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

Should you visit Bonn or Giverny?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Giverny? 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 outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. 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. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Bonn and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Bonn or Giverny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Giverny. Although Bonn and Giverny are popular destinations, Giverny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Giverny is very popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Giverny is more touristy than Bonn and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. It is also well known for The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Giverny 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 Giverny?

Bonn
Giverny

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Bonn or Giverny.

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 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 Bonn or Giverny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bonn
Giverny

Both Bonn and Giverny offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Giverny. 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 Bonn or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Bonn
Giverny

Bonn is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bonn or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Bonn
Giverny

Bonn is great for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Giverny?

Bonn
Giverny

Bonn is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bonn is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bonn or Giverny Better for Families?

Bonn
Giverny

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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 Bonn or Giverny Better for Couples?

Bonn
Giverny

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

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.

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 Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn
Giverny

For backpackers, both Bonn and Giverny 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.

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 Bonn or Giverny Better for Students?

Bonn
Giverny

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

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Bonn
Giverny

Bonn 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.

Bonn has some very good public transit options. 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.

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 Bonn or Giverny a more walkable city?

Bonn
Giverny

Bonn 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.

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

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 Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bonn or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bonn than Giverny 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 Giverny.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn 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 Bonn.


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

One day in Bonn or Giverny?

In Bonn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Giverny. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bonn or Giverny?

In Bonn, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer.

Giverny is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Giverny?

Bonn is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and food around the inspiring destination of Giverny. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The inspiring town of Giverny offers food and museums. 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny 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 Giverny is €125. 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 Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bonn 85
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bonn 170
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Bonn or Giverny? 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 Giverny


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bonn 23
    Giverny 48

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny 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
    Giverny 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bonn 34
    Giverny 26

Tours and Activities in Bonn

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

  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $120
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $51
  • Bonn Crime-Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Musikerviertel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $222
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven): $321
  • Bonn and Bad Godesberg hop-on hop-off tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Tours and Activities in Giverny

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

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bonn 23
    Giverny 6.64


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and Giverny, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Giverny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Giverny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Giverny and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn than you might in Giverny.

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


Which is Bigger, Bonn or Giverny?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 560 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

In the summer, Bonn is around the same temperature as Giverny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Giverny averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Giverny. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Giverny. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bonn 19°C (66°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny and Bonn during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Giverny. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bonn 12°C (53°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Giverny. Many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bonn. Bonn is much colder than Giverny in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Giverny. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bonn 3°C (37°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Giverny. Additionally, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Giverny averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Giverny. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bonn 10°C (50°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Bonn

Bonn Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)