A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Giverny vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Giverny or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Budapest? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Giverny

Giverny is a picturesque, peaceful, and serene town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Giverny and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Giverny or Budapest?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Budapest than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Budapest is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is more popular for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Budapest and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Giverny different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Giverny or Budapest?

Giverny
Budapest

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Giverny and Budapest.

Giverny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.


Is the Food Better in Giverny or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Giverny
Budapest

Giverny is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Giverny has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Giverny or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Budapest

Budapest is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Giverny
Budapest

Budapest is great for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Budapest?

Giverny
Budapest

Budapest is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Budapest Better for Families?

Giverny
Budapest

Budapest is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Giverny or Budapest Better for Couples?

Giverny
Budapest

With fun activities for couples, both Giverny and Budapest make for a great place to visit.

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.


Is Giverny or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Budapest

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Is Giverny or Budapest Better for Students?

Giverny
Budapest

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Giverny is not popular with students.

Is Giverny or Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Giverny
Budapest

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.


Is Giverny or Budapest a more walkable city?

Giverny
Budapest

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

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

For even more information, also check out Is Giverny Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Budapest?

In either Giverny or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Giverny because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Giverny, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Giverny 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 Budapest.


  • How many days in Giverny or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Giverny 1-2 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Giverny or Budapest?

The beautiful town of Giverny offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Giverny or Budapest?

Giverny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Giverny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Budapest has to offer.


Five days in Giverny or Budapest?

Giverny is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Budapest?

Giverny is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Giverny?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Giverny is €125, while the average daily cost in Budapest is €84. 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 Giverny and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Budapest 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Budapest 92
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Budapest? 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 Giverny


Hotels in Budapest


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: Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Budapest 9.80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    6.47
  • Metro Pass
    3.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

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

  • T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,581
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,059
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $930
  • Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $706
  • From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $642
  • Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $642
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $588
  • Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $471
  • Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
  • Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Giverny 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
    Giverny 35
    Budapest 22

Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    3.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

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

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Budapest 20

Tours and Activities in Giverny

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

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96

Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    6.35

Tours and Activities in Budapest

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

  • Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
  • Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
  • 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $185
  • 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
  • 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
  • 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
  • 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
  • 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
  • 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
  • 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
  • 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Budapest 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

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

  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Giverny or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3010 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny and Budapest, 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 Giverny or Budapest?

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 Giverny or Budapest in the Summer?

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

Giverny is around the same temperature as Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Giverny. Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives more rain than Budapest. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Giverny 20°C (68°F) 
    Budapest 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Budapest in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Giverny is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Giverny in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Budapest in the Winter?

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

Budapest can be very cold during winter. Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Giverny is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 5°C (40°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Giverny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Giverny usually receives more rain than Budapest. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Budapest -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Budapest in the Spring?

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

Giverny is around the same temperature as Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Budapest and Giverny

Giverny Budapest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)