A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Girona for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Montpellier or Girona?

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

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

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a ancient, charming, and beautiful city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Montpellier and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Girona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Girona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montpellier is more popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Girona is known for its food, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Montpellier different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Montpellier or Girona.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Girona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Montpellier or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Girona is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

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 Montpellier or Girona Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a well-known place for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Montpellier and Girona.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

The rich history of Girona can be explored in its historical center. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Girona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Girona and Montpellier.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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.

Is Montpellier or Girona Better for Families?

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

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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 Montpellier or Girona Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Girona both excellent destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Girona is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Montpellier or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Montpellier or Girona Better for Students?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

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

Montpellier 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 Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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 Montpellier or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Girona?

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

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

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

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

One day in Montpellier or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming city of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Girona?

Montpellier 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Girona. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Montpellier or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The charming city of Girona offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Girona. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Girona?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Girona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Girona. The summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In July, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Girona this time of the year. In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Girona during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Girona. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Girona. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Girona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Girona. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Montpellier is cooler than Girona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Girona averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Girona. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Montpellier during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Girona. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Montpellier