A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Genoa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Biarritz or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Genoa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Genoa. Although Biarritz and Genoa are both popular with visitors, Genoa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Genoa is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also home to The Via Garibaldi Palaces.

How is Biarritz different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Biarritz and Genoa.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Dining out in Genoa is an experience not to be missed. 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 Biarritz or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Biarritz for the nightlife scene. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz or Genoa Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is great for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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.

Is Biarritz or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is a popular place for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Genoa. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Genoa?

Biarritz is great for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end 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 Biarritz or Genoa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Genoa.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Genoa is known to be 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 Biarritz or Genoa Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Genoa make for a very good place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Couples visit Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Biarritz or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz and Genoa are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Genoa is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Biarritz or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Genoa is a very popular port 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Genoa can get you to some places 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.

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Biarritz or Genoa a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Genoa are very good when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

Genoa is a very walkable destination. 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 Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Genoa?

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

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

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

One day in Biarritz or Genoa?

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside 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.

The port city of Genoa offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Genoa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Genoa?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Genoa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Genoa?

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Genoa is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Genoa?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Genoa. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Genoa. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Genoa. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Biarritz is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Genoa. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Genoa in the Winter?

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

Biarritz is cooler than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Genoa. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In the spring, Biarritz is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Genoa. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Biarritz