Onyar River Houses Girona
Girona's iconic Onyar River houses boast vibrant facades reflecting in the water, set against a backdrop of medieval charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Onyar River Houses Girona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Girona's iconic Onyar River houses boast vibrant facades reflecting in the water, set against a backdrop of medieval charm.
"Spectacular images of brightly painted facades overlooking the Onyar River provide the most emblematic image of the city."
📸 Best Photo Spots
Pont de Pedra offers classic views; try early morning or golden hour for fewer crowds and better light.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the old town and city walls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Onyar River Houses
Along the Onyar River
Vibrantly painted facades reflecting in the water, creating a picturesque, almost painterly, scene.
Pont de Pedra
Crossing the Onyar River
Offers the most classic viewpoint of the Onyar River houses and the cathedral.
Girona Cathedral
Plaça de la Catedral
A stunning Gothic cathedral with a magnificent facade, visible from the riverbanks.
Passeig de la Muralla
City Walls
Walk along the ancient medieval walls for panoramic views of the city and river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Colors
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spots
Pont de Pedra offers classic views; try early morning or golden hour for fewer crowds and better light.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the old town and city walls.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring a hat and sunscreen, especially if walking the city walls, as there's little shade.
🗺️ Get Lost in the Old Town
Wander through the narrow medieval streets; it's part of the charm!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Pont de Pedra offers classic views; try early morning or golden hour for fewer crowds and better light.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the old town and city walls.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring a hat and sunscreen, especially if walking the city walls, as there's little shade.
🗺️ Get Lost in the Old Town
Wander through the narrow medieval streets; it's part of the charm!
🍰 Try a Xuixo
Don't miss this local sweet pastry, a Girona specialty! Pronounced 'shoo-shoo'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Girona's charming old town, its picturesque Onyar River houses, and the well-preserved medieval architecture. Many enjoy getting lost in the narrow streets, discovering unique shops and cafes, and the overall historical ambiance. While generally well-received, some find it can be a bit quiet outside of peak tourist times.
"A charming old town. Very easy to get lost in the little streets, stopping by the many merchants, picking up snacks, sweets, or an espresso. Wonderful architecture. I really don't know what I am doing "reviewing" a portion of a city, but, such is Google in 2025. I just felt it necessary to echo the sentiments of others that this is a "must do" if you're in the area. Our drive over from Begur was fairly quick and very easy."
Jaded Old Guy
"There are lots of old buildings, all packed together but not in a bad way. There are also small shops that all have their own unique style, and cute cafes. If you want to go for a walk and learn about history, this is the place to go."
Dilshat Hopur
"Girona offers spectacular images of steep alleyways, porticoed streets and squares and, above all, the brightly painted façades of the houses overlooking the Onyar (the river that crosses the city) which provide the most emblematic image of the city. One of these houses is Casa Masó, which is open to the public. Of particular interest among the bridges that span the river are the slender and lightweight Gómez bridge and the Palanques Vermelles bridge (1827), which was built by the Eiffel company."
Juan Vicente “JuanVicenteViews”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Onyar River Houses are located in the heart of Girona. If you're arriving by train, the station is a short walk (about 10-15 minutes) to the riverfront. Many visitors also make a day trip from Barcelona, which is about an hour's train ride away.
Yes, Girona's old town is very walkable. The river houses are easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city center.
Driving directly to the riverfront is not recommended due to pedestrian zones and limited parking. It's best to park in a public car park on the outskirts of the old town and walk.
The most convenient way is by train from Barcelona Sants station. High-speed trains (AVE or Avant) take around 38 minutes, while regional trains take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Yes, several bridges offer great views. The Pont de Pedra is a popular spot for photos of the houses. The Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles) is also notable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Onyar River Houses from the outside is free. You can walk along the riverbanks and cross the bridges to admire them.
The area itself is public space. However, if you wish to visit specific attractions like Casa Masó (one of the houses open to the public) or the Girona Cathedral, there may be separate entrance fees.
