A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Imperia vs. Genoa for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Imperia or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Imperia or Genoa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Imperia and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Imperia or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Genoa. Although Imperia and Genoa are popular destinations, Genoa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Genoa is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also well known for The Via Garibaldi Palaces. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Imperia different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Genoa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.


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

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Genoa is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Imperia or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Imperia
Genoa

Evening events are nice in both Imperia and Genoa.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Imperia or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is a moderate port city for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

The beach in Genoa is worth checking out. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.


Is Imperia or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Genoa offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Imperia or Genoa?

Imperia
Genoa

Both Imperia and Genoa are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Imperia to go shopping. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Genoa. 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 Imperia or Genoa Better for Families?

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Imperia is a family-friendly town. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.


Is Imperia or Genoa Better for Couples?

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Imperia or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Genoa is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Imperia or Genoa Better for Students?

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is notable for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.


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

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is notable for its public transit. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Genoa can get you to most 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.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Imperia or Genoa a more walkable city?

Imperia
Genoa

Genoa is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Imperia?

How long in Imperia or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Imperia or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Imperia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Families should spend more time in Genoa than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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.


  • How many days in Imperia or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Imperia 1-2 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Imperia or Genoa?

In Imperia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Genoa, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Imperia or Genoa?

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

In Genoa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Genoa has to offer.

Five days in Imperia or Genoa?

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

Genoa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Imperia or Genoa?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Genoa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Imperia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Imperia is €108, while the average daily cost in Genoa is €150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Imperia and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Imperia 51
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Imperia 102
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Imperia and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Imperia or Genoa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Imperia


Hotels in Genoa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Imperia Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Imperia 36
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Genoa to Genoa Airport (GOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Transfer: GOA Airport to Genoa city, Savona or Portofino by business car: $44
  • Private Transfer from Genoa city to Santa Margherita Cruise Port: $44
  • Departure Private Transfer Genoa, Savona or Portofino to GOA Airport by Sedan: $44
  • Private Transfer Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa, Savona or Portofino by Business Car: $44
  • Private Transfer from Santa Margherita Port to Genoa Airport GOA: $44
  • Private Transfer from Santa Margherita Cruise Port to Genoa city: $44
  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Genoa Airport (GOA) to Portofino Hotels: $54
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Imperia or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Imperia change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Imperia 35
    Genoa 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $86
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $87
  • Traditional Food Tour: $92
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Santa Margherita Ligure with Show Cooking: $94
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Chiavari with Show Cooking: $94
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Genoa: $96
  • Small-group Street food tour in Genoa: $98
  • Small-group Street food tour in Camogli: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Imperia 13
    Genoa 20

Tours and Activities in Genoa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Genoa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Skip the Line: Single ticket to visit the Open Air Museum, Museum, Lighthouse: $6.63
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.06
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $7.06
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $8.58
  • Lighthouse Entrance Ticket: $8.69
  • Finance and Nobility: Explore medieval Genoa on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Finance and Nobility Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus' House: $11
  • The City of Children and Young Museum Entry Ticket: $13
  • Calvino Cantafavole Entry Ticket: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Imperia 7.50
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $92


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

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


Which is Bigger, Imperia or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Imperia 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 Imperia or Genoa?

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 Imperia or Genoa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Imperia as well as Genoa. Many travelers come to Imperia for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Imperia is around the same temperature as Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Genoa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Imperia this time of the year. In the summer, Imperia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Imperia gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Imperia usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Genoa. Imperia gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Imperia 25°C (76°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Imperia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Imperia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Imperia is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Imperia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Imperia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during autumn. Imperia gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Imperia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Genoa. Imperia gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Imperia 19°C (66°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Imperia during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Imperia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Imperia is generally around the same temperature as Genoa. Daily temperatures in Imperia average around 11°C (51°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

Imperia usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Genoa. Imperia gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Imperia 11°C (51°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Imperia and Genoa. The spring months attract visitors to Imperia because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

Imperia is around the same temperature as Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

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

In April, Imperia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Genoa. Imperia gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Imperia 15°C (58°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Imperia

Imperia Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)