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

Should you visit Genoa or Ljubljana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Genoa or Ljubljana, 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. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a under-rated, authentic, and historic capital city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Genoa or Ljubljana?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ljubljana than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Ljubljana, Ljubljana has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ljubljana is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Genoa is more popular for its museums, food, and beaches. Genoa is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Ljubljana is well known for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. Also, Ljubljana is famous for The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Genoa different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Genoa. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Genoa or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Genoa and Ljubljana.

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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Genoa or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for its beaches. However, Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

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.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Genoa or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Ljubljana to see the historical old town. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

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 Ljubljana?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

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 Ljubljana Better for Families?

Genoa is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Genoa is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Genoa or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Genoa is a great port city for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its romantic activities.

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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Genoa or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Genoa and Ljubljana are superb 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 Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Genoa or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Ljubljana is a good port city to visit for students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Is Genoa or Ljubljana 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, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its public transit.

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.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Genoa or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Genoa and Ljubljana are superb 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.

Ljubljana is very walkable. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Genoa?

How long in Genoa or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Genoa and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Genoa than in Ljubljana. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Genoa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

One day in Genoa or Ljubljana?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Genoa. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Genoa or Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Genoa. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic port city of Genoa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

Genoa 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Ljubljana. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Genoa or Ljubljana?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Genoa and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In the summer, Genoa is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Genoa in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Genoa. Genoa usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during summer. Genoa gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In July, Genoa usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Genoa gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Genoa or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Genoa is generally a little warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 19°C (66°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Genoa often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Genoa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Genoa usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Genoa gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Ljubljana in the Winter?

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

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. Genoa is much warmer than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Genoa averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Genoa usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Genoa gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Genoa usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Genoa gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Genoa or Ljubljana in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Genoa is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Genoa in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Genoa often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Genoa gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Genoa usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Genoa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Genoa