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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Genoa?

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 Genoa 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 gothic, ancient, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Genoa

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

Edinburgh and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Genoa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Genoa is known for its food and beaches. Edinburgh is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Edinburgh different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Genoa 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 Genoa?

Edinburgh is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Edinburgh has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Genoa. 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 Edinburgh or Genoa Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is great for its shows and theatre. However, Genoa is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Genoa is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh for the nightlife scene. 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.

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 Edinburgh or Genoa Better for Music?

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

Edinburgh has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Genoa is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

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

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

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 Edinburgh or Genoa?

Edinburgh 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 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.

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 Edinburgh or Genoa Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Genoa are high quality to visit with kids.

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

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.

Is Edinburgh or Genoa Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Genoa are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

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

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.

Is Edinburgh or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, as it is a very popular city for 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.

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 Edinburgh or Genoa Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Genoa are high quality 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 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 Edinburgh or Genoa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Public transit in Genoa can get you to some places 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.

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 Genoa a more walkable city?

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

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Genoa?

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

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Genoa. 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 Genoa. 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 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 Edinburgh.

One day in Edinburgh or Genoa?

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this charming destination offers. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Genoa. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Genoa?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Genoa. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Genoa?

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this quaint destination offers. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant port city of Genoa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Genoa?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the ancient destination of Edinburgh. 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 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, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Genoa, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Genoa. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Edinburgh is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Genoa. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Genoa in the Autumn?

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

In October, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Genoa in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. Edinburgh is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Genoa. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Genoa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Edinburgh is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Edinburgh