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

Should you visit Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Lake Garda can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint 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 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.

Strasbourg and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • 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 Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Strasbourg and Lake Garda are popular destinations, Lake Garda has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lake Garda is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Strasbourg attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Strasbourg is famous for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Lake Garda is famous for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also well known for Sirmione.

How is Strasbourg different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Strasbourg is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Foodies will find both Strasbourg and Lake Garda both to be great destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lake Garda. 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 Strasbourg or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great lake for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Lake Garda has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Strasbourg or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.


Is Strasbourg or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Strasbourg is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Strasbourg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Strasbourg or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great lake for hiking. However, Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Strasbourg or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Both Strasbourg and Lake Garda are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Strasbourg or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

For backpackers, both Strasbourg and Lake Garda are nice places to visit.

Strasbourg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lake Garda. 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 Strasbourg or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Strasbourg is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Strasbourg and Lake Garda both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Public transit in Lake Garda can get you to some places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Is Strasbourg or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Strasbourg
Lake Garda

Strasbourg and Lake Garda are great when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is 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 Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

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

Families should spend more time in Lake Garda than Strasbourg. 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.

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


  • How many days in Strasbourg or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Strasbourg 2-3 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

With museums and nightlife around the picturesque city of Strasbourg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the fun lake of Lake Garda, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Strasbourg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lake Garda, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this lake.

Five days in Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

Strasbourg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda, a popular lake, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

Strasbourg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Lake Garda is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Strasbourg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Strasbourg is €138, 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 Strasbourg and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Strasbourg 67
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Strasbourg 134
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Strasbourg and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg


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: Strasbourg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Strasbourg 44
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

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

  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $58
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Strasbourg Train Station to Hotel: $64
  • Private Transfer Strasbourg to Europa Park: $251
  • Door-to-Door private transfer and driver from Strasbourg to Basel: $233

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Strasbourg or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Strasbourg 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
    Strasbourg 44
    Lake Garda 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

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

  • Strasbourg Private Food Tour: experience the city like a local!: $93
  • Strasbourg Food Tour : Gourmet private Tour with tastings: $102
  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $108

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.
    Strasbourg 24
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Strasbourg.

  • 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway: $64
  • Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg: $148
  • Alsace Wine Odyssey: Full-Day Private Tour from Strasbourg: $2,031
  • Alsace Wine Route Small Group Half-Day Tour with Tasting from Strasbourg: $107
  • Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg: $175
  • Alsatian brunch with immersive cellar tour: $49
  • Alsatian tour, tasting and meal - 100% immersive experience: $60
  • Christmas Joy in Strasbourg Walking Tour: $641
  • Culinary city tour in Strasbourg with tastings: $104
  • Gems of Alsace: Private Full-Day Tour from Strasbourg: $2,031
  • Gourmet Bike Tour with a Locals in Strasbourg: $71
  • Guided Tours of Strasbourg Cathedral: $19

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

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

  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
  • Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
  • Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
  • Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
  • Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
  • Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
  • Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
  • From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Strasbourg 19
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Aperitif at the winemaker with cellar visit and wine tasting in Alsace: $11
  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $38
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $118
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $120
  • Strasbourg : Wine Tour by bike with a local: $150
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $545

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 Strasbourg and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Strasbourg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Strasbourg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg.

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



When is the best time to visit Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Lake Garda. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Strasbourg is cooler than Lake Garda. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Strasbourg 20°C (68°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Lake Garda. The autumn months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In October, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Strasbourg or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. It's quite cold in Strasbourg in the winter. Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Strasbourg 2°C (35°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Strasbourg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Strasbourg is cooler than Lake Garda. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Strasbourg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Strasbourg 11°C (51°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Strasbourg

Strasbourg Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)