Hotels in Barri Vell, Girona: Old Quarter Guide
Updated 13 July 2026 · 5 real hotels
Barri Vell is Girona's historic core, a compact medieval quarter built on a hill above the Onyar River, and it is the most atmospheric area in the city to stay. It suits couples, culture travellers and slow explorers who want to walk to every major sight without needing public transport. Families and light packers will appreciate the central location, though cobbled lanes and stairs make it less practical with heavy luggage.
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Staying in Barri Vell, Girona
Barri Vell, literally the "old quarter," sits on the east bank of the Onyar River and contains virtually every landmark Girona is known for: the Gothic Cathedral, the Arab Baths, the Jewish quarter (El Call), the Romanesque Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants and the long stretch of medieval city walls you can walk along for panoramic views. Streets are narrow, paved with stone, and often steep, which keeps traffic minimal and gives the neighbourhood a genuinely quiet, almost village-like feel once day-trippers leave in the evening. Hotels here range from a well-priced four-star museum hotel at around 145 €/night up to a five-star palatial property at 267 €/night, and a boutique apartment option sits comfortably in between at 219 €/night.
Because the quarter is pedestrianised in large parts, arriving by car requires planning: most properties have agreements with nearby car parks, so check directly when booking. Girona's main train station (with high-speed AVE connections to Barcelona in roughly 38 minutes and to Paris via high-speed rail) is about a 15-minute walk west across the Onyar bridges, making Barri Vell surprisingly well connected despite its medieval character. The area is best suited to guests who enjoy exploring on foot and do not mind a cobblestone climb; in return they get immediate access to some of the best-preserved medieval streetscapes in Catalonia.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona ★★★★ | Barri Vell | ★ 4.6 | 145 €/nuit |
| La Comuna by Bon Dia Residences ★★★ | Barri Vell | ★ 4.8 | 217 €/nuit |
| Apartaments Plaça del Vi ★★★★ | Barri Vell | ★ 4.7 | 219 €/nuit |
| AS Palau dels Alemanys ★★★★★ | Barri Vell | ★ 5 | 267 €/nuit |
| Hotel Palau Fugit ★★★★★ | Barri Vell | ★ 4.8 | 360 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
What is Barri Vell like as a place to stay in Girona?+
Barri Vell is the medieval walled city rising above the east bank of the Onyar River. It has a calm, lived-in atmosphere with independent restaurants, small galleries and historic monuments within a few minutes' walk of any hotel. Evenings are noticeably quieter than a typical city-centre neighbourhood, making it a good choice for travellers who want character without heavy nightlife noise.
Which hotels in Barri Vell offer the best value?+
Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona (4 stars, from 145 €/night, rated 4.6/5) is the most affordable option in the quarter and is built into a historic building themed around Girona's legends and folklore. For mid-range stays, La Comuna by Bon Dia Residences (3 stars, from 217 €/night, rated 4.8/5) and Apartaments Plaça del Vi (4 stars, from 219 €/night, rated 4.7/5) both score very highly with guests. At the top end, AS Palau dels Alemanys (5 stars, from 267 €/night, rated a perfect 5/5) and Hotel Palau Fugit (4.5 stars, from 360 €/night, rated 4.8/5) occupy restored historic palaces.
How do you get to Barri Vell from Girona train station?+
Girona's main train station is on the west bank of the Onyar, roughly a 10 to 15-minute walk from the heart of Barri Vell. Cross one of the Onyar bridges (the Eiffel-designed iron bridge is the most direct route) and follow the old walls uphill. Taxis are available at the station if you have heavy bags, and the journey takes only a few minutes by car, though drop-off points vary by street due to pedestrian restrictions.
Is Barri Vell a good base for day trips from Girona?+
Yes. Girona sits on the high-speed rail line between Barcelona (roughly 38 minutes) and the French border, so day trips are very practical. The Costa Brava coastline is accessible by regional train or bus in under an hour, and the volcanic landscape of La Garrotxa natural park is about 40 minutes by car. Staying in Barri Vell means you return each evening to a walkable, visually striking base rather than a generic hotel district.
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