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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Giverny?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Heidelberg and Giverny. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

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.

Heidelberg and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
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


Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Giverny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Giverny. Although Heidelberg and Giverny are both popular with visitors, Giverny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Giverny is more popular for its museums and small town charm, while Heidelberg is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Giverny is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. It is also home to The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Heidelberg different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heidelberg or Giverny?

Heidelberg
Giverny

Giverny is a great town for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Giverny. 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Heidelberg
Giverny

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg
Giverny

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

Many people head to Heidelberg for the nightlife scene. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Heidelberg or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg
Giverny

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

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Giverny?

Heidelberg
Giverny

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heidelberg. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heidelberg or Giverny Better for Families?

Heidelberg
Giverny

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

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

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 Heidelberg or Giverny Better for Couples?

Heidelberg
Giverny

Heidelberg and Giverny both superb destinations for a couple.

Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great 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.


Is Heidelberg or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg
Giverny

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

Many backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg or Giverny Better for Students?

Heidelberg
Giverny

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

It's common for students to visit Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg
Giverny

Heidelberg is great 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.

Heidelberg has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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 Heidelberg or Giverny a more walkable city?

Heidelberg
Giverny

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is a very walkable town. The old town is particularly 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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Giverny?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Heidelberg or Giverny?

In Heidelberg, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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.

With museums and food around the inspiring town of Giverny, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Giverny, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Giverny?

In Heidelberg, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Heidelberg has to offer.

With food and museums around the destination of Giverny, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.


Five days in Heidelberg or Giverny?

Heidelberg 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.

Giverny, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Heidelberg. 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.

Giverny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Heidelberg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Heidelberg is €142, while the average daily cost in Giverny is €125. 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 Heidelberg and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Giverny? 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 Heidelberg


Hotels in Giverny


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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Giverny 48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg 37
    Giverny 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Giverny 26

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

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

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Giverny 6.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Giverny?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Giverny, 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 Heidelberg or Giverny?

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 Heidelberg or Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Giverny. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Giverny. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Giverny. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Giverny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Giverny. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Giverny. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Giverny can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Heidelberg is much colder than Giverny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Giverny averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Giverny. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Giverny. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Giverny. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in April than Giverny. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)