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

Should you visit Graz or Girona?

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

Should I visit Graz or Girona? 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.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Graz and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Graz or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Graz than Girona. Graz is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Graz is better known for its nightlife, while Girona is more popular for its small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Graz is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Also, Graz is famous for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Graz different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Graz or Girona?

Graz
Girona

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Graz and Girona.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Many visitors head to Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.


Is the Food Better in Graz or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Graz
Girona

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Graz and Girona.

Graz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Dining out in Girona is an experience not to be missed. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Graz or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Graz
Girona

Graz is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Graz offers plenty to do in the evening. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Graz or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Graz
Girona

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Graz and Girona.

The old town of Graz is one of the most recognized in the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.


Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Girona?

Graz
Girona

If you're looking to go shopping, Graz and Girona both offer plenty of superb spots.

Graz is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Graz or Girona Better for Families?

Graz
Girona

Graz is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Graz is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Graz or Girona Better for Couples?

Graz
Girona

With fun activities for couples, both Graz and Girona make for a superb place to visit.

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.


Is Graz or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz
Girona

For backpackers, both Graz and Girona are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Girona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Graz or Girona Better for Students?

Graz
Girona

Graz is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Graz. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Is Graz or Girona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Graz
Girona

Graz is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Graz can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.


Is Graz or Girona a more walkable city?

Graz
Girona

Graz and Girona are amazing when it comes to walkability.

Graz is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

It is easy to get around Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

For even more information, also check out Is Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Graz?

How long in Graz or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Graz or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Graz than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Graz than Girona 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 Graz.


  • How many days in Graz or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Graz 2-3 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Graz or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Graz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Graz or Girona?

Graz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Girona is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.


Five days in Graz or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the ancient destination of Girona. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Graz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The charming city of Girona offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Graz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Graz is €112, while the average daily cost in Girona is €140. 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 Graz and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Graz 67
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Graz 134
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Graz and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Graz or Girona? 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 Graz


Hotels in Girona


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: Graz Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Graz 18
    Girona 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Graz or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Graz 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
    Graz 32
    Girona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Graz 13
    Girona 24

Tours and Activities in Graz

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

Tours and Activities in Girona

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

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Graz 16
    Girona 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

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

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


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

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


Which is Bigger, Graz or Girona?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Graz and Girona, 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 Graz or Girona?

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 Graz or Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Graz during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Graz is around the same temperature as Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Graz. In the summer, Graz often gets less sunshine than Girona. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Graz 23°C (73°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Graz or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Girona. The autumn months attract visitors to Graz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In the autumn, Graz is cooler than Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Graz usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Girona. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Graz or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Graz as well as Girona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Graz in the winter. In January, Graz is generally much colder than Girona. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets less sunshine than Girona. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Girona. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Graz 1°C (34°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Graz or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Graz for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Graz is around the same temperature as Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Graz usually receives less sunshine than Girona during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives less rain than Girona. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Graz

Graz Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)