A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Valencia vs. Girona for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Valencia or Girona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Girona, 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a cultural, historic, and architectural coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Girona

Girona is a colorful, medieval, and ancient city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Valencia and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Valencia than Girona. Valencia is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Valencia is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Girona is more popular for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Valencia is more touristy than Girona and is known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Valencia different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Valencia or Girona?

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Valencia and Girona.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Is the Food Better in Valencia or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Valencia, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Valencia is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a good destination for its resorts. However, Girona is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Girona is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a good destination for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Valencia offers a nice beach destination. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Valencia and Girona both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

Valencia offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Girona has a world-famous historical area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona is not a hiking destination.

Valencia offers some nice hiking trails. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Girona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Girona and Valencia.

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Families?

Valencia is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Couples?

Valencia and Girona are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Girona is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Students?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Valencia is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Is Valencia or Girona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Girona.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While Girona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Valencia or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valencia or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valencia than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia than Girona 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 Valencia.

One day in Valencia or Girona?

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Girona offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valencia or Girona?

Valencia 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.

Girona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Girona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Girona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal big city of Valencia. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Girona is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.

When comparing the travel costs between Valencia and Girona, we can see that Girona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Girona?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Valencia and Girona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Valencia or Girona?

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 Valencia or Girona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Girona. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Girona in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Girona this time of the year. In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Girona during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Girona. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Girona. Many visitors come to Valencia in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Valencia is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Girona. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Girona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Girona during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Girona. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Valencia during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

Valencia is a little warmer than Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Valencia. In the spring, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Girona. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Valencia