Girona fits the stone lanes of Barri Vell, the brightly painted Onyar houses and the rail station into one compact city. Where you stay changes the walk. The old town climbs toward the cathedral, and the west bank has flatter streets and quicker train access.
The cathedral steps, the Jewish quarter and the city walls are in Barri Vell, east of the Onyar. The lanes are atmospheric but steep and cobbled in places. If the room is high in the old quarter, ask about luggage access.
The red Pont de les Peixateries Velles crosses the Onyar to the shopping streets. Rambla de la Llibertat has arcades by the river, and Plaça de la Independència has terraces across the water.
The Eixample stretches south and west toward Girona station. It is good for early trains and easy arrivals, with a more regular street grid than Barri Vell. Parc de la Devesa, north of the center, is the shady break.
Girona is a practical base for a city break or a train trip from Barcelona. The cathedral and walls are worth walking slowly. Leave time for the stairs and viewpoints instead of treating the old town as a quick stop.