
Day 2
Airy active day: market breakfast, cycling in Girona’s big city park, then an energetic afternoon kayak session at nearby Banyoles followed by tapas and live music.
Breakfast & small-plates scouting at Mercat del Lleó
Start the day sampling local cheeses, jamón, coffee and fresh pastries — great for sharing and cheap eats for a group.
Tips from local experts:
- Split up: two people can secure a table while others pick up different small bites — then regroup to share.
- Look for fresh fruit stalls for portable snacks during the bike ride and kayak trip.
- Cash helps in some stalls; plan to split the market bill after you collect everyone’s shares.
Group bike ride in Parc de la Devesa — rent & ride
Rent bikes locally and cruise Catalonia’s largest urban park — an easy, social ride good for photos and relaxed exploration.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-book a set of 4–6 bikes (or e-bikes) to secure group pricing; confirm helmets and locks included.
- Start with a loop through the park then decide on an extended river route if your group has energy.
- Keep small change for rental extras and assign one person as ride leader and another as tail for safety.
Late lunch / refuel at La Fabrica (coffee + hearty plates)
Cyclist-favorite spot with group-friendly tables — perfect to carb-load and share stories from the ride.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a long table or combine two tables for a lively group atmosphere.
- Order a few sharing plates plus mains to keep the bill manageable for everyone.
- If anyone needs to freshen up (sweaty after biking), check restroom availability and request a tucked-away table.
Transfer to Estany de Banyoles (travel time)
Short trip by car or bus to nearby Banyoles for an active afternoon on the lake — meet at a central point to board together.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a shared transfer or ask a rental car company for a 7-seat van if you want flexible timing and to keep gear together.
- Leave mid-afternoon in May to avoid the busiest rental hours and still catch long daylight at the lake.
- Have a waterproof bag for phones and wallets — discuss who’s carrying group essentials (first-aid, sunscreen).
Kayak on Estany de Banyoles — 2-hour group session
Guided or self-guided kayak session on the scenic lake — calm water, great for friendly races or relaxed paddling and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve kayaks in advance and ask for a multi-kayak/raft option so the whole group launches together.
- Bring water shoes and a lightweight windbreaker — evenings on the lake can get breezy in May.
- Pair up for tandems to share the effort and cost, and appoint a safe meeting buoy if the group splits up.
Return transfer to Girona
Head back to Girona with time to freshen up before dinner; car/bus transfer depending on your booking.
Tips from local experts:
- Charge phones during the ride and pick a central drop-off to minimize walking with wet gear.
- Split fuel/transfer costs evenly; have a payment app or cash ready to keep things smooth.
- If anyone’s keen for a quick shower at the hotel, plan a 30–45 minute buffer before dinner reservations.
Tapas crawl & relaxed dinner around Plaça de la Independència
Sample several bars and small plates — ideal social dining where everyone can try a little of everything.
Tips from local experts:
- Agree on a budget per person for the crawl and rotate who pays per stop to keep splitting fair.
- Pick one tapas spot to sit and share a big platter if the group wants a more relaxed meal.
- Try local vermouth or craft beers as affordable ways to taste local drinks without a big wine cost.
Live music at JazzSí Club (optional late-night)
Catch local jazz or acoustic sets depending on the program — intimate venue that handles an energetic group vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the club’s schedule in advance and reserve a small table; they often welcome lively groups with advance notice.
- If music is standing-room, pick a group meet-up time to avoid losing anyone in the crowd.
- Buy a round at the bar for the table to secure space during busy sets and split the bill evenly.
Day 3
Playful wrap-up: a social city game/scavenger hunt, shopping in the Old Town, an optional splurge lunch (El Celler de Can Roca), and relaxed riverside goodbyes.
Meet-up & group scavenger hunt / self-guided photo challenge (start)
A light, playful city game: split into teams for a timed photo challenge around Plaça del Vi and the Old Town — great for laughs and friendly competition.
Tips from local experts:
- Prepare simple rules (photo themes, landmarks to find) and set a 60–90 minute timer to keep the pace brisk.
- Use WhatsApp to share photos live — a fun way to judge winners and split any small prize costs.
- Make sure everyone’s charged — pick a central meeting point (Plaça del Vi) and agree on a backup plan if phones die.
Optional special lunch: El Celler de Can Roca (book well ahead)
Iconic Michelin-star dining for groups who want an unforgettable splurge — perfect as a celebratory finale (reserve months ahead).
Tips from local experts:
- This is a high-end splurge: coordinate early if your whole group wants to go and split the cost or rotate who attends.
- If only some of the group dine here, plan a nearby mid-priced alternative for others and meet after lunch.
- Confirm group seating and dietary restrictions far in advance — El Celler manages groups but needs notice.
Shopping & souvenir hunt on Carrer de la Força
Browse local craft shops, artisan stores and boutique cork/souvenir shops — great for last-minute gifts and treats.
Tips from local experts:
- Split into pairs so everyone can cover more stores; meet in 45–60 minutes to compare finds and split small purchases.
- Look for locally made food gifts (turrón, local olive oil) as group-friendly souvenirs that are easy to share.
- If someone wants to bargain, do it politely and in Catalan/Spanish phrases — most small shops appreciate friendly negotiation.
Farewell drinks by the Onyar River (relaxed photo & debrief)
Toast the trip with beers or cava by the river — a slow-paced ending where the group can trade highlights and plan the next reunion.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a riverside terrace where the staff can handle a group tab — ask to keep the bill open for easy splitting.
- Best photo spot: the colorful houses lining the river; get a wide group shot from the opposite bank.
- If anyone needs to head to the station early, schedule a final regroup time so no one misses trains.
Check-out / transfer to Girona train station
Collect luggage, settle hotel bills and take a smooth group transfer to the station for departures.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm train times and allow 45–60 minutes to reach the station, collect luggage and buy any last-minute tickets.
- If using a taxi or ride-share, group up to share the fare — ask reception to call a larger vehicle if needed.
- Have one person handle combined tips and quick cash for drivers to keep everyone moving on time.
