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

Should you visit Geneva or Positano?

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 Positano. 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 classy, diverse, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Geneva and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Geneva than Positano, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Geneva is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Geneva and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Geneva is well known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Also, Geneva is famous for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Geneva different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Geneva is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Geneva or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Geneva is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Geneva or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Geneva is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Geneva is not a resort destination.

Is Geneva or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Positano has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Geneva or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a good destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Positano offers a nice beach destination. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Positano offers plenty to see. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

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 Geneva or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano 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 Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Positano?

Geneva is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for shopping.

Many people travel to Geneva specifically to go shopping. 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.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Geneva or Positano Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Positano are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. 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.

Positano offers lots of family activities. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Geneva or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

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 Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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 Positano Better for Students?

Geneva is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

Geneva has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Geneva or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Positano on foot is easy. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Positano?

Both Geneva and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Geneva. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

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

One day in Geneva or Positano?

Geneva is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Positano?

Geneva is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Geneva, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Positano?

Geneva is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Geneva or Positano?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Geneva and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Positano?

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

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Geneva during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In July, Geneva is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Geneva. In the summer, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Positano. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Positano. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Geneva is cooler than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Geneva usually receives less rain than Positano. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Geneva or Positano in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. In the winter, Geneva is much colder than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Positano. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Geneva is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives less rain than Positano. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Geneva