A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Genoa vs. San Diego for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Genoa or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Genoa or San Diego, 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 beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Genoa and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Genoa or San Diego?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego than Genoa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Diego is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Genoa is known for its food and historical sights. San Diego is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also home to The San Diego Zoo. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Genoa different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both San Diego 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 San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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

Genoa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Genoa or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to San Diego for the nightlife scene. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is great for its music scene. However, Genoa is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Diego draws a good crowd. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Genoa is not a live music destination.

Is Genoa or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Genoa or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Genoa or San Diego Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

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 San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is a good destination for its old town. However, San Diego 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.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Genoa or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is great for hiking. However, Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Genoa or San Diego?

If you're looking to go shopping, Genoa and San Diego 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.

San Diego is a great destination for shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Genoa or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego 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.

San Diego is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 San Diego Better for Couples?

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

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Genoa or San Diego Better for Students?

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

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

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 San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Genoa is great for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination 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.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Genoa or San Diego a more walkable city?

Genoa is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

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

San Diego is a somewhat walkable port city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Genoa?

How long in Genoa or San Diego?

In either Genoa or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Genoa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Genoa, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Genoa than San Diego 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this hip destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal 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 San Diego?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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 San Diego. 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 San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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.

San Diego is a fun place to experience. In San Diego, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Genoa or San Diego?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic destination of San Diego. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Genoa and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Genoa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Genoa is in Europe and San Diego is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Genoa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Genoa 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Genoa.

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

Which is Bigger, Genoa or San Diego?

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

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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Genoa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Genoa is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 25°C (76°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Genoa. Genoa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Genoa gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Genoa usually receives more rain than San Diego. Genoa gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Genoa or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Genoa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Genoa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Genoa is around the same temperature as San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Genoa averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Genoa often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Genoa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Genoa gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Genoa and San Diego. Most visitors come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Genoa is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Genoa in January average around 11°C (51°F), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Genoa usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Genoa gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Genoa usually receives more rain than San Diego. Genoa gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Genoa or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Genoa as well as San Diego. The spring months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In April, Genoa is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 15°C (58°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the spring, Genoa often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Genoa gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Genoa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Genoa