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

Should you visit Geneva or Girona?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Girona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional 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 ancient, charming, and beautiful city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Geneva and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Girona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Geneva than Girona. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Geneva is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Girona attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also well known for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Geneva different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Geneva and Girona have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Girona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Geneva or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Girona can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Geneva is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Geneva. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

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 Geneva or Girona Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Girona?

Geneva is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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 Geneva or Girona Better for Families?

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

Geneva is a family-friendly place to visit. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Girona Better for Couples?

Girona is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Girona is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Girona Better for Students?

Geneva 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 Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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 Geneva or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Girona?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Girona than Geneva. 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Girona?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Geneva or Girona?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Girona 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.

Five days in Geneva or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Geneva or Girona?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Girona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, 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 Geneva and Girona, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Girona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Girona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Girona 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva than you might in Girona.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Girona?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Girona. The summer months attract visitors to Geneva 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 Girona this time of year.

In the summer, Geneva is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Girona this time of the year. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Girona. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Girona. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Geneva is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Girona. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Girona. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. Geneva is much colder than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Girona. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Geneva during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Geneva is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Girona. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Geneva