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

Should you visit Cork or Girona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cork and Girona 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.

Cork

Cork is a youthful, energetic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Cork and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cork or Girona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cork than Girona. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cork is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Girona attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. It is also well known for The Blarney Castle and Stone. Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Cork different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Cork and Girona have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Girona. 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 Cork or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cork and Girona offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cork makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Girona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Cork or Girona Better for Nightlife?

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

Cork offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Cork or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cork does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Girona can be explored in its historical center. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cork or Girona?

Both Cork and Girona are very good shopping destinations.

Cork is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Girona is well-known for its shopping. 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 Cork or Girona Better for Families?

Cork is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cork is a family-friendly place to visit. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

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 Cork or Girona Better for Couples?

Both Cork and Girona are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Cork or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cork and Girona are nice destinations for backpackers.

Cork is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Plenty of backpackers visit Girona. 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 Cork or Girona Better for Students?

Cork 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 Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

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

Girona is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Girona has a few 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Cork or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Cork?

How long in Cork or Girona?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Girona than Cork. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Girona than Cork 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 Girona.

One day in Cork or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cork. 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 Cork or Girona?

Cork 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 Cork or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cork. 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 ancient 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 Cork or Girona?

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

The ancient 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cork or Girona?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Cork 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 Cork 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 Cork or Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Cork are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cork this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cork is much colder than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cork in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. Cork usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Cork gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cork usually receives more rain than Girona. Cork gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cork or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Cork during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cork is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 11°C (52°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Cork often gets less sunshine than Girona. Cork gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Cork gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cork and Girona. Many visitors come to Cork in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cork is cooler than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Cork usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Cork gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cork gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cork usually receives more rain than Girona. Cork gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cork or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cork as well as Girona. Most visitors come to Cork for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cork is cooler than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cork in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Cork often gets less sunshine than Girona. Cork gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Cork 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 Cork