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

Should you visit Cannes 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 Cannes and Genoa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a opulent , luxury, and lavish resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Genoa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Genoa attracts visitors for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Genoa and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Cannes different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes 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, Cannes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Cannes 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 Cannes for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes or Genoa Better for Music?

Cannes is terrific for its music scene. However, Genoa is not a live music destination.

Cannes has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Genoa is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Genoa Better for Resorts?

Cannes is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa is not a resort destination.

Cannes offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Genoa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Genoa Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cannes. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

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 Cannes or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Cannes 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 Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Genoa?

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

Many people travel to Cannes specifically to go shopping. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Genoa Better for Families?

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

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.

Cannes is a family-friendly resort city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Cannes or Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Cannes has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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 Cannes or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Genoa is a very popular port city 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is a well-known place for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Genoa is very popular with students. 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Genoa is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Genoa offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Cannes or Genoa a more walkable city?

Cannes and Genoa both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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 Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Genoa?

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

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

One day in Cannes or Genoa?

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this luxury destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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.

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 Cannes or Genoa?

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

Cannes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes or Genoa?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the luxury destination of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Cannes 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 Cannes Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Cannes 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 Cannes 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 Cannes or Genoa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Genoa. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

Cannes usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music 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 the autumn, Cannes is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. In October, Cannes usually receives more rain than Genoa. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cannes or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Cannes during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cannes in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cannes is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cannes usually gets more rain in January than Genoa. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Genoa. Most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cannes is cooler than Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In April, Cannes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Genoa. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Cannes