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

Should you visit Geneva or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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 diverse, international, and professional 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Geneva and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Hvar are popular destinations, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. 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 Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Geneva is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Geneva. 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 Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Hvar can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Hvar has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Geneva or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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.

Is Geneva or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Geneva or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is a city with good options for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Geneva or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Hvar?

Geneva is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Geneva or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hvar is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Geneva or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Geneva is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Geneva. 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Geneva has a great public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Geneva or Hvar a more walkable city?

Geneva is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Geneva or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Geneva. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hvar, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Geneva or Hvar?

Geneva is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Geneva or Hvar?

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Five days in Geneva or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the classy big city of Geneva. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

The professional city of Geneva offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented destination of Hvar. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Hvar?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Hvar. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Geneva is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Hvar. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Hvar. The autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In October, Geneva is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hvar. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Hvar in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. Geneva is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Hvar. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Hvar in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Geneva is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hvar. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Geneva