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

Should you visit Belfast or Geneva?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Geneva, 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Belfast or Geneva?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Geneva than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Belfast different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Belfast
Geneva

Geneva is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Geneva can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Belfast
Geneva

Geneva is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Geneva

Both Belfast and Geneva are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Belfast or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Belfast
Geneva

Geneva is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Geneva?

Belfast
Geneva

Geneva is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Geneva Better for Families?

Belfast
Geneva

Belfast and Geneva are both good destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Geneva is a family-friendly city. 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 Belfast or Geneva Better for Couples?

Belfast
Geneva

Geneva is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.


Is Belfast or Geneva Better for Students?

Belfast
Geneva

Geneva is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Geneva is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Belfast
Geneva

Geneva is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Geneva a more walkable city?

Belfast
Geneva

Geneva is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.


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

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Geneva?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Geneva. In our opinion, Geneva has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Geneva than Belfast. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Belfast or Geneva?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Geneva?

Belfast 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.

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Geneva?

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

Geneva is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Belfast or Geneva?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Geneva. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Belfast?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Geneva is £169. 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 Belfast and Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Geneva £117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Geneva £234
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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 Belfast


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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Geneva £7.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Car: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $145
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Geneva Int Airport (GVA) to La Clusaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Geneva Airport: $71
  • VIP Transfer: $72
  • Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Verbier - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
  • Geneva Airport Transfers : Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA in Business Car: $87
  • Geneva Departure Private Transfers from Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA: $87
  • Geneva Passenger Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva and Belfast 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
    Belfast £51
    Geneva £42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

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

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

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

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Geneva £24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.90
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Geneva

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Geneva £18

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Geneva, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belfast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belfast 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 Belfast.

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


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Geneva?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast or Geneva?

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 Belfast or Geneva in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Geneva. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Belfast is cooler than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Geneva. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Geneva 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Geneva. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Belfast is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Geneva. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Geneva 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Geneva in the Winter?

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

The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Belfast can be very cold during winter. In January, Belfast is generally around the same temperature as Geneva. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Geneva. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Geneva 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

Belfast is cooler than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Geneva 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Geneva and Belfast

Belfast Geneva
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)