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

Should you visit Geneva or Calais?

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 Calais. 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 professional, classy, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Geneva and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Calais?

You'll generally find more things to do in Geneva than Calais. Geneva is bigger than Calais, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Geneva is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Calais is more popular for its beaches. Geneva is more touristy than Calais and is known 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). Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Geneva different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Geneva is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Geneva is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Geneva is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Geneva or Calais Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Calais has a better nightlife scene.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Geneva or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a good destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Calais offers a nice beach destination. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Calais Better for its Old Town?

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

Geneva offers a nice historic old town area. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Calais?

Geneva is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Geneva is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Geneva or Calais Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Calais 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Geneva or Calais Better for Couples?

Geneva and Calais 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.

Calais makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Geneva or Calais Better for Students?

Geneva is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Geneva has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Geneva or Calais a more walkable city?

Geneva is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva and Calais. In our opinion, Geneva has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Geneva than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Geneva than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais?

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

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

A weekend in Geneva or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the classy 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Calais. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Calais?

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

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 Geneva or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Calais. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Geneva is a little warmer than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Geneva or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Calais. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Geneva is cooler than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives more rain than Calais. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Geneva