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

Should you visit Paris or Girona?

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

Should I visit Paris or Girona? 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.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Girona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Girona. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Girona attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Paris is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris or Girona Better for Theater?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Girona is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Girona is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Girona Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Girona Better for Music?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Girona is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Girona is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Girona?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Girona Better for Christmas?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Girona does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination during the Christmas season. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Girona does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Girona Better for Families?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Girona Better for Students?

Paris 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.

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

Paris is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors in Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Paris?

How long in Paris or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paris or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paris than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Girona?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Girona, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this colorful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Girona?

Paris 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Girona?

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

Girona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Girona?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day 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 Paris and Girona, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Girona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Girona?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris or Girona?

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 Paris or Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paris is cooler than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Girona. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Girona. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In October, Paris is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Girona. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as Girona. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. Paris is much colder than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Girona. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in January than Girona. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Paris is cooler than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Girona. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Girona and Paris