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

Should you visit Kiel or Giverny?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Giverny? 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Giverny

Giverny is a inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Kiel and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Kiel or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle.

How is Kiel different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kiel
Giverny

Giverny is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Giverny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.


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

Kiel
Giverny

Both Kiel and Giverny offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Giverny is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Kiel or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Kiel
Giverny

Kiel is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kiel or Giverny Better for Beaches?

Kiel
Giverny

Kiel is a popular place for the beache. However, Giverny is not a beach destination.

Kiel is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Giverny is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Giverny?

Kiel
Giverny

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kiel. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kiel or Giverny Better for Families?

Kiel
Giverny

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

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

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 Kiel or Giverny Better for Couples?

Kiel
Giverny

Giverny is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Giverny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.


Is Kiel or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kiel
Giverny

Giverny is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Giverny Better for Students?

Kiel
Giverny

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

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Kiel
Giverny

Giverny is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Giverny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.


Is Kiel or Giverny a more walkable city?

Kiel
Giverny

Kiel and Giverny both are notable when exploring on foot.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Kiel Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kiel or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kiel 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 Kiel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Giverny.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Giverny than Kiel 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 Giverny.


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

One day in Kiel or Giverny?

In Kiel, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Giverny. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Giverny?

In Kiel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kiel has to offer.

Giverny is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Kiel or Giverny?

Kiel is a great place to explore. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Giverny. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The inspiring town of Giverny offers food and museums. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Kiel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kiel is €138, 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 Kiel and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiel 67
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiel 134
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Kiel and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Kiel 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 Kiel


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: Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiel 54
    Giverny 48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiel or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Kiel 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
    Kiel 39
    Giverny 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiel 19
    Giverny 26

Tours and Activities in Kiel

Here are a few actual costs in Kiel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bicycle tour to Friedrichshafen with a visit to the Zeppelin & Dornier Museum: $141
  • Bike Tour of Lubeck with Top Attractions and Private Guide: $244
  • Boat Cruise and a Private Walking Tour of Lubeck's Old Town: $205
  • Christmas Stories of Lubeck – Private Walking Tour: $256
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Discovering Lubeck – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $202
  • Fascinating Pearls of Lubeck - Guided Walking Tour: $191
  • Kiel - Private Historic Walking Tour: $384
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Kiel Private Guided Walking Tour: $281
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12

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
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • 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
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiel 12
    Giverny 6.64


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


Which is Bigger, Kiel or Giverny?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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 Kiel or Giverny?

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 Kiel or Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Kiel during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

Kiel is cooler than Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kiel. In the summer, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in July than Giverny. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiel 16°C (61°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Giverny. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kiel is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during autumn. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kiel usually receives more rain than Giverny. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiel 10°C (50°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Giverny. Many travelers come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in January than Giverny. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiel 0°C (33°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kiel in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Kiel is much colder than Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kiel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny during spring. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kiel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Giverny. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiel 7°C (44°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Kiel

Kiel Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)