A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. Lisse for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Geneva or Lisse?

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 Lisse. 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.

Where Should I go: Geneva or Lisse?

Geneva

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Lisse 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 Lisse is $155. 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 Lisse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $145
    Lisse $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $290
    Lisse $170
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Lisse

Looking for a hotel in Geneva or Lisse? 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 Lisse


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $9.38
    Lisse $24

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 Lisse?

Prices for flights to both Lisse 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
    Lisse $50

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

For Lisse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Geneva $30
    Lisse $32

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 Lisse

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

  • Walking tour Haarlem (Tip Based): $4.36
  • Keukenhof: Parking Ticket or Park Information Booklet: $7.49
  • Haarlem Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.57
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof: $16
  • Haarlem: Canal Cruise Spaarne Mill to Mill: $20
  • Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise: $20
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
  • Keukenhof: Entry Ticket: $21
  • Haarlem Open Canal Tour with a real live guide: $25
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $22
    Lisse $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

Also in Lisse, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22


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

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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Lisse?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Geneva or Lisse in the Summer?

Both Lisse and Geneva during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

In the summer, Geneva is a little warmer than Lisse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Lisse averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Lisse, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Geneva. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Lisse. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisse receives 204 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in July than Lisse. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Lisse 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Lisse in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Lisse. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Lisse. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Lisse fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Lisse during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives more rain than Lisse. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Geneva 14°C (56°F) 
    Lisse 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Lisse in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Lisse. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lisse can be very cold during winter. Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Geneva is much warmer than Lisse in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Lisse fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Lisse. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisse receives 46 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Lisse. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Lisse 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Lisse in the Spring?

Both Lisse and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Geneva is much warmer than Lisse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Lisse averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisse during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Lisse. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Geneva 11°C (53°F) 
    Lisse 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Lisse and Geneva

Geneva Lisse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)