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

Should you visit Girona or Lillehammer?

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 Girona and Lillehammer. 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.

Girona

Girona is a colorful, medieval, and ancient 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.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Girona and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Girona or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Girona and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Lillehammer has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lillehammer is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking, while Girona attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also well known for Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Girona different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Girona or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Girona is not a skiing destination.

People head to Lillehammer specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Girona is not a skiing destination.

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

Girona is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Girona can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Girona or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. 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.

Lillehammer has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Girona or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

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 Girona or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Girona is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Girona is revered around the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Girona or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona is not a hiking destination.

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Girona or Lillehammer?

Girona is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Girona is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Girona or Lillehammer Better for Families?

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

Lillehammer is a very kid-friendly city. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Girona or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Girona and Lillehammer both great destinations for a couple.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Lillehammer makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Girona or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Girona and Lillehammer are nice destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Girona or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Girona and Lillehammer are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. 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

Plenty of students visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Both Girona and Lillehammer offer nice public transit options.

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.

Lillehammer has some public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Girona or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Girona is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Girona?

How long in Girona or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Girona or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Girona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Girona than Lillehammer 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 Girona or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Girona or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Girona. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer 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 Girona or Lillehammer?

The medieval city of Girona offers museums and food. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Girona or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Girona. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Girona and Lillehammer, we can see that Girona is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Girona or Lillehammer?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Girona and Lillehammer, 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.