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

Should you visit Budapest or Genoa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Genoa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Genoa

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

Budapest and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Genoa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its food and beaches. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Budapest different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Genoa.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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.

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

Genoa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Genoa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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 Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for the beache. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Budapest or Genoa?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest or Genoa Better for Families?

Genoa is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Genoa is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or Genoa Better for Couples?

Both Budapest and Genoa are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other 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.

Is Budapest or Genoa Better for Students?

Budapest is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Budapest is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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.

Is Budapest or Genoa a more walkable city?

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

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Budapest or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Budapest due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Genoa if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Budapest.

One day in Budapest or Genoa?

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

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 Budapest or Genoa?

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

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

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 Budapest or Genoa?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the historic big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Genoa, we can see that Genoa is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa than you might in Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Genoa?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Genoa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives more rain than Genoa. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Budapest is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Genoa. Many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. Budapest is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Genoa. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Genoa. Most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Budapest is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Budapest in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Budapest