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

Should you visit Cordoba or Avignon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cordoba and Avignon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a beautiful, colorful, and flower-filled town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a historical, quaint, and charming town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Cordoba and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to La Mezquita
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Cordoba or Avignon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cordoba than Avignon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cordoba is very popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty, while Avignon attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Cordoba is more touristy than Avignon and is popular for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. It is also well known for La Mezquita. Avignon is famous for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Cordoba different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cordoba or Avignon?

Cordoba
Avignon

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cordoba or Avignon.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cordoba on the map. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

Travelers visit Avignon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.


Is the Food Better in Cordoba or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cordoba
Avignon

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Avignon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cordoba. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

Is Cordoba or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Cordoba
Avignon

Cordoba is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Cordoba has a large number of nightlife venues. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Cordoba or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba
Avignon

Both Cordoba and Avignon have fantastic historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Cordoba can be explored in its historical center. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Avignon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.


Is the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Avignon?

Cordoba
Avignon

Both Cordoba and Avignon are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Cordoba to go shopping. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Avignon. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Cordoba or Avignon Better for Families?

Cordoba
Avignon

Both Cordoba and Avignon are nice to visit with kids.

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Avignon is a family-friendly town. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Cordoba or Avignon Better for Couples?

Cordoba
Avignon

Both Cordoba and Avignon are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.


Is Cordoba or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba
Avignon

Cordoba is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cordoba. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Cordoba or Avignon Better for Students?

Cordoba
Avignon

Cordoba is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

Avignon is not popular with students.

Is Cordoba or Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cordoba
Avignon

Both Cordoba and Avignon offer nice public transit options.

Cordoba has a few public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.


Is Cordoba or Avignon a more walkable city?

Cordoba
Avignon

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Avignon on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Cordoba is very walkable. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cordoba Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Avignon?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cordoba than Avignon 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 Cordoba.


  • How many days in Cordoba or Avignon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cordoba 1-3 
    Avignon 1-2

One day in Cordoba or Avignon?

In Cordoba, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the 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.

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Cordoba or Avignon?

In Cordoba, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cordoba has to offer.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Avignon has to offer.


Five days in Cordoba or Avignon?

Cordoba 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.

Avignon 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 Cordoba or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cordoba. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cordoba. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon or Cordoba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is €127, while the average daily cost in Avignon is €700. 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 Cordoba and Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba 68
    Avignon 647
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba 136
    Avignon 1,294
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba or Avignon? 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 Cordoba


Hotels in Avignon


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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba 28
    Avignon 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:

  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72
  • Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Medina Azahara Cordoba, with Transfer by Bus: $34
  • Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $241

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon and Cordoba 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
    Cordoba 34
    Avignon 33
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Ice Cream
    1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

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

  • Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

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

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba 25
    Avignon 15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Garden Entrance Fee
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

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

  • 3-Hour Tour from Cordoba to the Site of Medina Azahara: $32
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20
  • Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
  • Arabian Baths Experience at Cordoba’s Hammam Al Ándalus: $66
  • Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
  • Best of Cordoba Guided Tour : $46
  • Bike Tour Córdoba: $32
  • Córdoba Highlight Walking Tour: $32
  • Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $8.95
  • City Sightseeing Cordoba Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • Cordoba : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $49
  • Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Avignon

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

  • Glanum Archaeological Site Entrance Ticket: $9.77
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Ticket for the Gourmet Journey at Maison Brotte: $17
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • La Noctambule du Pape Night Tour: $37
  • Chocolate and Wine Pairing Experience in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: $44
  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Half-Day Tour from St Rémy-de-Provence by Electric Bike with Carrière de Lumiere: $49
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Lavender Beauty Small Group Half Day Tour from Avignon: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba 37
    Avignon 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cordoba:

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
  • Evening Local Wine Tasting in Córdoba: $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cordoba and Avignon, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Cordoba.

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


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Avignon?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba and Avignon, 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 Cordoba or Avignon?

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 Cordoba or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Cordoba during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Cordoba is a little warmer than Avignon in the summer. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the summer, Cordoba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets less rain in July than Avignon. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Avignon. Many travelers come to Cordoba for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Cordoba is a little warmer than Avignon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cordoba in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Avignon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Avignon during autumn. Cordoba gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Avignon. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Avignon. Many visitors come to Cordoba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cordoba is generally a little warmer than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 10°C (50°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Avignon. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in January than Avignon. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cordoba for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm.

Cordoba is a little warmer than Avignon in the spring. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during spring. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Avignon. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (60°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Cordoba

Cordoba Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)