A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Girona for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Interlaken or Girona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Girona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Interlaken or Girona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Girona. Although Interlaken and Girona are popular destinations, Girona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Girona is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Interlaken is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also well known for The Girona Cathedral.

How is Interlaken different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Girona Better for Skiing?

Interlaken
Girona

Interlaken is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Girona is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Girona is not a skiing destination.


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

Interlaken
Girona

Girona is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken
Girona

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Girona both to be high quality destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. 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 Interlaken or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken
Girona

Girona is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Interlaken or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Interlaken
Girona

Girona is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Girona is revered around the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Girona Better for Hiking?

Interlaken
Girona

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona is not a hiking destination.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Girona?

Interlaken
Girona

Girona is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Interlaken or Girona Better for Families?

Interlaken
Girona

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Girona Better for Couples?

Interlaken
Girona

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Interlaken or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken
Girona

Interlaken and Girona are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

It's common for backpackers to visit Girona. 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 Interlaken or Girona Better for Students?

Interlaken
Girona

Girona is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken
Girona

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Girona a more walkable city?

Interlaken
Girona

Girona is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken 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 Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Interlaken or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Interlaken 2-5 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Interlaken or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the ancient city of Girona, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Girona, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Girona?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Girona, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Girona, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Interlaken or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the world-class destination of Interlaken. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Girona 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Interlaken?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, while the average daily cost in Girona is $150. 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 Interlaken and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Girona $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Girona $148
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken 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 Interlaken


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Girona $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Interlaken 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
    Interlaken $64
    Girona $44
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

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

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

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.
    Interlaken $104
    Girona $26

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

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
    Interlaken $17
    Girona $10

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

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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Girona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Girona. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Interlaken is cooler than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Girona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Girona. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Girona. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Interlaken is much colder than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Girona. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Girona. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Girona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Girona. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Girona during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Girona. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Interlaken

Interlaken Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)