A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dundee vs. Geneva for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dundee or Geneva?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Geneva? 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Dundee or Geneva?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva than Dundee, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Geneva is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dundee or Geneva?

Dundee
Geneva

Geneva is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


Is the Food Better in Dundee or Geneva? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dundee
Geneva

Geneva is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Geneva

Both Dundee and Geneva are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Geneva. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Dundee or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Geneva

Geneva is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Geneva?

Dundee
Geneva

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Geneva Better for Families?

Dundee
Geneva

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dundee or Geneva.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Geneva is a family-friendly city. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Dundee or Geneva Better for Couples?

Dundee
Geneva

Geneva is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Geneva Better for Students?

Dundee
Geneva

Geneva is a well-known place for students. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Is Dundee or Geneva Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dundee
Geneva

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Geneva is top-notch. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Is Dundee or Geneva a more walkable city?

Dundee
Geneva

Geneva is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.


For even more information, also check out Is Dundee Worth Visiting? and Is Geneva Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Geneva?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dundee and Geneva. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Geneva than in Dundee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Dundee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Geneva.

Families should spend more time in Geneva than Dundee. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Geneva, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Geneva than Dundee 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 Geneva.


  • How many days in Dundee or Geneva? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Geneva 1-3

One day in Dundee or Geneva?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dundee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Geneva?

Dundee 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.

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dundee or Geneva?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dundee. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Dundee or Geneva?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Dundee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Geneva. This 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Dundee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Geneva is £169. 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 Dundee and Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Geneva £117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Geneva £234
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Geneva? 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 Dundee


Hotels in Geneva


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Geneva £7.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Geneva Int Airport (GVA) to La Clusaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Geneva Airport: $71
  • VIP Transfer: $72
  • Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Verbier - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
  • Geneva Airport Transfers : Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA in Business Car: $87
  • Geneva Departure Private Transfers from Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA: $87
  • Geneva Passenger Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Geneva £42
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Geneva £24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83

Tours and Activities in Geneva

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Geneva £18


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Geneva?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee and Geneva, 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 Dundee or Geneva?

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 Dundee or Geneva in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Geneva. Most visitors come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dundee is much colder than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives less rain than Geneva. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Geneva 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Geneva. The autumn months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

In the autumn, Dundee is cooler than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Geneva 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. It's quite cold in Dundee in the winter. In January, Dundee is generally cooler than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 3°C (38°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives more rain than Geneva. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Geneva 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva and Dundee during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dundee for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Dundee is much colder than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Geneva 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Geneva and Dundee

Dundee Geneva
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)