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

Should you visit Reims or Lake Garda?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims or Lake Garda, 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.

Reims

Reims is a scenic, cultural, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Reims and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Reims or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Reims and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Lake Garda has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lake Garda is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Reims is known for its food and shopping. Reims is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Lake Garda is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also home to Sirmione.

How is Reims different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Reims or Lake Garda?

Reims
Lake Garda

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Reims or Lake Garda.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Lake Garda is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 the Food Better in Reims or Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Reims
Lake Garda

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

For foodies, Reims is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Reims
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Lake Garda is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Reims or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Reims
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is well known for the beach. However, Reims is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lake Garda. 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.

Reims is not a beach destination.


Is Reims or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Reims
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Reims is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Garda. 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.

Reims is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Lake Garda?

Reims
Lake Garda

Reims is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Reims
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an amazing family-friendly lake to visit. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.


Is Reims or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Reims
Lake Garda

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

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims
Lake Garda

Reims and Lake Garda are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Lake Garda is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Reims or Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Reims
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.


Is Reims or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Reims
Lake Garda

Reims and Lake Garda both are very good when exploring on foot.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

Lake Garda is very walkable. 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 Reims Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Reims?

How long in Reims or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Reims or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Reims due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Reims, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda than Reims 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 Lake Garda.


  • How many days in Reims or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Reims 2-5 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Reims or Lake Garda?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Reims, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 scenic 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 Reims or Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Reims, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Reims or Lake Garda?

Reims, 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 Reims or Lake Garda?

Reims is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic 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.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Reims?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Reims is €131, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. 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 Reims and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reims 66
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reims 132
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Reims and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Reims or Lake Garda? 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 Reims


Hotels in Lake Garda


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: Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reims 39
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Reims or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Reims 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
    Reims 40
    Lake Garda 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

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

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reims 19
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

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

  • Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
  • From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
  • Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reims 22
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

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

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


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

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



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

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 Reims or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Reims as well as Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Reims is generally cooler than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 19°C (65°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. In the summer, Reims often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reims 19°C (65°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Reims or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reims is cooler than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Reims usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reims 12°C (53°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Reims or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Reims during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. The weather in Reims can be very cold. In the winter, Reims is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reims in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Reims often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in January than Lake Garda. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reims 3°C (37°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Reims or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Lake Garda. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Reims is generally cooler than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 9°C (49°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Reims usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during spring. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Reims usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Reims 9°C (49°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Reims

Reims Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


Related Articles for Reims
Related Articles for Lake Garda