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

Should you visit Giverny or Pamplona?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Pamplona? 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 peaceful, serene, and inspiring town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Giverny and Pamplona: 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 family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to the Running of the Bulls Festival


Is there more to do in Giverny or Pamplona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pamplona than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pamplona is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Pamplona and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Pamplona is well known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Giverny different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Giverny
Pamplona

Giverny is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.


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

Giverny
Pamplona

Pamplona is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pamplona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Pamplona

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

Many people head to Pamplona for the nightlife scene. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Giverny
Pamplona

Pamplona is a popular place for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Pamplona. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.


Is Giverny or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Giverny
Pamplona

Pamplona is great for hiking. However, Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Pamplona for the hiking trails. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Pamplona?

Giverny
Pamplona

Pamplona is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pamplona. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Pamplona Better for Families?

Giverny
Pamplona

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

Pamplona offers lots of family activities. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

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 Pamplona Better for Couples?

Giverny
Pamplona

Giverny is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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

Pamplona is a good town for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Giverny or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Pamplona

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

Many backpackers visit Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

Giverny
Pamplona

Pamplona is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Giverny is not popular with students.


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

Giverny
Pamplona

Giverny and Pamplona both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Giverny or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Giverny
Pamplona

Pamplona is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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 Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Pamplona?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Giverny or Pamplona?

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.

In Pamplona, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Pamplona?

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.

In Pamplona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pamplona has to offer.

Five days in Giverny or Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pamplona. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona 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 Pamplona is €131. 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 Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Pamplona 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Pamplona 134
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona


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: Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Pamplona 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona 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
    Pamplona 41

Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Ice Cream
    4.50
  • Coffee
    1.30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Pamplona 34

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
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • 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
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Pamplona 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

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

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


When comparing the travel costs between Giverny and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Giverny or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Giverny or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Giverny during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

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

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Giverny. In the summer, Giverny often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Giverny 20°C (68°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Pamplona. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Giverny this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Giverny is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Giverny in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Giverny usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Pamplona. Many travelers come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Giverny. In January, Giverny is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 5°C (40°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Giverny usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Giverny in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In April, Giverny usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Giverny

Giverny Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)