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

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Girona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a cultural, traditional, and local city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Inverness and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Inverness or Girona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Girona than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Girona is better known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Inverness is more popular for its nightlife. Inverness is more touristy than Girona and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Also, Girona is famous for The Girona Cathedral.

How is Inverness different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Girona

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Inverness and Girona.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Girona can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Inverness or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Girona

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Girona.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Inverness or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Girona

Inverness is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

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 Inverness or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Girona

Girona is terrific for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Girona has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Girona?

Inverness
Girona

Both Inverness and Girona are high quality shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Inverness or Girona Better for Families?

Inverness
Girona

Inverness is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

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 Inverness or Girona Better for Couples?

Inverness
Girona

Girona is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.


Is Inverness or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Girona

Girona is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Girona Better for Students?

Inverness
Girona

Girona is very good for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. 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

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Girona

Girona is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Girona has a few 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Inverness or Girona a more walkable city?

Inverness
Girona

Girona is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Girona?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Girona than Inverness 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 Inverness or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Inverness or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Inverness. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Girona has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Girona?

Inverness 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.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Inverness or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the medieval city of Girona. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Inverness or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Inverness. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Girona is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Girona is £120. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inverness and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Girona £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Girona £118
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Girona £42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Girona £35

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.
    Inverness £44
    Girona £21

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Tours and Activities in Girona

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

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.28
  • Audio Tour Imprescindible a tu ritmo: $6.41
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Girona £8.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

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

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

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 Inverness and Girona, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Girona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Girona?

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

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 Inverness or Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Inverness in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Inverness is much colder than Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives more rain than Girona. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Inverness during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere 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 the autumn, Inverness is much colder than Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Girona. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Girona. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Girona. The winter months attract visitors to Inverness because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

The weather in Inverness can be very cold. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Girona. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Girona. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Girona. The small town charm are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Inverness is much colder than Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Girona. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Inverness

Inverness Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)