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

Should you visit Geneva or Howth?

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 Howth. 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. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a scenic, peaceful, and coastal fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Geneva and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Howth are popular destinations, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. 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 Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Geneva is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Geneva. 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Geneva or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Geneva is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Geneva or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Howth for it's beautiful beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Howth Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Geneva to see the old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Geneva or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth 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 Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Howth?

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

The abundance of shops in Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Geneva or Howth Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Howth 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Geneva or Howth Better for Couples?

Geneva and Howth both nice 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.

Howth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Geneva or Howth Better for Students?

Geneva is well known for students. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

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

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

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Geneva or Howth a more walkable city?

Geneva and Howth both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Howth is a very walkable city. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Geneva or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Geneva than Howth 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 Howth.

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

Each neighborhood in Geneva has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Geneva or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Howth 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 Howth?

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Geneva. Lots of people come for the shopping. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the international big city of Geneva. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Howth. This fishing village 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Geneva or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth 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 Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Geneva is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Howth. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth 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 Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Howth. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Howth. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Howth in the Winter?

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

Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Geneva is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Howth during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Howth. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Howth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Howth. 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 Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Geneva is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Howth. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Howth. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Howth and Geneva