5 Hidden Gems in Girona Only Locals Know

Girona keeps secrets like someone hides treasures in the back of an old drawer.Beyond the city walls, the alleys of the Jewish Quarter, and the steps of the Cathedral where everyone stops, there are corners that don’t appear in guidebooks but live in the hearts of the locals. Today, I want to share five of them with you—places that smell of history, silence, and everyday life. Places that will make you feel like you belong here.

1. La Font del Bisbe – A peaceful corner beneath the city walls

Between the Cathedral and the Passeig Arqueològic lies a small green haven that feels frozen in time. La Font del Bisbe is a quiet fountain surrounded by plants, stone benches, and the gentle sound of trickling water that invites you to sit and think about nothing. It’s the perfect spot to read, write, or simply let time pass by slowly.

2. Els Jardins dels Alemanys – Ruins, flowers, and magical sunsets

Though it’s close to one of the Old Town entrances, this garden remains surprisingly quiet. Built on the remains of a Napoleonic fortress, it’s a place where history blends with bougainvillea and postcard-worthy views of the city. Sunsets here feel intimate, almost sacred.

3. Plaça de Sant Domènec – Where time stands still

In the heart of the Barri Vell, this square often goes unnoticed by tourists—which is a blessing. The stones of the old convent, the shade from the trees, and the echo of solitary footsteps give it a monastic atmosphere. You’ll often see students from the University of Girona chatting in the sun, but everything happens in hushed tones, as if the place demands it.

4. The Air-Raid Shelter at Jardí de la Infància – Underground history

Beneath a children's playground lies one of the most moving (and least known) Civil War sites in Girona. This air-raid shelter, open to visitors during special events, holds stories of fear and hope. It’s a place that reminds us how, even in the darkest times, the city found ways to protect life.

5.The riverside path to Sant Daniel – Nature just steps away

Just a few minutes from the Old Town begins a trail that follows the Galligants River into the Sant Daniel valley. It’s an easy walk, lined with poplars and vegetable gardens, and it feels like entering another Girona—the greener, quieter one. Perfect for a walk at sunrise or sunset, and if you're up for it, a forest bath at the valley’s springs.

Girona is much more than a pretty postcard. It’s a city that reveals itself slowly, step by step, to those who take the time and look closely. If you do, it will tell you its secrets.

Do you know a hidden corner that stole your heart? Tell me in the comments.