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

Should you visit Marbella or Giverny?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Giverny, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Giverny

Giverny is a serene, inspiring, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Marbella and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
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 Marbella or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marbella than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Giverny is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Marbella and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos.

How is Marbella different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marbella
Giverny

Giverny is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Giverny can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marbella
Giverny

Both Marbella and Giverny offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Marbella has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

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 Marbella or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Marbella has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Marbella or Giverny Better for Music?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is great for its live music scene. However, Giverny is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Marbella draws a good crowd. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Giverny is not a live music destination.


Is Marbella or Giverny Better for Resorts?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Giverny is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Marbella is a great choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Giverny is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Giverny Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Giverny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Marbella a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Giverny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Giverny Better for Beaches?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for the beache. However, Giverny is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Marbella. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Giverny is not a beach destination.


Is Marbella or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is a popular place for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Giverny?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marbella or Giverny Better for Families?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Giverny Better for Couples?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Marbella makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella and Giverny are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Giverny is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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

Marbella
Giverny

Giverny is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Giverny has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.


Is Marbella or Giverny a more walkable city?

Marbella
Giverny

Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable resort 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 Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Giverny?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Marbella or Giverny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marbella 2-5 
    Giverny 1-2

One day in Marbella or Giverny?

In Marbella, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Giverny offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Giverny?

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

Giverny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Giverny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Marbella or Giverny?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marbella has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Giverny is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Marbella. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Giverny is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Marbella?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, 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 Marbella and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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 Marbella


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: Marbella Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Giverny 48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
  • Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
  • Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Marbella 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
    Marbella 38
    Giverny 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

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

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
  • Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
  • Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
  • Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
  • E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101

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
    Marbella 5.71
    Giverny 6.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272


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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Giverny?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Giverny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Giverny. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marbella is a little warmer than Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Giverny this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Giverny. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Giverny. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Giverny. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Giverny in the Winter?

Both Giverny and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

It's quite cold in Giverny in the winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Giverny. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Marbella is a little warmer than Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Giverny. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Marbella

Marbella Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)