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

Should you visit Athens or Genoa?

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 Genoa. 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 energetic, historic, and ancient 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.

Genoa

Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Genoa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Genoa attracts visitors for its beaches. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Genoa 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 Genoa?

Athens is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Athens is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Athens or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Athens is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Athens is a must-see party destination. 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 Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Athens or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

The beach in Genoa is worth checking out. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Athens is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Genoa?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Genoa both offer plenty of nice spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Athens or Genoa Better for Families?

Both Athens and Genoa are great 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.

Genoa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Athens or Genoa Better for Couples?

Genoa is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Genoa is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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

Is Athens or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Is Athens or Genoa Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Genoa are great places to visit.

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

Genoa is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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

Athens and Genoa both offer great 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.

Public transit in Genoa is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Athens or Genoa a more walkable city?

Athens and Genoa are great 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Athens?

How long in Athens or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Genoa 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 Genoa?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Athens or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Genoa 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 Athens or Genoa?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. 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 Genoa?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Genoa. This port 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, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Genoa?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Athens or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Athens is a little warmer than Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Genoa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Genoa. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Genoa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Genoa. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In January, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Genoa. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Genoa. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Genoa. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Athens is around the same temperature as Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Athens