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

Should you visit Nice or Girona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Girona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming 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.

Nice and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nice than Girona. Nice is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Nice is more touristy than Girona and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Nice different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Girona. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Girona Better for Resorts?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Girona is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Girona is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Girona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Girona Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Girona is one of the most recognized in the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Girona?

Both Nice and Girona are very good shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice or Girona Better for Families?

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

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Girona are notable destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Nice or Girona Better for Students?

Girona is a city with good options for students. However, Nice 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

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice or Girona a more walkable city?

Nice and Girona both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Nice?

How long in Nice or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nice or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nice than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

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

One day in Nice or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Girona?

Nice is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Girona is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Nice or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the ancient destination of Girona. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Nice or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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.

The colorful city of Girona offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Girona?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Nice is around the same temperature as Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Girona. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nice or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Nice during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nice is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Girona. Many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Nice is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In January, Nice usually receives more rain than Girona. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nice or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nice as well as Girona. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Nice is around the same temperature as Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Nice