Experience in Girona, Spain by Alvaro

What is it like to live in Girona? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Girona is a small city situated at the north-east of Catalonia. It has long history and rich culture. Its downtown is worth a weekend! I would definetly recomend it to couples or families looking for a break. Beautiful beaches and Pyrenees are both at 50 min driving. Barcelona at only 100 km.

What is the student lifestyle like in Girona?

As I've always lived in Girona my opinion is influenced by many factors. However, exchange students find Girona a beautiful destination to spend some months living in it.

How much does it cost to live in Girona?

Girona is not a cheap city but neither is expensive. There are plenty of cities in Spain (mostly located at the south of the country) that are way more cheaper than Girona, though.
Supermarkets are cheap and you can easly find a room for 220€ per month. Restaurants at the downtown are a bit more expensive but a meal outdoors may cost you 10-17€.

Note: I'm just thinking average, Girona has a wide range of costs.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Girona? Is there any advice you can give?

I don't think so. It may be easy to find a room out there. University of Girona has a webservice to help you find accommodation:
www.udg.edu/sau
You can also visit the three different University's campus to find offers and advertisements.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Spain has a good cousine and Girona is not an exception. Traditional catalan foods are easily found in home-cooked restaurants.
"Escudella" is a kind of soup recomended at winter. It can be mixed with meat, fish, vegetables or even both at the time. It warms up all your body.
Any kind of meat (pork, beef, chiken...) is a good option.
We also eat fish and plenty of different vegetables.
If you are an adventurer try eating "Cargols en llauna". Go on, search it on Google.
Yeap, they are snails! In Catalonia we eat them and they turn out to be one of my favourites dishes.
A traditional bread-like food is "Xuxo".

What places would you recommend visiting in Girona?

The Cathedral, Sant Felix, Banys Arabs and in general all the downtown. You may want to walk from Plaça Catalunya to Plaça Independència following the Onyar river.

Is it good to eat out in Girona? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are a few restaurants in Girona called König (means king in German language) and many people eat there although it doesn't serve Spanish food.
I recomend walking around the Downtown reading the menus.
A restaurant that never fails me with traditional catalan food is "Lloret" located in Plaça Independencia. They close on weekends.

Is the nightlife good in Girona? Where is good to go?

Not very good. There are a few pubs and discos located near Plaça Independència and the general Post Office and others in the Downtown. You may have a look at them.

What advice would you give future students heading to Girona?

Give a chance to Girona's culture and history, downtown buildings and art. Meet at cafes near the Onyar river to meet new people.
You can't miss the local celebration (patronage festival) held the October 29th. Girona dresses up with its best suit.