A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Girona for Old Town, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Bonn or Girona?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Girona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bonn and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Bonn or Girona?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Girona than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Girona, Girona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Girona is very popular for its food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bonn attracts visitors for its nightlife. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also well known for The Girona Cathedral.

How is Bonn different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bonn or Girona?

Bonn
Girona

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Bonn or Girona.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Many visitors head to Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.


Is the Food Better in Bonn or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bonn
Girona

Girona is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Bonn
Girona

Bonn is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Bonn or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Bonn
Girona

Girona is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Girona has a world-famous historical area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.


Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Girona?

Bonn
Girona

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Girona both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Bonn or Girona Better for Families?

Bonn
Girona

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Bonn or Girona Better for Couples?

Bonn
Girona

Girona is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Girona is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.


Is Bonn or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn
Girona

For backpackers, both Bonn and Girona are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Girona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Bonn or Girona Better for Students?

Bonn
Girona

Bonn is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Bonn. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Is Bonn or Girona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bonn
Girona

Bonn is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bonn can get you to some places easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.


Is Bonn or Girona a more walkable city?

Bonn
Girona

Girona is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Girona is a very easy city to get around on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Girona?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bonn or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bonn 1-3 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Bonn or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bonn or Girona?

Bonn 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.

Girona is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Bonn or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the colorful destination of Girona. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bonn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The medieval city of Girona offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Bonn?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bonn is €154, while the average daily cost in Girona is €140. 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 Bonn and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bonn 85
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bonn 170
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Bonn or Girona? 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 Bonn


Hotels in Girona


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: Bonn Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bonn 23
    Girona 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

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

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Bonn 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
    Bonn 49
    Girona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bonn 34
    Girona 24

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bonn 23
    Girona 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

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

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Girona, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Girona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bonn or Girona?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Girona, 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 Bonn or Girona?

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 Bonn or Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Bonn during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Girona. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bonn 19°C (66°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Girona. The autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Girona. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bonn 12°C (53°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Girona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. Bonn is much colder than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Girona. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Girona. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bonn 3°C (37°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Girona during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Girona. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bonn 10°C (50°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Bonn

Bonn Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)