A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Genoa for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Helsinki or Genoa?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Genoa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Helsinki and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Genoa. Although Helsinki and Genoa are about the same size, Genoa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Genoa is more popular for its food, beaches, and historical sights, while Helsinki is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also home to The Via Garibaldi Palaces. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Genoa.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Helsinki or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Genoa is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki 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 Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Genoa.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

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.

Is Helsinki or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is a port city with good options for its old town. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Genoa?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or Genoa Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Genoa are high quality to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Genoa is known to be 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 Helsinki or Genoa Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Genoa are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Couples visit Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Helsinki or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or Genoa Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Genoa are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Many students visit 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 Helsinki or Genoa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Helsinki and Genoa.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Genoa offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Is Helsinki or Genoa a more walkable city?

Genoa is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Genoa?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Genoa than Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Genoa?

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this environmentally conscious destination offers. 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.

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.

A weekend in Helsinki or Genoa?

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

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.

Five days in Helsinki or Genoa?

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

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.

A week in Helsinki or Genoa?

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

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Genoa, 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 Helsinki or Genoa?

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 Helsinki or Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Genoa. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Genoa. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Genoa. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Genoa. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Genoa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Helsinki