A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beaune vs. Lake Garda for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaune or Lake Garda?

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 Beaune and Lake Garda. 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.

Beaune

Beaune is a quaint, vineyard-filled, and cultural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beaune and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Beaune or Lake Garda?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lake Garda than Beaune, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lake Garda is better known for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Beaune is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Lake Garda is well known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. Also, Lake Garda is famous for Sirmione.

How is Beaune different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beaune or Lake Garda?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Beaune is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.


Is the Food Better in Beaune or Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Beaune is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Beaune is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Beaune or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Beaune or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for the beache. However, Beaune is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Lake Garda for it's beautiful beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Beaune is not a beach destination.


Is Beaune or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Beaune is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Beaune has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaune or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Beaune is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Lake Garda?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lake Garda and Beaune.

Beaune offers some nice shopping areas. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Lake Garda has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.


Is Beaune or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lake Garda is very family-friendly. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Beaune or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Beaune is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Beaune makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Couples visit Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Beaune or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lake Garda. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.


Is Beaune or Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Lake Garda can get you around easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

While Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Beaune or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Beaune
Lake Garda

Beaune is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Beaune. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Beaune Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Beaune or Lake Garda. In our opinion, Lake Garda has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lake Garda than Beaune. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda than Beaune 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 Lake Garda.


  • How many days in Beaune or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaune 2-4 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Beaune or Lake Garda?

With museums and nightlife around the culinary town of Beaune, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Beaune or Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Beaune, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Lake Garda 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 Beaune or Lake Garda?

Beaune, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Beaune or Lake Garda?

Beaune is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Lake Garda. This lake offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Beaune?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaune is €166, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beaune and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaune 83
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaune 166
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Beaune and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Beaune or Lake Garda? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Beaune


Hotels in Lake Garda


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beaune Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaune 41
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaune or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Beaune change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Beaune 54
    Lake Garda 42
Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaune 33
    Lake Garda 30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

Here are a few actual costs in Beaune for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beaune - Historic Guided Walking Tour: $395
  • Beaune - Private walking tour: $192
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains: $267
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $59
  • Paris Private Walking Street Art Tour: $87
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $60
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $187
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $191
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group full day tour in the Burgundy vineyards: $209

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
  • From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
  • Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaune 48
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

Also in Beaune, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $227
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $229
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $240
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $240
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $262
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


When comparing the travel costs between Beaune and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Beaune Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Beaune or Lake Garda?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beaune or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Lake Garda. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaune this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Beaune is cooler than Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaune this time of the year. In the summer, Beaune often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaune 21°C (70°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Beaune is around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaune in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Beaune gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaune usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaune 13°C (55°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Beaune during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beaune in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lake Garda can be very cold during winter. Beaune can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Beaune is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 3°C (38°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Beaune gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets more rain in January than Lake Garda. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaune 3°C (38°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Lake Garda. Most visitors come to Beaune for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Beaune is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Beaune usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during spring. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaune usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaune 11°C (53°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Beaune

Beaune Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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