A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Giverny for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Athens or Giverny?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Giverny. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Giverny

Giverny is a picturesque, peaceful, and serene town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Athens and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Giverny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Giverny are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Athens and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Giverny and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Giverny?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Many visitors head to Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Giverny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Athens or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Athens or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Giverny?

Athens is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Athens. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Giverny Better for Families?

Athens is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Athens or Giverny Better for Couples?

Giverny is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Is Athens or Giverny Better for Students?

Athens is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with students.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Giverny is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Giverny Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Athens or Giverny a more walkable city?

Athens is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Athens?

How long in Athens or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Giverny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Giverny.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Giverny. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Athens than Giverny. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Athens that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Giverny if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.

One day in Athens or Giverny?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Giverny. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Giverny?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Giverny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Giverny?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the inspiring destination of Giverny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Giverny, we can see that Athens is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Giverny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Giverny?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 1290 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Giverny, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Athens or Giverny?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Giverny. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Giverny. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is a little warmer than Giverny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Giverny. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Giverny. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Giverny can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Giverny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Giverny averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Giverny. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Giverny. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Giverny. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Giverny and Athens