Força Vella
Step back in time in Força Vella, Girona's ancient heart, where Roman walls meet medieval charm and Game of Thrones magic.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Força Vella
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time in Força Vella, Girona's ancient heart, where Roman walls meet medieval charm and Game of Thrones magic.
"Girona itself is lovely. Just avoid this scam of a restaurant."
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and ancient paths demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
🗺️ Wander Without a Plan
The magic of Força Vella is in its hidden alleys. Get lost and discover charming spots!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roman Walls of Força Vella
Outer perimeter of the historic quarter
Walk along ancient Roman ramparts offering panoramic city views. A true step back in time!

Girona Cathedral
Plaça de la Catedral
Majestic Gothic cathedral with a stunning Baroque facade. Its wide staircase is iconic.

Onyar River Houses
Along the Onyar River
Colorful medieval houses lining the riverbanks, a picturesque and iconic Girona sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Força Vella
Navigating Girona's Old Town
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and ancient paths demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
🗺️ Wander Without a Plan
The magic of Força Vella is in its hidden alleys. Get lost and discover charming spots!
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant Onyar river houses are a photographer's dream. Visit during golden hour!
🐉 Game of Thrones Spotting
Fans can find filming locations from the show scattered throughout the old town.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and ancient paths demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
🗺️ Wander Without a Plan
The magic of Força Vella is in its hidden alleys. Get lost and discover charming spots!
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant Onyar river houses are a photographer's dream. Visit during golden hour!
🐉 Game of Thrones Spotting
Fans can find filming locations from the show scattered throughout the old town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for establishments within Força Vella are overwhelmingly negative, citing them as overpriced tourist traps with poor quality food and rude service. Many visitors recommend avoiding specific restaurants and enjoying the beautiful city of Girona itself.
"Dreadful place, almost put us off Girona! Tapas expensive, and 5 euro will buy you 7 frozen calamari rings. The wine was harsh. We were persuaded in by a woman outside who led us to believe this was the same restaurant as the tables outside across the street. It isn't. Rip off, quality poor and service surly. No stars."
Tina Fothergill
"Rubbish 'Tourist trap' that serves warm beer and carton orange juice. Service is rubbish as they are trying to get more customers all the time, so left and had dinner at a much better place across the square, so can only imagine how bad the food is."
Tom Thornton
"Worst food and highest price so far in Girona. They don't add prices to their menu. Guess why!
Scum of Girona.
(Girona itself is lovely. Just avoid this scam of a restaurant.)"
Christopher Bratt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Girona Airport (GRO), you can take a taxi to the city center for around €30, or opt for a bus service. While buses can be a bit daunting late at night, they are a more budget-friendly option.
Absolutely! Força Vella is the historic heart of Girona and is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are often cobblestoned.
Access for private vehicles into the core of Força Vella is restricted. It's best to park in designated public parking areas outside the historic center and walk in.
Girona is well-served by buses and trains. Within the city, walking is the primary way to explore Força Vella, but local buses connect different parts of the city.
The Girona train station is a short walk, about 15-20 minutes, from the Força Vella. You can also take a local bus or a taxi if you prefer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Força Vella itself is an open historic quarter, so there are no tickets required to enter. You can wander freely through its streets and squares.
Access to walk along sections of the Roman walls and ramparts is generally free. Some specific towers or viewpoints might have a small fee.
As an open historic district, Força Vella is accessible 24/7. However, individual attractions within it, like the Cathedral or museums, will have their own operating hours.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings, especially outside of peak summer season. Early mornings or late afternoons can also offer a more peaceful experience.
Yes, numerous guided tours are available, focusing on history, Game of Thrones filming locations, or general city exploration. Booking in advance is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful Onyar River houses, the Girona Cathedral's grand staircase, and panoramic views from the medieval walls are top photo spots. Don't miss the narrow alleys!
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for photographing the historic architecture and riverfront. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historic city centers like Força Vella due to privacy and safety regulations. Always check local drone laws before flying.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide cityscapes and street details. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the narrow streets and architecture.
Photography is usually permitted inside the Girona Cathedral, but flash is often prohibited to protect the artwork and interiors. Be respectful of worshippers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While some reviews mention tourist traps with expensive, low-quality tapas, exploring side streets away from the main squares can lead to more authentic and reasonably priced options. Look for places with locals.
Yes, you can find more affordable options by seeking out local bakeries for pastries and sandwiches, or small cafes away from the most tourist-heavy areas.
Catalan cuisine features fresh ingredients, with dishes like 'escudella' (stew), 'crema catalana' (dessert), and excellent seafood. Tapas are also popular.
Some restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the Onyar River or the Cathedral. However, be mindful that these can sometimes be more expensive.
Be wary of restaurants that aggressively solicit customers from the street or have menus without prices, as these can sometimes be tourist traps with poor quality and high prices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a scavenger hunt for historical landmarks or Game of Thrones filming spots to keep younger ones entertained. While the terrain can be uneven with cobblestones, it's generally manageable with a stroller for younger children. Pack snacks and water, as finding kid-friendly, quick bites might require venturing slightly off the main tourist paths.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Consider joining a free walking tour or a Game of Thrones themed tour to meet other travelers and gain deeper insights into the city's history and filming locations. The Roman walls offer great vantage points for solo reflection and photography.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the Girona Cathedral and its grand staircase, a popular spot for architectural shots. Exploring the medieval ramparts provides opportunities for panoramic cityscapes and interesting textures. The narrow, winding streets of the Barri Vell also offer endless possibilities for street photography, capturing the essence of this ancient quarter.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roman Origins of Força Vella
Walking along the Passeig Arqueològic (Archaeological Walkway) allows you to trace the path of these ancient fortifications. This elevated walkway, lined with landscaped gardens, follows the line of the medieval walls and offers sweeping views over the city and surrounding landscape. It's a peaceful way to connect with the history of Força Vella and imagine the city as it was millennia ago.
While much of the Roman structure has been built upon or altered by subsequent eras, the very existence and layout of the Força Vella are testaments to its Roman origins. The well-protected defensive rampart was a key feature, ensuring the settlement's security. This historical layering is what makes Força Vella so fascinating, showcasing the evolution from Roman stronghold to medieval center and beyond.
Girona's Medieval Charm and Game of Thrones
For fans of the hit series Game of Thrones, Força Vella holds a special allure. The city's well-preserved medieval character made it a perfect filming location for the fictional city of Braavos. Scenes featuring the Girona Cathedral and its grand staircase, as well as various alleyways and squares within the Força Vella, were famously used in the show. This connection has drawn many visitors eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters, particularly Arya Stark.
Exploring the Barri Vell is an immersive experience. You can wander through the same streets where pivotal Game of Thrones moments unfolded, imagining the drama and intrigue. The Onyar River houses, with their vibrant colors, add another layer of visual appeal to the medieval setting, creating a picturesque backdrop that feels both historic and alive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit