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

Should you visit Girona or Urbino?

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 Urbino. 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 medieval, ancient, and charming city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Urbino

Urbino is a undiscovered, authentic, and laid back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Girona or Urbino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Girona. Although Girona and Urbino are both popular with visitors, Girona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Urbino is known for its nightlife. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also home to The Girona Cathedral. Urbino is popular for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Girona different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona
Urbino

Girona is great for its historical sights. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.


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

Girona
Urbino

Dining out at restaurants in both Girona and Urbino 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.

Urbino has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Girona or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Girona
Urbino

Urbino 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 Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

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 Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Girona
Urbino

Girona is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town.

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Girona or Urbino?

Girona
Urbino

Girona is great for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Girona or Urbino Better for Families?

Girona
Urbino

Most people don't think of either Girona or Urbino as a family destination.

Girona is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Urbino is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Girona or Urbino Better for Couples?

Girona
Urbino

Girona and Urbino both very good 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.

Urbino makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.


Is Girona or Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Girona
Urbino

Girona is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

Girona is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Girona or Urbino Better for Students?

Girona
Urbino

Urbino 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 Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

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

Girona
Urbino

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

While Girona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.


Is Girona or Urbino a more walkable city?

Girona
Urbino

Girona is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Girona?

How long in Girona or Urbino?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Girona or Urbino to fill your time. In our opinion, Girona has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Girona than Urbino. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Girona than Urbino. 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 Urbino 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.


  • How many days in Girona or Urbino? Ideal Length of Stay
    Girona 1-2 
    Urbino 1-2

One day in Girona or Urbino?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Urbino. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Girona or Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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 Urbino?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Urbino. 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Urbino. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino or Girona?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Girona is €140, while the average daily cost in Urbino is €118. 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 Girona and Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Girona 69
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Girona 138
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Girona and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Girona or Urbino? 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 Girona


Hotels in Urbino


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: Girona Hotel Prices and Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Girona 49
    Urbino 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

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

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Girona or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino and Girona 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
    Girona 41
    Urbino 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

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

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Girona 24
    Urbino 15

Tours and Activities in Girona

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

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Tours and Activities in Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour with certified guide: $139
  • Private Walking Tour with Ducal Palace Ticket: $150
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Girona 9.69
    Urbino 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


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

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


Which is Bigger, Girona or Urbino?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Girona and Urbino, 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 Girona or Urbino?

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 Girona or Urbino in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Girona as well as Urbino. Most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Urbino because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Girona is around the same temperature as Urbino. Typically, the summer temperatures in Girona in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Urbino averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Girona usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Girona 24°C (75°F) 
    Urbino 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Girona or Urbino in the Autumn?

Both Urbino and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

In October, Girona is generally around the same temperature as Urbino. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 16°C (61°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Girona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Urbino. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Girona 16°C (61°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Girona or Urbino in the Winter?

Both Urbino and Girona during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Urbino. Girona is much warmer than Urbino in the winter. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Girona usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Girona 8°C (46°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Girona or Urbino in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Urbino. Many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Urbino in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Girona is around the same temperature as Urbino. Typically, the spring temperatures in Girona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Urbino averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In April, Girona usually receives more rain than Urbino. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Girona 13°C (55°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Girona

Girona Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)