A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Genoa vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Genoa or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Genoa or Kotor, 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 colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Genoa and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Genoa or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Genoa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Genoa is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Genoa is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Genoa different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Genoa is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Genoa is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Genoa has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Genoa or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Genoa or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Genoa or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

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 Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor 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.

Kotor has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Genoa or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is terrific for hiking. However, Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Genoa or Kotor?

Genoa is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Genoa or Kotor Better for Families?

Genoa is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Genoa or Kotor Better for Couples?

Genoa and Kotor are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Genoa is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Genoa or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Genoa and Kotor 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Genoa or Kotor Better for Students?

Genoa is well known for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Genoa is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Genoa can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Genoa or Kotor a more walkable city?

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

Kotor is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Genoa?

How long in Genoa or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Genoa or Kotor. In our opinion, Kotor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kotor than Genoa. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Genoa, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor 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 Kotor.

One day in Genoa or Kotor?

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic destination offers. This port 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.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal town 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Kotor?

Genoa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Genoa. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Genoa or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Genoa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Genoa and Kotor, we can see that Genoa is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa than you might in Kotor.

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

Which is Bigger, Genoa or Kotor?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Genoa and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Genoa or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Genoa as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Genoa is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Genoa in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In the summer, Genoa often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Genoa gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Genoa gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Genoa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Genoa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In October, Genoa is generally a little warmer than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 19°C (66°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Genoa usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Genoa gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Genoa usually receives less rain than Kotor. Genoa gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Genoa or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Genoa during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Genoa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

Genoa is much warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Genoa averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Genoa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Genoa gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Genoa usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Genoa gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Genoa and Kotor. Many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Genoa is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Genoa in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Genoa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during spring. Genoa gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Genoa usually receives less rain than Kotor. Genoa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Genoa