A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Urbino vs. Lake Garda for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Urbino 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 Urbino 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a authentic, laid back, and historic town. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Urbino and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
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
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Urbino or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Urbino 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 Urbino is known for its historical sights. Lake Garda is more touristy than Urbino and is known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also home to Sirmione. Urbino is popular for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Urbino different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Urbino
Lake Garda

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Lake Garda and Urbino.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Urbino. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

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 Urbino or Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Urbino and Lake Garda can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Urbino has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lake Garda makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Urbino or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Many people head to Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. 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 Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Urbino or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for the beach. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.


Is Urbino or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Urbino is a popular place for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Urbino. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Urbino or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for hiking. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Urbino or Lake Garda?

Urbino
Lake Garda

If you're looking to go shopping, Urbino and Lake Garda both offer plenty of good spots.

Urbino has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Lake Garda is a great destination for 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 Urbino or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is an amazing lake to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Urbino or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Both Urbino and Lake Garda are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Urbino is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

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 Urbino or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a lake with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.


Is Urbino or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Urbino is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Urbino is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Urbino
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Lake Garda. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Urbino or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Urbino
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Urbino?

How long in Urbino or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Urbino 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 Urbino, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

Families should spend more time in Lake Garda than Urbino. 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 Urbino. 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 Urbino 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 Urbino or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Urbino 1-2 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Urbino or Lake Garda?

With museums and nightlife around the laid back town of Urbino, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Urbino, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Urbino or Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Urbino, 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 town.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Urbino or Lake Garda?

Urbino, a popular town, 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Urbino or Lake Garda?

Urbino 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 scenic destination of Lake Garda. This lake offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Urbino?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Urbino is €118, 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 Urbino and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Urbino 53
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Urbino 106
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Urbino and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Urbino 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 Urbino


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: Urbino Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

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

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

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 Urbino or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Urbino 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
    Urbino 39
    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.
    Urbino 15
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Urbino

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

  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • From Montefeltro Tour with Truffle Lunch: $396
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • San Marino: Food Tasting Tour: $195

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
    Urbino 14
    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 Urbino and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Urbino much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Urbino would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Urbino 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 Urbino.

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



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Urbino and Lake Garda. Many travelers come to Urbino for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Urbino is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Urbino average around 23°C (73°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Urbino usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Urbino gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Urbino 23°C (73°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Urbino as well as Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Urbino in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Urbino is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Urbino usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lake Garda. Urbino gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Urbino 15°C (59°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Urbino are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Urbino 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. Urbino can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Urbino is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Urbino in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In January, Urbino usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Urbino gets 34 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
    Urbino 3°C (37°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Urbino during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Urbino because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In April, Urbino is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Urbino average around 12°C (54°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Urbino usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Urbino gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Urbino 12°C (54°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Urbino

Urbino Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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