A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Geneva for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Geneva?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Geneva. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva

Geneva is a classy, diverse, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Geneva?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Geneva. Athens is bigger than Geneva, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Geneva is more popular for its shopping. Athens is more touristy than Geneva and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Geneva is well known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Geneva?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Geneva? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Athens or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Athens or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Geneva?

Geneva is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Geneva specifically to go shopping. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Geneva Better for Families?

Athens is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Athens or Geneva Better for Couples?

Athens and Geneva both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Athens or Geneva Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Athens or Geneva Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Geneva are excellent places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Is Athens or Geneva Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Geneva is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Athens or Geneva a more walkable city?

Athens and Geneva are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Geneva Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Athens?

How long in Athens or Geneva?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Geneva. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Geneva. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Geneva.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Geneva 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Geneva?

Athens 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Geneva. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Geneva?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Geneva?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Athens or Geneva?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the classy big city of Geneva. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Geneva?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Geneva, 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 Athens or Geneva?

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 Athens or Geneva in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Geneva. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Geneva averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Geneva. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Geneva in the Autumn?

Both Geneva and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally a little warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Geneva. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Geneva in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Geneva. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Geneva in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Geneva. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Athens is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Geneva averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Geneva. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Geneva and Athens