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

Should you visit Cologne or Giverny?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful 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 inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Cologne and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Giverny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne. Although Cologne and Giverny are both popular with visitors, Cologne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cologne is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Giverny is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Cologne and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Cologne is popular 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.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 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 Cologne or Giverny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Giverny can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Cologne or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Cologne or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a popular place for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Cologne. 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.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Giverny?

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

Cologne is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cologne or Giverny Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Giverny does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. 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.

Giverny does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Giverny Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Giverny does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. 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.

Giverny does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Giverny Better for Families?

Cologne 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, Cologne is very family-friendly. 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.

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 Cologne or Giverny Better for Couples?

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

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

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 Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Giverny 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.

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 Cologne or Giverny Better for Students?

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

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

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Cologne is top-notch. 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.

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 Cologne or Giverny a more walkable city?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very walkable city. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily 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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Giverny?

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

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

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

One day in Cologne or Giverny?

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

In Giverny, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Giverny?

Because Cologne 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer.

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

Five days in Cologne or Giverny?

Cologne is a great place to explore. 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.

Giverny is a great place to explore. 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 Giverny?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Giverny. 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cologne and Giverny, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive? and Is Giverny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Giverny?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 1710 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne or Giverny?

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 Cologne or Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and 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 July, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Giverny. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 19°C (66°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Giverny. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Giverny. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Cologne is around the same temperature as Giverny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Giverny. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Giverny. Many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Cologne. In the winter, Cologne is much colder than Giverny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cologne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Giverny averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Giverny. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cologne is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 10°C (50°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives more rain than Giverny. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Giverny and Cologne