A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Genoa vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Genoa or Florence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Genoa or Florence, 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 energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. Genoa is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Genoa travel costs.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come to Florence because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Florence travel costs.

Genoa and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Genoa or Florence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its beaches. Florence is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Genoa different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Genoa. 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.

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

Florence is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean and cabbage soup. You'll also find all of your favorite Italian staples and many great family-owned trattorie.

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

Is Genoa or Florence Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Genoa and Florence.

If you're looking for night time activities Genoa has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Genoa or Florence Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for the beach. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Genoa. 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Genoa or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Florence has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Genoa or Florence?

Florence is great for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Genoa or Florence More Beautiful?

Florence is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Florence because of it's amazing beauty. The city's beautiful architecture and impressive gardens make it among the most beautiful cities in the world.

Genoa is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful port city that has many cathedrals, palaces, and piazzas that you can explore.

Is Genoa or Florence Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Genoa is very family-friendly. 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Genoa or Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Genoa or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Students come from all over to stay in Genoa. 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.

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

Genoa is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Genoa can get you to some places 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.

Florence has a few public transit options. The city has a comprehensive bus system.

Is Genoa or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot and the striking beauty and and pedestrian-friendly areas make it a great place to wander. During peak seasons, the streets can get crowded.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Genoa?

How long in Genoa or Florence?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Genoa 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 Florence.

One day in Genoa or Florence?

The port city of Genoa offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Florence?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Genoa or Florence?

Genoa is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Genoa or Florence?

Genoa is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this iconic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Genoa and Florence, 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. 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 Genoa Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Genoa or Florence?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Genoa and Florence, 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 Genoa or Florence?

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 Genoa or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Genoa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In July, Genoa is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 25°C (76°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Genoa. Genoa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during summer. Genoa gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Genoa usually receives less rain than Florence. Genoa gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Genoa or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Genoa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Genoa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Genoa is a little warmer than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Genoa averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Genoa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Genoa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Florence. Genoa gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Genoa and Florence. Many travelers come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Genoa is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Genoa in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Genoa usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Genoa gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Genoa usually receives more rain than Florence. Genoa gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Genoa or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Genoa as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Genoa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Genoa is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 15°C (58°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Genoa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Genoa gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Genoa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Genoa