Girona

Where to stay in Girona

Girona is a walkable city, but not every neighbourhood feels the same when you're hauling a suitcase. The real decision comes down to this: sleeping inside the Barri Vell puts you steps from the Cathedral and the colourful houses over the Onyar, but you'll pay 30–50% more and deal with cobblestones, steep streets, and buildings without lifts. Cross to the other bank of the river, the Mercadal, and you get lifts, car access, and still only a 5-minute walk to the old town. The Eixample and the station area are the cheapest and most practical if you're arriving by high-speed train, at the cost of a 15–20-minute walk to the centre. For context: the average hotel in Girona is around €95/night — use that as your benchmark and you'll quickly see that the historic centre goes well above it, while the Eixample comes in well below. Our advice: prioritise where you'll land with your luggage and how many nights you're staying before worrying about the neighbourhood's Instagram potential.

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Best areas to sleep

Barri Vell (Casco Antiguo)

Best for: first visit and couples without a car

You sleep inside the postcard: the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and the colourful houses over the Onyar right around the corner. It's the most photogenic area and the best for getting around entirely on foot. The downsides are real: steep cobbled streets, many hotels without lifts, no car access, and virtually no parking. If you're arriving with large suitcases or have reduced mobility, you'll struggle. You pay for the location — up to 30–50% more than in the Eixample.

Indicative price: 120-180 €/noche (boutique, temporada media-alta)

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Mercadal

Best for: best price-to-location balance

The other bank of the Onyar, right opposite the old town. This is where you'll find the best balance: modern hotels with lifts, the option to arrive by car, and the historic centre just a 5-minute walk away. A genuine local atmosphere, with the Plaza de la Independencia and its terraces as the social hub. Prices sit around the city average. Downside: the bar streets get noisy on weekend nights — if that bothers you, ask for an interior room when booking.

Indicative price: 80-120 €/noche (doble, temporada media)

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Eixample (Ensanche)

Best for: tight budget and families

The modern grid west of the station. Don't expect charm: it's neighbourhood life with supermarkets, pharmacies, and unremarkable 20th-century architecture. In return, it's the most practical and affordable option, with lifts, parking, and the high-speed train to Barcelona (38 minutes) right on your doorstep. You're 15–20 minutes on foot from the Cathedral, so factor in daily walking, and the wide avenues carry traffic noise. Ideal if you're passing through or keeping a close eye on the budget.

Indicative price: 60-90 €/noche; hostales desde 30-40 €

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Pedret / Sant Pere

Best for: longer stays and families seeking peace and quiet

The northern edge of the old town, next to the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. A quiet, residential neighbourhood where tourist apartments outnumber hotels. It works really well for families with young children or longer stays where you value peace and a kitchen of your own. The downside: supply is limited and it fills up fast, so book ahead; and there are no shops or nightlife nearby — you'll have to head down to the centre to eat out.

Indicative price: 70-110 €/noche (apartamento 2-4 pers.)

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Average hotel price

Reference price for one night in Girona (mid-range double room). Prices rise in high season and during the big festivals.

Hotel night (mid-range double)

95 €

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to sleep in Girona for a first visit?

The Barri Vell if you're travelling without a car and want everything on foot: the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter and the river right on your doorstep. If you have large suitcases or want a lift and the option to park, the Mercadal puts you 5 minutes from the old town without those headaches. Those two neighbourhoods cover 90% of first visits.

Is it expensive to sleep in the old town of Girona?

Yes, it's the most expensive area — between 30 and 50% above the Eixample. A boutique hotel in the Barri Vell starts at €120–180/night in mid-to-high season, compared to €60–90 in the Eixample. The city average is around €95, so the historic centre clearly goes well above that figure.

Where should you NOT stay in Girona?

Avoid the southern Eixample (the Fontajau roundabout or the industrial estate): cheap hotels but nothing around them and you'll depend on taxis. Don't head out to Caldes de Malavella or Banyoles either if you want to explore Girona on foot — you'll need a car. And if you're sensitive to noise, steer clear of the Mercadal bar streets on weekends.

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Verified: 2026-06-10