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

Should you visit Giverny or Milan?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Milan? 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. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Giverny and Milan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • 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 Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan. Although Giverny and Milan are both popular with visitors, Milan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milan is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is known for its small town charm. Giverny is more touristy than Milan and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Giverny different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milan 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 Milan?

Giverny
Milan

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

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 Milan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.


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

Giverny
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Giverny or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Milan Better for Music?

Giverny
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Giverny is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Milan. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Giverny is not a live music destination.


Is Giverny or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Giverny
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Milan?

Giverny
Milan

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Milan Better for Families?

Giverny
Milan

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

Milan offers lots of family activities. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

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 Milan Better for Couples?

Giverny
Milan

With fun activities for couples, both Giverny and Milan make for a excellent 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.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Giverny or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Milan

Milan is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Giverny
Milan

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

Many students frequent Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Giverny is not popular with students.


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

Giverny
Milan

Milan 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 Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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 Milan a more walkable city?

Giverny
Milan

Milan 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.

Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Milan?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan 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 Milan.


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

One day in Giverny or Milan?

In Giverny, many people enjoy the food and museums that this serene destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Milan 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. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Giverny or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Milan 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 Milan has to offer.

Five days in Giverny or Milan?

Giverny is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Giverny. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan 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 Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Milan?

You'll find museums and food around the inspiring destination of Giverny. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Milan 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 Milan is €166. 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 Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Milan 96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Milan 192
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Milan? 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 Milan


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: Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Milan 35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    22
  • Taxi From Airport
    90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

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

  • Malpensa Airport (MXP):1-Way Transfer to Trieste Cruise Port: $2,111
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Venice: $1,529
  • Private Transfer to/from Siena and Center of Milan: $1,310
  • Nyon: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $1,016
  • Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,016
  • Interlaken : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $962
  • SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM TÄSCH/ZERMATT TO AIRPORT MALPENSA: $866
  • Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $856
  • Montreux : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $802
  • Grindelwald: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $802
  • Lousanne : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $781
  • Bern : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $738

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan 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
    Milan 39

Typical Food Prices in Milan

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


  • Snack at Train Station
    8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    64
  • Cappuccino
    1.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

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

  • PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
  • Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Milan 31

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 Milan

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


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Milan

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

  • Lake Como trekking private guided tour, from Milan or Como: $174
  • Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
  • Milan Urban Wonders Small Group Tour: $53
  • Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
  • Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.53
  • "Milano Style: Your Italian Fashion Experience": $164
  • 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $39
  • 1.5-hour The Last Supper and Church of San Maurizio tour in Milan - small group: $85
  • 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $125
  • 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Milan by Electric Scooter: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Milan 24

Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    8.40
  • Beer
    3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
  • Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
  • Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
  • Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
  • Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
  • Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184


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

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


Which is Bigger, Giverny or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 2320 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Giverny in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Giverny is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Giverny in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Giverny. Giverny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Giverny 20°C (68°F) 
    Milan 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Giverny during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Giverny is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 13°C (56°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

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

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Giverny usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Milan 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Milan. The winter months attract visitors to Giverny because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. The weather in Giverny can be very cold. Giverny is around the same temperature as Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Giverny usually receives less rain than Milan. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Milan 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Milan. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Giverny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Giverny is cooler than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Giverny in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Milan 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Milan and Giverny

Giverny Milan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)