Girona in 48 Hours — Fun, Food & Play with Friends
A lively 2-day weekend in Girona for a group of friends: historic Old Town exploration, active photo challenges and bikes, social meals at the market and plaza terraces, plus evening drinks and live music. Balanced pacing, easy splits for groups, and local tips to keep the vibe upbeat.
Highlights
- Stroll through Girona’s Old Town: Cathedral, El Call (Jewish Quarter) and the Onyar riverhouses
- Group-friendly tapas & terrace time at Plaça de la Independència
- Active photo scavenger hunt on the medieval city walls (Passeig de la Muralla)
- Relaxing bike loop through Parc de la Devesa and riverside paths
- Optional marquee dinner at El Celler de Can Roca (book well in advance)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day: drop bags, explore the Old Town on foot, relaxed lunch, an active late-afternoon photo scavenger hunt on the walls, then tapas and live music in the evening.
Arrive & Drop Bags — Hotel Carlemany Girona
Quick check-in or bag drop at a centrally located group-friendly hotel to start exploring immediately.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception to hold luggage if rooms aren’t ready — saves time for a full walking morning.
- Hotel Carlemany has concierge recommendations for group dining; request a list for tables of 4–6.
- Confirm breakfast times and whether they can prepare takeaway breakfasts if you plan an early bike ride tomorrow.
Coffee & Local Bites — Mercat del Lleó
Grab coffee and a quick local snack at Mercat del Lleó — many stalls and space for groups to sample Catalan specialties.
Tips from local experts:
- Head for a few different stalls and share plates — economical and social for groups.
- Look for fresh empanadas, local cheeses, and a vermouth stall for a shared aperitif vibe.
- There are tables nearby; ask stall staff to point you to the least crowded seating areas for groups of 4+.
Old Town Walking Tour — Cathedral, El Call & Onyar River
Self-guided or join a small group walking tour to visit Girona Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter (El Call) and the iconic riverside houses — great orientation for first-time visitors.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at Plaça del Vi or the cathedral steps — the group can split into photo teams for a playful challenge.
- Wear comfortable shoes; cobbles in El Call are uneven but make for memorable photos.
- Keep the group together at narrow streets; pick a visible meeting point (e.g., the cathedral steps) every 15–20 minutes.
Lunch on the Terrace — Plaça de la Independència
Group-friendly terrace lunch in the lively Plaça de la Independència — tapas, pizza and sharing plates are easy to split.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a single large bill or split per table; many terraces accept one receipt and divide payments app-style.
- Reserve ahead for a table for 4–6, especially on weekends — terraces fill up quickly in May.
- This square is perfect for people-watching; grab a corner table for better group photos and space for bags.
Relaxing Break — Parc de la Devesa
Short rest in Europe’s largest plane-tree park: stretch, people-watch, or do a quick picnic/beer break under the shade.
Tips from local experts:
- Parc de la Devesa is ideal for skyline photos of groups — bring a picnic blanket for a relaxed vibe.
- There’s plenty of space for playful group games (frisbee or cards) without disturbing others.
- If anyone rented bikes, this is the perfect spot to start/finish a short loop — safe paths and flat terrain.
Active Photo Scavenger Hunt — Passeig de la Muralla (City Walls)
A playful, active 90–110 minute circuit along the medieval walls with photo-challenge prompts (best skyline shot, funniest pose, hidden doorway).
Tips from local experts:
- Split into teams of 2–3 and set a small prize — keeps energy high and splits costs for any small prizes or drinks.
- Bring a portable power bank for phones; the best lookout spots invite long photo sessions.
- Check the wall sections’ opening hours — some stretches close earlier in the evening; start this in late afternoon for softer light.
Riverside Tapas & Craft Beer — Onyar River / Pont de les Peixateries Velles area
Early evening tapas crawl and craft beer along the river; lively atmosphere and plenty of group-friendly bars with outdoor seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Try hopping between two or three small bars rather than one long visit — keeps the night social and easy to split bills.
- Best photo spot: the colorful houses from the Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel-style bridge) at golden hour.
- If you’re a beer crew, ask bartenders for local craft recommendations — many places sell tasting flights for groups.
Evening Live Music / Trivia — Plaça de la Independència bars
Choose a lively terrace or nearby bar for live music or a casual trivia night (check local listings) — flexible late-night option.
Tips from local experts:
- Many bars around the plaza welcome groups; arrive by 21:00 to claim a larger table or request reservations.
- Check local weekly events (some places host trivia on weeknights) — split rounds and pool tip funds for the host.
- If the music is inside, ask for a quieter corner or step onto the terrace for group conversations between sets.
Day 2
Active morning with bikes and a relaxed cultural afternoon. Finish with a special group dinner option or a casual final evening of tapas depending on reservations.
Breakfast & Plan the Day — Hotel Carlemany Girona
Group breakfast to fuel a bike ride; confirm any afternoon reservations and decide on the evening plan (special dinner vs. casual tapas).
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to split any outstanding shared costs (transport, tour fees) — a group ledger app works well.
- Ask reception about nearby bike rentals and whether they offer group discounts or lockers.
- Reserve a time for the afternoon museum visit while breakfast energy is high.
Group Bike Loop — Parc de la Devesa to Onyar Riverside
Two-hour easy bike loop: park paths, riverside lanes and quiet streets — great for photos and light exercise. Rent bikes nearby or use hotel recommendations.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve 4–6 bikes in advance and confirm helmet availability; many local shops offer group rates.
- Plan regrouping points every 20 minutes so no one gets left behind — useful if the group’s pace varies.
- Pack a light refillable water bottle; there are fountains in Devesa and near the river for quick top-ups.
Leisurely Lunch — Casa Marieta (classic Girona dining)
Sit-down group lunch at a historic Girona restaurant — good for sharing set dishes and Catalan classics; perfect mid-day regroup.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for family-style or shared plates to keep costs communal and the experience social.
- Let the staff know you’re a group of friends — they’ll advise on menu combos that serve 4–6 easily.
- If anyone has dietary restrictions, request dishes ahead when possible to avoid waits.
Cultural Duo: Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths) + Museu d'Història dels Jueus
Two short cultural visits: the atmospheric Arab Baths for medieval architecture and the Jewish History Museum to learn Girona’s deep heritage.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy combined tickets or timed entries where possible to avoid queuing with a group.
- Arab Baths are compact — keep the group to a manageable size for comfortable movement and photos.
- At the Jewish Museum, pick one or two key rooms to focus on rather than trying to see everything; it keeps the pace social and fun.
Late Afternoon Riverside Shopping & Souvenirs
Stroll along the Onyar river and the narrow shopping lanes for local crafts, artisanal food items and last-minute gifts.
Tips from local experts:
- Split into micro-groups to cover more shops and compare souvenirs — meet back at a set time near a riverside bridge.
- Look for locally made preserves, ceramics, or small art prints which are easy to pack and split costs on group mementos.
- Many shops accept card, but bring a bit of euros for small artisanal purchases and street vendors.
Optional Special Dinner — El Celler de Can Roca (book in advance)
Marquee Michelin-starred experience for groups who pre-book — unforgettable tasting menu and a true Girona highlight. Alternative: casual tapas if bookings aren’t available.
Tips from local experts:
- Book months in advance for El Celler de Can Roca and confirm group menus and payment split options; consider pooling funds beforehand.
- If El Celler is full, reserve a large table at a nearby traditional restaurant (many accept groups) to keep the evening social and relaxed.
- Dress smart-casual and confirm arrival time; large groups may be split across service stages — plan a post-dinner meet-up spot for drinks.
