A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Geneva for Attractions, Old Town, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Edinburgh or Geneva?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Geneva can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for live music, shopping, and museums.

Geneva

Geneva is a international, professional, and classy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Geneva?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Geneva. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Geneva attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Geneva and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

How is Edinburgh different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Edinburgh that are not to be missed. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Geneva Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a great destination for theatre. However, Geneva is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Geneva is not a theatre destination.

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

Geneva is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Edinburgh know how to have a good time. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. 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 Edinburgh or Geneva Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Geneva is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is a world class music destination. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Geneva is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Edinburgh offers plenty to see. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Geneva?

Geneva is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Geneva draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Is Edinburgh or Geneva Better for Families?

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

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. 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 Edinburgh or Geneva Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Geneva Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Edinburgh is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Edinburgh or Geneva Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Geneva are very good destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Many students visit Geneva. 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.

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

Geneva is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Geneva can take you anywhere. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Geneva a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Edinburgh on foot is easy. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Geneva?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Edinburgh and Geneva. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than in Geneva. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 1-3 days is enough time in Geneva.

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

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or Geneva?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Geneva because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Geneva?

Edinburgh 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.

People visit Geneva because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Geneva?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international city of Geneva. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Geneva?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the charming destination of Edinburgh. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Geneva is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Geneva?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Geneva?

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 Edinburgh or Geneva in the Summer?

Both Geneva and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in July than Geneva. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Geneva. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Edinburgh is cooler than Geneva in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Geneva. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Geneva in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Geneva. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Geneva can be very cold during winter. Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Edinburgh is cooler than Geneva. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Geneva averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Geneva. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Geneva. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Geneva and Edinburgh