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

Should you visit Geneva or Quepos?

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 Quepos. 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 international, professional, and classy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Geneva offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Geneva travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a local, laid-back, and relaxed town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Quepos travel costs.

Geneva and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Quepos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Geneva than Quepos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Geneva is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Quepos is more popular for its resorts and beaches. 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). Quepos is well known for its big game sport fishing.

How is Geneva different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Geneva is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Geneva specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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

Geneva is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Geneva has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Geneva or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Quepos 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 Quepos has a few options to choose from. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Geneva or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Quepos is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Geneva is not a resort destination.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

Geneva is not a resort destination.

Is Geneva or Quepos Better for Beaches?

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

Quepos offers a nice beach destination. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Quepos Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Quepos does not have a historic old town.

Geneva has an old town worth visiting. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Quepos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Quepos?

Geneva is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Geneva or Quepos More Beautiful?

Geneva is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Geneva offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Located on the edge of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, the city is both bustling and beautiful.

Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Geneva or Quepos Better for Families?

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

Quepos is a very family-friendly place to visit. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

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 Quepos Better for Couples?

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

Quepos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

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 Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quepos is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quepos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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 Quepos Better for Students?

Geneva is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Quepos is not popular with students.

Geneva is very popular with students. 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.

Quepos is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Quepos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Geneva or Quepos a more walkable city?

Geneva is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Quepos?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Geneva than Quepos 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 Geneva.

One day in Geneva or Quepos?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Quepos. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Geneva or Quepos?

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.

Quepos 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 Quepos?

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 Quepos. 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 Quepos?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local destination of Quepos. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Quepos, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Quepos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Geneva is in Europe and Quepos is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Quepos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quepos 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 Quepos.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Quepos?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Quepos, 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 Quepos?

Geneva has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Quepos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Quepos. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In July, Geneva is generally cooler than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Quepos. Geneva usually gets less rain in July than Quepos. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Geneva is much colder than Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In October, Geneva usually receives less rain than Quepos. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.

Should I visit Geneva or Quepos in the Winter?

Both Quepos and Geneva during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

Geneva can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Geneva is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Quepos. The spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Geneva is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Quepos. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Geneva