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

Should you visit Beaune 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 Beaune 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.

Beaune

Beaune is a cultural, historic, and culinary town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beaune and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Beaune or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaune. Although Beaune and Genoa are both popular with visitors, Beaune has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaune is more popular for its food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Genoa is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Beaune is popular for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. It is also home to The Surrounding Vineyards. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Beaune different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beaune or Genoa?

Beaune
Genoa

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Beaune and Genoa.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Beaune. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

Genoa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Beaune or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaune
Genoa

Beaune 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, Beaune is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Beaune
Genoa

It's hard to distinguish whether Beaune or Genoa has a better nightlife scene.

Beaune has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Genoa has a few options to choose from. 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 Beaune or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Beaune
Genoa

Genoa is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Beaune is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Genoa. 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.

Beaune is not a beach destination.


Is Beaune or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Beaune
Genoa

Beaune 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.

Beaune has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

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 Beaune or Genoa?

Beaune
Genoa

Shopping is a popular activity in both Genoa and Beaune.

Beaune offers some nice shopping areas. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Beaune or Genoa Better for Families?

Beaune
Genoa

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

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.


Is Beaune or Genoa Better for Couples?

Beaune
Genoa

Beaune is terrific for couples. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Beaune has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Beaune or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beaune
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Genoa is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Beaune or Genoa Better for Students?

Beaune
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for students. However, Beaune is not popular with students.

Many students visit Genoa. 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.

Beaune is not popular with students.


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

Beaune
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Genoa can get you around easily. 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.

While Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Beaune or Genoa a more walkable city?

Beaune
Genoa

Beaune is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Beaune is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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 Beaune Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Beaune or Genoa. In our opinion, Genoa has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Genoa than Beaune. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Genoa than Beaune 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 Genoa.


  • How many days in Beaune or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaune 2-4 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Beaune or Genoa?

In Beaune, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town 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 Beaune or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaune. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. 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 Beaune or Genoa?

Beaune is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Beaune. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Beaune or Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Beaune. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Beaune?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaune is €166, while the average daily cost in Genoa is €150. 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 Beaune and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaune 83
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaune 166
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Beaune and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Beaune or Genoa? 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 Beaune


Hotels in Genoa


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: Beaune Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaune 41
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

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

  • Departure Private Transfer Genoa, Savona or Portofino to GOA Airport by Sedan: $44
  • From Genoa to Florence Hotels - Private Transfer: $145
  • From Genova: Portofino Return Transfer by Open-Top Bus: $63
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Arrival Private Transfer: $111
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Portofino hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa City to Genoa Airport GOA in Business Car: $65
  • Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa City to Genoa Airport GOA in Minivan: $65
  • Genoa Airport to Savona Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $59
  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaune or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Beaune 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
    Beaune 54
    Genoa 51
Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

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

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $74
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $84
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
  • Traditional Food Tour: $91
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $93
  • Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Savona: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaune 33
    Genoa 20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

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

  • Beaune - Historic Guided Walking Tour: $395
  • Beaune - Private walking tour: $192
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains: $267
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $59
  • Paris Private Walking Street Art Tour: $87
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $60
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $187
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $191
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group full day tour in the Burgundy vineyards: $209

Tours and Activities in Genoa

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Genoa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Lighthouse Entrance Ticket: $8.56
  • Finance and Nobility Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Finance and Nobility: Explore medieval Genoa on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus' House: $11
  • The City of Children and Young Museum Entry Ticket: $13
  • Historic Shops in Tour Through Tradition and Flavours: $15
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaune 48
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

Also in Beaune, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $227
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $229
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $240
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $240
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $262
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

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

  • Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $105
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125


When comparing the travel costs between Beaune and Genoa, we can see that Beaune 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 Beaune Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beaune or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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 Beaune or Genoa?

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 Beaune or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Beaune during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beaune in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Beaune is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beaune in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Genoa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beaune. In the summer, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaune 21°C (70°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Genoa. Most visitors come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Genoa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Beaune is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 13°C (55°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Beaune gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaune usually receives less rain than Genoa. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaune 13°C (55°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Genoa. The winter months attract visitors to Beaune because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

The weather in Beaune can be very cold. Beaune is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Beaune gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets less rain in January than Genoa. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaune 3°C (38°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to Beaune this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Beaune is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beaune in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during spring. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaune usually receives less rain than Genoa. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaune 11°C (53°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Beaune

Beaune Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)