Girona is a city that feels like walking through a living history book. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding streets, and ancient walls make it a prime spot for exploring Spain’s past. We particularly love how many of the tours focus on the city’s Jewish quarter, which dates back over a thousand years, or the Roman and medieval layers that still shape the landscape today. A walking tour such as the Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour offers a lively introduction, blending history, local legends, and even a taste of Girona’s tasty food scene. Whether you’re after a quick overview or a deep dive into Jewish heritage, Girona offers a variety of options to suit different interests and schedules.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best historical tours in Girona covers a wide range of experiences. There are short, 2-hour walking tours perfect for a quick orientation (Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour), specialized Jewish heritage walks that explore one of Spain’s most significant Jewish communities (Girona Jewish Heritage small group from Girona), and private, in-depth explorations of the city’s layered history (Girona Private History Tour). For those wanting to explore beyond Girona, there’s also a full-day Jewish Heritage tour with Besalu. Each offers something unique, whether it’s food, architecture, or stories of resilience and conquest.
1. Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting
At number 1, this walking tour combines the city’s medieval architecture, local legends, and culinary treats in a compact 2-hour package. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want a lively, well-rounded introduction to Girona. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore the Jewish Quarter, crossing the Pont de Pedra with its stunning views, and stroll through La Rambla, once an open market. The tour also features a visit to the Girona Cathedral with its impressive Gothic nave and the romantic Pujada de Sant Domenec, a spot that’s also famous as a Game of Thrones filming location. The tour culminates with a tasting of Girona’s regional treats, adding a flavorful layer to your historical journey.
The guide’s engaging storytelling makes history come alive, with plenty of personal anecdotes and legend. The flexible schedule allows you to pick a departure time that suits your plans, making it a convenient choice. Reviewers love Johnny, their guide, for his lively approach and attention to detail, plus the opportunity to discover hidden streets and enjoy local pastries. The small group format ensures a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, engaging, and delicious overview of Girona’s past, this tour balances history, food, and fun.
2. Girona Jewish Heritage small group from Girona
At number 2, this Jewish heritage tour dives deeper into one of Girona’s most fascinating chapters. The Jewish quarter, known as “El Call,” was once the largest in Spain, housing around 1,000 people during medieval times. The tour focuses on this vibrant history, visiting the Museum of Jewish History, where entry is included, and discovering the sites of three former synagogues before the 1492 expulsion. Your guide will highlight stories of Nahmanides, a medieval Jewish scholar who lived here, and explain the community’s rise and tragic fall.
This tour stands out because it’s a small group experience—up to 10 people—meaning more personal interaction and attention to detail. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides like Pete and Miguel, who bring history alive with stories and insights. The visit to the museum offers a tangible connection to the Jewish community’s long presence in Girona and Spain.
This tour is ideal for those particularly interested in Jewish history and culture, or visitors wanting a more in-depth, meaningful exploration. The 3-hour itinerary balances walking, museum visits, and storytelling, providing a comprehensive look at Girona’s Jewish past.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice if you want to understand Girona’s Jewish history in detail, with expert guides and a focus on cultural significance.
3. Girona Private History Tour
Number 3 is the Girona Private History Tour, offering a tailored experience for up to 8 people. For around $308, you get a 3-hour private walk through the city’s Roman, Jewish, medieval, and modern layers. Your guide, Monica or Ona, will customize the route based on your interests, taking you along the old walls, bridges over the Onyar River, and through the historic neighborhoods. This tour doesn’t include inside visits to monuments, but it offers a detailed overview of Girona’s urban development and key sites.
Reviews highlight how personable and knowledgeable guides like Ona make history accessible and engaging. Because it’s private, it’s ideal for travelers who prefer a flexible, customized approach without the crowds. The focus on walking the city’s streets gives you a tactile sense of how Girona’s past has shaped its present.
Best suited for small groups or couples seeking a personalized experience, this tour offers a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to Girona’s many historical layers. If you want an intimate exploration with expert narration, it’s a top pick.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prioritize customization and personal attention, and who want to explore Girona at their own pace.
4. Girona and Besalu, Jewish History tour Small Group from Girona
Number 4 takes you beyond Girona with the Girona and Besalu Jewish History Tour, a full-day adventure spanning about 8 hours. It includes a guided walk through Girona’s Jewish quarter and a visit to the medieval town of Besalu, renowned for its well-preserved 12th-century Miqve (Jewish bath) and stone bridge. The tour explores the Jewish community’s influence in both towns, visiting the museum, the Miqve, and walking the medieval streets of Besalu, which feels like stepping back in time.
This tour offers a well-rounded perspective on Jewish life in medieval Spain, with expert guides who bring stories of resilience and community to life. The reviews often mention how the guides, like Mike and Carmen, make history vivid and personal. The combination of Girona and Besalu is perfect for those with an interest in medieval Jewish architecture and history, or travelers eager to see a beautiful, historic town.
While it’s a longer day, the richness of the sites and the chance to explore two historic towns makes it a worthwhile investment. The inclusion of the Miqve, one of Europe’s best-preserved, is a highlight for history enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an immersive, full-day experience of Jewish history and medieval architecture in two stunning towns.
5. Girona: Jewish Heritage Tour with Museum Entry
Rounding out the list, the Girona Jewish Heritage Tour with Museum Entry offers a comprehensive look at Girona’s Jewish past in a single day. Led by a local Jewish guide, you’ll explore the Jewish Quarter and visit the Museum of Sephardic History to learn about Jewish culture and traditions. The tour also includes a visit to the monument to Anne Frank, linking Girona’s history to the broader narrative of Jewish resilience.
This tour emphasizes storytelling about the inquisition, expulsions, and survival, providing context about how Jewish communities thrived and suffered. While the price is higher at $317 for a group up to 8, the inclusion of museum entry and the depth of historical and cultural insights make it a valuable experience.
Suitable for those interested in a comprehensive, guided exploration with inside visits, the tour offers a broad and meaningful perspective on Girona’s Jewish history. It’s particularly appealing if you want to combine walking, museum visits, and historical storytelling in one package.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking an all-in-one Jewish heritage experience with museum access and expert guidance, this tour fits the bill.
How to Choose Your Perfect Girona Historical Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, schedule, and what kind of experience you’re after. For a quick overview that combines walking, food, and stories, the Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour is ideal. If you’re passionate about Jewish history and want a deeper dive, the small group Jewish heritage tour or full-day Jewish Heritage + Besalu offer greater detail and context.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Private Girona Tour provides flexibility and intimacy. And if you want a comprehensive, museum-inclusive overview, the Jewish Heritage Tour with Museum Entry is hard to beat.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to dedicate, and whether your interest is primarily in Jewish history, medieval architecture, or general Girona stories. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred tour and time slot.
Girona offers a wealth of history waiting to be uncovered. From short, lively walks to in-depth explorations of its Jewish community, these tours provide a variety of ways to experience its stories. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply curious about Spain’s past, Girona’s ancient streets won’t disappoint. Pick your tour, lace up your walking shoes, and enjoy every detail of this fascinating city.