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

Should you visit Geneva or Lindau?

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 Lindau. 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.

Lindau

Lindau is a picturesque, fun-filled, and scenic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food.

Geneva and Lindau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Lindau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Lindau are popular destinations, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lindau attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Lindau is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its lakefront location and quaint old town. 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 Lindau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Geneva is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Lindau 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.

Lindau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Is Geneva or Lindau Better for Nightlife?

Geneva is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options 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.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Is Geneva or Lindau Better for its Old Town?

Lindau is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lindau. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

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 the Shopping Better in Geneva or Lindau?

Geneva is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Geneva or Lindau Better for Families?

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

Lindau is a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

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 Lindau Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Lindau frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

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 Lindau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Lindau Better for Students?

Geneva is a great destination for students. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is terrific for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Geneva can take you anywhere. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.

Is Geneva or Lindau a more walkable city?

Geneva and Lindau both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Lindau is a very walkable city. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

Should I spend more time in Lindau or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Lindau?

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

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

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

One day in Geneva or Lindau?

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

Lindau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Geneva or Lindau?

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.

Lindau 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 Lindau?

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 Lindau. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Lindau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse 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.

Lindau 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Lindau?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Lindau, 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.