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

Should you visit Belfast or Genoa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Genoa, 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 authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • 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
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Belfast or Genoa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Genoa than Belfast. Genoa is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Genoa is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is more popular for its big city activities. Genoa is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Also, Genoa is famous for The Via Garibaldi Palaces. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa 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, 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.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Genoa

Both Belfast and Genoa are notable 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 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 Belfast or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa is a moderate port city for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.


Is Belfast or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Belfast
Genoa

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

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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Genoa?

Belfast
Genoa

Both Belfast and Genoa are notable shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Genoa. 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 Belfast or Genoa Better for Families?

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. 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.


Is Belfast or Genoa Better for Couples?

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

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 Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Genoa Better for Students?

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa 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.

Genoa is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Genoa. 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.

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

Is Belfast or Genoa a more walkable city?

Belfast
Genoa

Genoa 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.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Belfast or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Families should spend more time in Genoa than Belfast. 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 Genoa than Belfast. 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 Genoa 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 Genoa.


  • How many days in Belfast or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Belfast 1-3 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Belfast or Genoa?

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Genoa, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Belfast or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

In Genoa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Genoa has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Genoa?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Belfast. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Genoa 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 Genoa?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Genoa. 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, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa 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 Genoa is £128. 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 Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Genoa £75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Genoa £150
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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 Belfast


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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Genoa £7.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Dublin Airport: $294
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Derrygonnelly: $286
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belcoo: $286
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bellanaleck: $268
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Kinawley: $264
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnarick: $259
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Ballinamallard: $248
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Castlederg: $248
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnaskea: $243
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Maguiresbridge: $243
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownbutler: $236

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

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

  • Private Transfer from Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa hotels: $26
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Genoa to Genoa Airport (GOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport GOA to Santa Margherita Port: $44
  • Departure Private Transfer Genoa, Savona or Portofino to GOA Airport by Sedan: $44
  • Private Transfer Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa, Savona or Portofino by Business Car: $44
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport(GOA) to Portofino Cruise Port: $49
  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Genoa airport (GOA) to Savona Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Genoa Airport to Savona Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa 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
    Genoa £44

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 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.
    Belfast £18
    Genoa £17
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 A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

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
    Belfast £7.86
    Genoa £8.86

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

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 Belfast and Genoa, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Genoa in the Summer?

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

In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Genoa. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Genoa in the Autumn?

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

Belfast is much colder than Genoa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Genoa. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Genoa in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. In the winter, Belfast is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Genoa averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Genoa. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Genoa in the Spring?

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

In April, Belfast is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Genoa. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Belfast

Belfast Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)