A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Genoa vs. Cancun for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Genoa or Cancun?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Genoa or Cancun, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Genoa and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Genoa or Cancun?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Genoa and Cancun are both popular with visitors, Cancun has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cancun is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its food and historical sights. Cancun is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Genoa different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Genoa. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Genoa or Cancun?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Cancun and Genoa.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Genoa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Is the Food Better in Genoa or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Genoa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Cancun is a must-see party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa is not a resort destination.

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is terrific for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is very good for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Genoa. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Genoa or Cancun?

If you're looking to go shopping, Genoa and Cancun both offer plenty of good spots.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Cancun is a great destination for shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Genoa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Couples?

Cancun is terrific for couples. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Genoa and Cancun are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Students?

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

Genoa is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Cancun is not popular with students.

Is Genoa or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Genoa is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Genoa can get you around easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Genoa or Cancun a more walkable city?

Genoa and Cancun are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Genoa is a very walkable destination. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Genoa Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Genoa?

How long in Genoa or Cancun?

Both Genoa and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Genoa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Genoa, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

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

One day in Genoa or Cancun?

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

In Cancun, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this party-hard destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Genoa or Cancun?

Genoa 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Genoa or Cancun?

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

Cancun is a fun place to experience. In Cancun, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Genoa or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Genoa. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Cancun, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this wild destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

When comparing the travel costs between Genoa and Cancun, we can see that Genoa 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. Even though Genoa is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Genoa or Cancun?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Genoa and Cancun, 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.