A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. Saint-Tropez for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Geneva or Saint-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez. 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.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a glamourous, opulent, and ritzy resort town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Geneva and Saint-Tropez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Saint-Tropez?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint-Tropez attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez?

Geneva is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Geneva or Saint-Tropez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Geneva. 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.

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Geneva or Saint-Tropez Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Saint-Tropez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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.

Is Geneva or Saint-Tropez Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Geneva is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Saint-Tropez for its luxury resorts. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Geneva is not a resort destination.

Is Geneva or Saint-Tropez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Geneva or Saint-Tropez Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is a great destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint-Tropez for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Saint-Tropez Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is a popular place for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Geneva to see the old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Saint-Tropez?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Saint-Tropez and Geneva.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Known for shopping, Saint-Tropez draws large crowds to its stores. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

Is Geneva or Saint-Tropez Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Saint-Tropez is very family-friendly. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Couples?

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

Saint-Tropez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Students?

Geneva is a great destination for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Geneva is top-notch. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

While Saint-Tropez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Geneva or Saint-Tropez a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez on foot is easy. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Tropez or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Saint-Tropez?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Geneva or Saint-Tropez?

Each neighborhood in Geneva has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Geneva or Saint-Tropez?

Geneva is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the professional big city of Geneva. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Geneva is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the extravagant destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Saint-Tropez?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Saint-Tropez, 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 Saint-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez in the Summer?

Both Saint-Tropez and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Geneva is around the same temperature as Saint-Tropez. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Tropez during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Saint-Tropez. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Saint-Tropez in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Tropez and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Geneva is generally cooler than Saint-Tropez. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 205 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Tropez. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Saint-Tropez in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Saint-Tropez. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Geneva is much colder than Saint-Tropez in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Tropez during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Saint-Tropez. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Saint-Tropez in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Saint-Tropez. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Geneva is cooler than Saint-Tropez. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. In the spring, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 245 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint-Tropez. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Tropez and Geneva