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

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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

Athens
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
Geneva
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


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.

Is Athens or Geneva Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Athens
Geneva

You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Geneva and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Athens or Geneva Better for Food?

Athens
Geneva

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Geneva can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. 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
Geneva

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Athens.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Geneva. 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 Shopping?

Athens
Geneva

Geneva is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

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
Geneva

Both Athens and Geneva are family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Geneva is a family-friendly place to visit. 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
Geneva

Athens and Geneva both fun 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 Students?

Athens
Geneva

For students, both Athens and Geneva are fairly comparable 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?

Athens
Geneva

Athens and Geneva both offer public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Geneva has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Is Athens or Geneva a more walkable city?

Athens
Geneva

Athens and Geneva are similar 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.


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 Geneva.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Athens is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Geneva is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Athens or Geneva? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Geneva 1-3

One day in Athens or Geneva?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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. 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. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Geneva or Athens?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Geneva is €153. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Geneva €106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Geneva €212
Compare Hotels in Athens and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Geneva? 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 Athens


Hotels in Geneva


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Geneva €6.84
Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    €6.40
  • Metro
    €1.50
  • Metro
    €2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    €8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    €35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • ATHENS AIRPORT to ATHENS or vice versa PRIVATE LUXURY TRANSFERS: $62
  • Airport Transfer: $77
  • Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $59
  • Airport pick up taxi and minivans transfers ,tours and trips: $60
  • Airport transfer: $156
  • Ancient Olympia Taxi Transfer from Athens: $539
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van Athens Rafina Port to Athens City: $100
  • Athens & Sounio Taxi Multiple Destination Transfer: $311
  • Athens Airport Departure Private Transfer. Depart in Style!: $62
  • Athens Airport Departure Transfer (Athens Hotels to Athens Airport): $66
  • Athens Airport Departure Transfer: Athens Hotels to Athens Airport Shuttle Bus: $34
  • Athens Airport Private Departure Transfer: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Taxi Transfer Geneva City or Airport ⇔ Zermatt both ways: $1,178
  • Saint-Gervais: Private Transfer to or from Geneva Airport: $947
  • Departure Private Transfer Geneva City to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $548
  • Bulle: Private Transfer to or from Geneva Airport: $480
  • Transfer to Chamonix: $448
  • Private One-Way Transfer to/from Zermatt: $413
  • Fribourg: Private Transfer to or from GVA Airport: $374
  • Airport Transfer Geneva Airport to Villars sur Ollon: $338
  • Geneva Private Transfer from Geneva city centre to Geneva Airport: $208
  • Superior Private Transfer From Geneva City to Lyon City: $156
  • Departure Private Transfer Luxury Car Geneva City to Geneva airport GVA: $135
  • Geneva Airport Transfers : Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA in Luxury Van: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva and Athens 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
    Athens €30
    Geneva €38
Typical Food prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    €3.00
  • Souvlaki
    €2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
  • Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
  • Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
  • Afternoon Food Tour: $56
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
  • 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
  • Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
  • The Classic Food Tour: $76
  • Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
  • Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.

  • Old Geneva food tour: $268

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Geneva €22

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • Athens virtual History, Philosophy and Democracy Tour: $6.22
  • Skip the Line: Frissiras Museum Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: War Museum of Athens Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: Temple of Olympian Zeus Entrance Ticket: $8.09
  • Skip the Line: Roman Agora of Athens Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Athens Museum of Cycladic Art Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum: $9.33
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.94
  • Skip the Line: Ancient Agora of Athens and Temple of Hephaestus Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Benaki Museum of Islamic Art Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Athens Museum of Illusions Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided City Experience: $12

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Annecy Half-Day Tour from Geneva: $80
  • Annecy Half-Day Trip + Geneva City Tour: $128
  • Annecy and Geneva private sightseeing tour: $379
  • Annecy, the Venice of the Alps private tour: $329
  • Chamonix Day Trip and Geneva city tour: $178
  • Chamonix Gold private exclusive tour from Geneva: $619
  • Chamonix Mont Blanc Private Sightseeing Tour: $379
  • Chamonix Mont Blanc Private Tour from Geneva: $387
  • Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva: $108
  • Chocolate and cheese factory private tour in Gruyères: $394
  • Europa-Park Theme Park Ticket with Transport from Geneva: $172
  • From Day Trip to Lausanne & Cruise to Montreux: $143

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Geneva €16

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
  • Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
  • Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Wine tasting tour: $131
  • Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
  • The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
  • Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
  • Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
  • Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
  • Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168

Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:

  • Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour: $167
  • Farms, Flights: Finger Lakes Brewery Tour: $180
  • Lavaux Panoramic Wine Tour from Geneva: $289
  • Winter ski tour: Wine tasting tour in Rhine region: $746
  • Swiss Wine Tasting at Lavaux Vineyards: Private Trip From Geneva: $1,097

About these numbers

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.


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 are around 27°C (81°F), and Geneva is 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Geneva 22°C (71°F)

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. Temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Geneva stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Geneva 14°C (56°F)

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 temperature in Athens is usually 10°C (51°F) in January, and Geneva stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Geneva 4°C (39°F)

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 are around 16°C (60°F), and Geneva is 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Geneva 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Geneva and Athens

Athens Geneva
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)


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Athens vs. Geneva Travel Comparison

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