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

Should you visit Geneva or Auxerre?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Auxerre. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a classy, diverse, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Geneva and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Auxerre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Geneva than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Geneva is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is more popular for its small town charm. Geneva is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Also, Geneva is famous for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Geneva different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Geneva is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Geneva has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Geneva or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Geneva is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Geneva or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Geneva has an old town worth visiting. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Auxerre?

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Geneva specifically to go shopping. 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Geneva or Auxerre Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Auxerre are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. 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.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Geneva or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Geneva and Auxerre both notable destinations for a couple.

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.

Auxerre makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Geneva or Auxerre Better for Students?

Geneva is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Geneva is very popular with students. 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Geneva or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Geneva is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Geneva or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Geneva than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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

One day in Geneva or Auxerre?

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Geneva or Auxerre?

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva has to offer.

Auxerre 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 Geneva or Auxerre?

Geneva 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. 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 Geneva or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Geneva. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Auxerre. This town 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Auxerre, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Auxerre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Auxerre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auxerre 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 Auxerre.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Auxerre?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Auxerre, 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 Geneva or Auxerre?

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 Geneva or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Geneva during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Geneva. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in July than Auxerre. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Auxerre. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Geneva or Auxerre in the Winter?

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

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. Geneva can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Geneva is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Auxerre averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Auxerre. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In April, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Geneva