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

Should you visit Geneva or Plzen?

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 Plzen. 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 Plzen?

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.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen 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 Plzen is $101. 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 Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $145
    Plzen $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $290
    Plzen $122
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Geneva or Plzen? 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 Plzen


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 and Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $9.38
    Plzen $8.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Geneva Airport: $71
  • VIP Transfer: $72
  • Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
  • Geneva Passenger Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $87
  • Geneva Arrival Private Transfers from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva City: $87
  • Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $95
  • MiniVan Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva City: $95
  • Geneva International Airport - Private Transfer From/to Geneva: $98
  • Geneva Airport GVA to La Clusaz Round Trip Private Transfer : $98
  • Private Geneva Arrival or Departure Transfer: $107

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $115
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $269

Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen 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
    Plzen $31

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: $186
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,415

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Geneva $30
    Plzen $21

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Sirène cruise, on Lake Geneva (Lake of Geneva): $16

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.52
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.69
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $200
  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $249
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $22
    Plzen $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.52
  • Pilsen: Brewery Museum Entrance with a Glass of Beer: $6.93
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $108
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $139
  • Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks: $206


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

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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Plzen?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Plzen. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Plzen, 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 Plzen?

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 Plzen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Plzen. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Geneva is a little warmer than Plzen in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Plzen fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plzen this time of the year. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Plzen. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Plzen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Plzen. 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.

In the autumn, Geneva is a little warmer than Plzen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Plzen. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Geneva or Plzen in the Winter?

Both Plzen 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plzen. It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. In January, Geneva is generally much warmer than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives more rain than Plzen. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Plzen in the Spring?

Both Plzen 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.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Plzen in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Plzen. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Geneva 11°C (53°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Geneva

Geneva Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)