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

Should you visit Paris or Lake Garda?

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

Should I visit Paris or Lake Garda? 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 energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Lake Garda?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris. Although Paris and Lake Garda are popular destinations, Paris has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lake Garda attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Paris is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Lake Garda is famous for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Paris is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Lake Garda is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Lake Garda is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Paris is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Paris is a must-see party destination. 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.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its live music scene. However, Lake Garda is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Lake Garda is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is great for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Lake Garda is considered a top beach destination. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda for the hiking trails. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Lake Garda?

Paris is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. 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 go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Lake Garda does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. 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.

Lake Garda does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Paris or Lake Garda.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Paris is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Paris or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Paris is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Paris is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Lake Garda offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Is Paris or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Paris and Lake Garda are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Lake Garda is a very walkable city. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Paris?

How long in Paris or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Paris or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paris due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Lake Garda, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This lake offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Lake Garda?

When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Lake Garda?

Paris, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Lake Garda?

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the playful destination of Lake Garda. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Lake Garda, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Lake Garda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake Garda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.

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

When is the best time to visit Paris or Lake Garda?

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 Paris or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Lake Garda. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Lake Garda. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. Paris is much warmer than Lake Garda in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paris usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Paris