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

Should you visit Cologne or Girona?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Cologne and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Girona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Girona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its nightlife, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Girona is known for its food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cologne is more touristy than Girona and is known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also home to The Cologne Cathedral. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Girona.

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Girona is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Cologne offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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 Cologne or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Girona offers plenty to see. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Girona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Girona and Cologne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Girona. 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 Cologne or Girona Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Girona does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Girona does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Girona Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. However, Girona does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Girona does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Girona Better for Families?

Cologne is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cologne is a very kid-friendly city. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Girona Better for Couples?

Girona is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Girona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Cologne or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Girona are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

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 Cologne or Girona Better for Students?

Cologne 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 Cologne. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cologne or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cologne 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 Cologne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

Couples should spend more time in Girona than Cologne. 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.

One day in Cologne or Girona?

Cologne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Girona, you'll find museums 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.

A weekend in Cologne or Girona?

Cologne 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.

In Girona, 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 Girona has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. 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.

Girona 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.

A week in Cologne or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant big city of Cologne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Girona?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne or Girona?

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 Cologne or Girona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Girona. Most visitors come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cologne is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 19°C (66°F), and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Girona this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Girona. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Girona. The autumn months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

Cologne is cooler than Girona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Girona. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Girona. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. In the winter, Cologne is much colder than Girona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cologne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Girona averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Girona. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Cologne is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 10°C (50°F), and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Girona. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Cologne