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

Should you visit Giverny or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Pisa? 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Giverny and Pisa: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa


Is there more to do in Giverny or Pisa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pisa than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pisa is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Giverny is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Pisa and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Giverny different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Giverny
Pisa

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

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 Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.


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

Giverny
Pisa

Pisa 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.

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Pisa

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

Many people head to Pisa for the nightlife scene. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Giverny
Pisa

Pisa is a popular place for the beache. However, Giverny is not a beach destination.

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Giverny is not a beach destination.


Is Giverny or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Giverny
Pisa

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Pisa?

Giverny
Pisa

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

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Pisa Better for Families?

Giverny
Pisa

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

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

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 Pisa Better for Couples?

Giverny
Pisa

Giverny is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good town for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Giverny or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Pisa

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

Many backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Giverny
Pisa

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

Many students frequent Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Giverny is not popular with students.


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

Giverny
Pisa

Giverny and Pisa 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.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Giverny or Pisa a more walkable city?

Giverny
Pisa

Pisa 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.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Giverny and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pisa than in Giverny. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Giverny, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Giverny or Pisa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Giverny 1-2 
    Pisa 1-3

One day in Giverny or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Giverny. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Pisa, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Pisa?

Giverny is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Pisa, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Pisa has to offer.

Five days in Giverny or Pisa?

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Giverny. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Pisa?

The picturesque town of Giverny offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pisa 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 Pisa is €120. 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 Pisa in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Pisa? 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 Pisa


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: Pisa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Pisa 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

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

  • From Florence: Round-trip Transfer to Pisa & Cinque Terre: $1,230
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $396
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence City centre: $291
  • Transfer from Pisa to Siena with stop in San Gimignano for lunch: $273
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Fiesole: $264
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $245
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Firenze: $240
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Volterra: $229
  • Private Transfer From Pisa To Florence, English Speaking Driver: $209
  • Departure Private Transfer from Pisa to La Spezia by car or van: $203
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence Hotels: $202
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Lucca: $196

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Pisa?

Prices for flights to both Pisa 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
    Pisa 50

Typical Food Prices in Pisa

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


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

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

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Pisa 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

Tours and Activities in Pisa

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

  • Skip-the-Line Best of Pisa and Leaning Tower Guided Tour for Kids and Families: $273
  • 2-Day Tour: Pisa, Cinque Terre & Tuscany: $320
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Pisa Off The Beaten Path: $27
  • Adventure in Pisa + Tower Admission: $182
  • Best of Pisa Guided Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Entry Ticket: $53
  • Best of Small group tour with admission tickets: $57
  • Bocelli Chianti Hills E-Bike Guided Tour + Wine Food Tasting: $157
  • Carrara Marble Quarries Tour by Land Rover: $82
  • Carrara Marble Quarry Tour with Food Tasting: $97
  • Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Tour Adventure in a 4x4: $82
  • Cinque Terre tour in Small Group from Pisa: $184
  • Discovering Pisa in Christmas Time – Walking Tour: $443

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Pisa -

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

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

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663


When comparing the travel costs between Giverny and Pisa, we can see that Giverny 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 Pisa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Giverny or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Giverny is cooler than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Giverny. Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives more rain than Pisa. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Giverny or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Giverny during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Giverny is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Giverny in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Giverny usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Pisa 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Pisa. Many travelers come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa 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 Pisa. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 5°C (40°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Giverny usually receives less rain than Pisa. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Pisa 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Pisa. Many visitors come to Giverny in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Giverny is cooler than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Giverny usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Pisa and Giverny

Giverny Pisa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)