A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Nightlife

Should you visit Granada or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Granada or Avignon? 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.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Avignon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Granada than Avignon. Granada is bigger than Avignon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Granada is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is more popular for its food and small town charm. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Granada different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Granada or Avignon?

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Granada or Avignon.

Travelers visit Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Is the Food Better in Granada or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Granada is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Granada has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Granada or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Granada and Avignon.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

With a famous historical old-town, Avignon offers plenty to see. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Is Granada or Avignon Better for Hiking?

Granada is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Avignon?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Granada and Avignon.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Avignon offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Granada or Avignon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Avignon.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Granada or Avignon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Avignon make for a superb place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Granada or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Granada or Avignon Better for Students?

Granada is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Many students visit Granada. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Avignon is not popular with students.

Is Granada or Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Granada and Avignon.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Granada or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

For even more information, also check out Is Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Granada?

How long in Granada or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Avignon 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Avignon?

In Granada, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Granada or Avignon?

In Granada, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Granada has to offer.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Avignon has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Avignon?

Granada 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.

Avignon 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 Granada or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Avignon?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Avignon, 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 Granada or Avignon?

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 Granada or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Avignon. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Avignon. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

Granada is a little warmer than Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Avignon. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Granada usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Avignon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Avignon during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Avignon. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as Avignon. Many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Granada