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

Should you visit Cardiff or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Genoa

Genoa is a colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • 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 Cardiff or Genoa?

Both Genoa and Cardiff have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities, while Genoa is known for its museums, food, beaches, and historical sights. Genoa is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.


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

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Genoa. 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff
Genoa

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Genoa has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

If you're looking for night time activities Genoa has a few options to choose from. 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 Cardiff or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.


Is Cardiff or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Cardiff
Genoa

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

Many people head to Genoa to see the old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Genoa?

Cardiff
Genoa

Shopping is a popular activity in both Genoa and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cardiff or Genoa Better for Families?

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.


Is Cardiff or Genoa Better for Couples?

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Genoa is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Genoa Better for Students?

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.


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

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Genoa can get you around 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Genoa a more walkable city?

Cardiff
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Cardiff 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 Cardiff, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Families should spend more time in Genoa than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cardiff 1-3 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Cardiff or Genoa?

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this industrial 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 Cardiff or Genoa?

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

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Genoa?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Cardiff?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £156, 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 Cardiff and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Genoa £75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Genoa £150
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff 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 Cardiff


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: Cardiff Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Genoa £7.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

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

  • Departure Private Transfer Genoa, Savona or Portofino to GOA Airport by Sedan: $44
  • From Genoa to Florence Hotels - Private Transfer: $145
  • From Genova: Portofino Return Transfer by Open-Top Bus: $63
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Arrival Private Transfer: $111
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Portofino hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa City to Genoa Airport GOA in Business Car: $65
  • Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa City to Genoa Airport GOA in Minivan: $65
  • Genoa Airport to Savona Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $59
  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Cardiff 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
    Cardiff £44
    Genoa £44

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.
    Cardiff £25
    Genoa £17

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

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

  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
  • Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
  • Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
  • Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $187
  • Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $37
  • Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178

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
    Cardiff £13
    Genoa £8.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Genoa, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Genoa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Genoa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Genoa 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Genoa.

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


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities 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, Cardiff is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Genoa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Genoa. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cardiff is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Genoa. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Genoa. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. Cardiff is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in January than Genoa. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Genoa. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Cardiff

Cardiff Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)