A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. Stuttgart for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Geneva or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart. 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. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a diverse, dynamic, and modern city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva and Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Geneva or Stuttgart?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Geneva than Stuttgart. While Stuttgart is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stuttgart is more popular for its nightlife. Geneva is more touristy than Stuttgart and is popular 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). Stuttgart is well known for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

How is Geneva different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Geneva
Stuttgart

Geneva is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.


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

Geneva
Stuttgart

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Stuttgart can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Stuttgart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

Is Geneva or Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

Geneva
Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Stuttgart know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

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 Stuttgart Better for its Old Town?

Geneva
Stuttgart

Geneva is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Stuttgart?

Geneva
Stuttgart

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Is Geneva or Stuttgart Better for Families?

Geneva
Stuttgart

Both Geneva and Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart offers lots of family activities. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Geneva or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Geneva
Stuttgart

Geneva and Stuttgart both notable destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Stuttgart makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.


Is Geneva or Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Geneva
Stuttgart

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

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 Stuttgart Better for Students?

Geneva
Stuttgart

Geneva and Stuttgart are superb places to visit for 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.

Stuttgart is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

Geneva
Stuttgart

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

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

Visitors to Stuttgart can move around easily with public transportation. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.


Is Geneva or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Geneva
Stuttgart

Geneva is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Stuttgart?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Geneva or Stuttgart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Geneva 1-3 
    Stuttgart 2-4

One day in Geneva or Stuttgart?

People visit Geneva because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Stuttgart. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Geneva or Stuttgart?

People visit Geneva because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the professional city of Geneva. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart?

Geneva is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Stuttgart. This city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart is $178. 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 Stuttgart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $145
    Stuttgart $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $290
    Stuttgart $218
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Stuttgart

Looking for a hotel in Geneva or Stuttgart? 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 Stuttgart


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 Stuttgart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $9.38
    Stuttgart $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • VIP Transfer: $72
  • Private Transfer: Geneva Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $689
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,567
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,214
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Cornavin station CFF to Hotels: $108
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airpot to Geneva City: $108
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Verbier: $576
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Samoens: $291
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to City Centre: $157
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Annemasse: $117

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $90
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $90
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $90
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $90
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $90
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Stuttgart?

Prices for flights to both Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart $40

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

Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    $2.17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Geneva $30
    Stuttgart $25

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 Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Wine Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Landesmuseum Württemberg Old Castle Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Stuttgart Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • TV Tower Tickets: $11
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • VfB Fan-Tour at the MHPArena: $12
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $13
  • entertaining guided tour to old town highlights: $15
  • Stuttgart city tour: $15
  • Stuttgart city library - an architectural tour: $17
  • Stuttgart Nature Experience Day: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $22
    Stuttgart $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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

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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Stuttgart?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Stuttgart. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stuttgart. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Stuttgart. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Stuttgart. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

Both Stuttgart and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Stuttgart in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Stuttgart in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Geneva 14°C (56°F) 
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Stuttgart in the Winter?

Both Stuttgart and Geneva during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Stuttgart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stuttgart can be very cold during winter. Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Geneva is a little warmer than Stuttgart. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in January than Stuttgart. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Stuttgart in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Stuttgart. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the activities around the city.

In April, Geneva is generally around the same temperature as Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Stuttgart during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Geneva

Geneva Stuttgart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)