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

Should you visit Geneva or Fussen?

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 Fussen. 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Fussen

Fussen is a charming, picturesque, and quintesential town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Geneva and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Geneva or Fussen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Fussen are popular destinations, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fussen attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Fussen is more touristy than Geneva and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also well known for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Geneva different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Geneva
Fussen

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fussen. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.


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

Geneva
Fussen

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

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Fussen area. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Geneva or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Geneva
Fussen

Geneva is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Geneva or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Geneva
Fussen

Fussen 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, Fussen offers plenty to see. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

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 Geneva or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Geneva
Fussen

Fussen is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Geneva is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fussen. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Fussen?

Geneva
Fussen

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

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.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Geneva or Fussen Better for Families?

Geneva
Fussen

Both Geneva and Fussen are nice 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.

Fussen offers lots of family activities. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.


Is Geneva or Fussen Better for Couples?

Geneva
Fussen

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

Couples visit Fussen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

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 Geneva or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Geneva
Fussen

Fussen is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Fussen. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.

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 Geneva or Fussen Better for Students?

Geneva
Fussen

Geneva is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen 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.

Fussen is not popular with students.


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

Geneva
Fussen

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fussen 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.

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is Geneva or Fussen a more walkable city?

Geneva
Fussen

Fussen 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 Fussen on foot is easy. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Fussen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Fussen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva and Fussen. In our opinion, Geneva has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Geneva than Fussen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-3 days is enough time in Fussen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fussen 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 Fussen.


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

One day in Geneva or Fussen?

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

Fussen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Geneva or Fussen?

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.

Fussen 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 Fussen?

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 Fussen. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the international 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.

Fussen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Fussen or Geneva?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $210, while the average daily cost in Fussen is $225. 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 Geneva and Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $145
    Fussen $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $290
    Fussen $234
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Geneva or Fussen? 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 Geneva


Hotels in Fussen


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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Fussen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $9.38
    Fussen $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,567
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,214
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Meribel (FR): $1,129
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Courchevel (FR): $1,038
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere: $826
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez: $794
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Leukerbad: $730
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Chamonix (FR): $699
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Montreux: $690
  • Private Transfer: Geneva Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $689
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Saas-Fee: $689
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Adelboden: $678

Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen and Geneva 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
    Geneva $52
    Fussen $63

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

Typical Food Prices in Fussen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fussen:


  • Lunch
    $11

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Geneva $30
    Fussen $64

Tours and Activities in Geneva

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

  • (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $176
  • (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $169
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $32
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo: $394
  • 3 Hour Private Chocolate and Watch Walking Tour of Geneva: $168
  • 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $283
  • Activé Geneva Urban Art Tour 3h on a bike or ebike: $198
  • Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $84
  • Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $354
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $21
  • Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $156

Tours and Activities in Fussen

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fussen.

  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $41
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $51
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $60
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $225
  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $254
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $22
    Fussen $21


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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Fussen?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Fussen, 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.