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

Should you visit Geneva or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer. 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Geneva and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Lillehammer?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Lillehammer are both popular with visitors, Geneva has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Geneva is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Lillehammer is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Geneva different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Geneva or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Geneva is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Geneva is not a skiing destination.

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Geneva can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Geneva or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Geneva or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

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

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Geneva or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Lillehammer?

Geneva is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Geneva or Lillehammer Better for Families?

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

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Lillehammer frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

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 Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in 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 Lillehammer Better for Students?

Geneva is well known for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Geneva is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Geneva can get you around easily. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Geneva or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Geneva is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Geneva or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

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

One day in Geneva or Lillehammer?

Geneva is a professional city where you can fill many days. Most people visit for the shopping. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

Geneva is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

The professional city of Geneva offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Geneva. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. This city 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Lillehammer?

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