A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Lake Garda for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and Lake Garda 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.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a authentic, vibrant, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Thiva (Thebes) and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lake Garda than Thiva (Thebes), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lake Garda is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Thiva (Thebes) is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Lake Garda is more touristy than Thiva (Thebes) and is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. Also, Lake Garda is famous for Sirmione. Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Thiva (Thebes) offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Thiva (Thebes) has a few options to choose from. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for the beache. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Lake Garda attract visitors from all over. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lake Garda and Thiva (Thebes).

Thiva (Thebes) offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Lake Garda has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an extremely popular lake to visit for families. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) offers lots of family activities. Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a lake with good options for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lake Garda is a good lake 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Lake Garda can get you around easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

While Thiva (Thebes) offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses in the area.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Thiva (Thebes)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable city. Some areas are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Thiva (Thebes) 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, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Thiva (Thebes), and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

Families should spend more time in Lake Garda than Thiva (Thebes). 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 Lake Garda than Thiva (Thebes). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lake Garda that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda than Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thiva (Thebes) 1-2 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Thiva (Thebes), there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Thiva (Thebes), one day is sufficent for most.

In Lake Garda, you'll find museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Thiva (Thebes), there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

Thiva (Thebes), a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lake of Lake Garda. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Thiva (Thebes)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, 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 Thiva (Thebes) and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes)


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    Lake Garda 66

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Thiva (Thebes) 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
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    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.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    Lake Garda 30

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
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    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 Thiva (Thebes) and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Thiva (Thebes) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Thiva (Thebes) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes).

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



When is the best time to visit Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Lake Garda. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thiva (Thebes) is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, 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 Thiva (Thebes) this time of the year. In the summer, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Thiva (Thebes) during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lake Garda can be very cold. In January, Thiva (Thebes) is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 10°C (51°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in January than Lake Garda. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Lake Garda. The spring months attract visitors to Thiva (Thebes) because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

Thiva (Thebes) is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Thiva (Thebes), it's very sunny this time of the year. Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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