The river houses can be viewed at any time, day or night. The best experience is during daylight hours for photography and to appreciate the colors.
For attractions like the Cathedral or museums, it's advisable to check their official websites for current opening hours and ticket purchase options, especially during peak season.
Yes, many guided tours of Girona include a walk along the Onyar River and highlight the history of the houses.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers the most beautiful light, making the colors of the houses incredibly vibrant and their reflections in the water stunning.
The Pont de Pedra is a prime spot for classic shots. Other bridges like the Eiffel Bridge also offer unique perspectives.
Experiment with reflections in the river. Consider capturing the houses with the cathedral in the background for a more complete scene.
Yes, the houses are often illuminated at night, offering a different, romantic ambiance for photography.
For vibrant colors, consider using a slightly warmer white balance. A wider lens can help capture the full facades and their reflections.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A must-try is the 'xuixo' (pronounced 'shoo-shoo'), a sweet pastry filled with cream.
There are many cafes and restaurants along the river and in the charming old town. You can find everything from casual tapas bars to more upscale dining options.
Yes, look for local bakeries for pastries and sandwiches, or explore tapas bars for more budget-friendly meals.
Absolutely! Many cafes along the river offer outdoor seating with lovely views of the colorful houses.
Besides xuixos, try 'pa amb tomàquet' (bread with tomato), 'escudella i carn d'olla' (a hearty stew), and various seafood dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the Passeig de la Muralla (city walls) can feel like a real-life quest, offering great views and a sense of discovery. The Jewish Quarter with its narrow, winding streets is also fun to explore, and you can make a game out of finding hidden corners. Don't forget to treat the kids to a 'xuixo' pastry – it's a sweet and fun local experience they'll love!
+1 Many of the city's attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to navigate with little ones. Consider a guided tour that's tailored for families to keep them engaged with stories and history. 📸 Photographers
+1 Experiment with different angles from the various bridges, including the iconic Pont de Pedra and the Eiffel Bridge. The Girona Cathedral provides a majestic backdrop, and its intricate details are worth capturing. Beyond the river, explore the medieval streets of the Old Town for atmospheric shots with dramatic light and shadow.
The Passeig de la Muralla offers sweeping cityscapes and unique perspectives of the rooftops and the river winding through the city. Look for charming details like ancient doorways, wrought-iron balconies, and hidden plazas to add depth to your portfolio. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Engaging with the local culture is easy, whether it's trying a xuixo from a bakery
or enjoying tapas at a local bar. The Passeig de la Muralla offers a peaceful walk with stunning views, ideal for quiet contemplation. Girona's manageable size means you can see a lot without feeling rushed, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed solo exploration. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of the Onyar River Houses
+1 The palette of warm yellows, oranges, and reds was chosen to reflect the Catalan spirit and the surrounding landscape. Architecturally, these houses are characterized by their narrow, tall structures, a common feature in medieval urban planning to maximize space. Many have balconies that overhang the river, creating a unique visual effect.
Some of these houses are now private residences, while others have been converted into shops, restaurants, or even museums like Casa Masó, designed by the renowned architect Rafael Masó. The bridges spanning the Onyar are also integral to the experience. The Pont de Pedra offers a classic, central viewpoint, while the Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles), built by Gustave Eiffel's company, adds a touch of industrial heritage to the picturesque scene.
Exploring Girona's Medieval Charm
+1 From atop the walls, you can gain a panoramic perspective of the city, including the Onyar River and its houses, as well as the surrounding hills. The Jewish Quarter (El Call) is one of the best-preserved in Europe, with its labyrinthine narrow streets, ancient stone archways, and hidden courtyards.
+1 Wandering through these alleys feels like stepping back in time. Don't miss the Girona Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure with a striking Baroque facade and an impressive nave, which dominates the city skyline. +1Other historical gems include the Arab Baths (Banyys Àrabs), a Romanesque building with Moorish influences, and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture that now houses the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia.
The city's rich history, spanning over 2,000 years, is palpable in every corner. 
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