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

Should you visit Kyoto or Geneva?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Geneva 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of Kyoto is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kyoto travel costs.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Geneva is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Geneva travel costs.

Kyoto and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Geneva?

Both Geneva and Kyoto have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Kyoto is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Geneva attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Kyoto is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

How is Kyoto different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kyoto or Geneva?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kyoto that are not to be missed. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Is the Food Better in Kyoto or Geneva? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Kyoto and Geneva.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Geneva has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Kyoto or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Geneva has a better nightlife scene.

Kyoto has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Kyoto or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kyoto offers plenty to see. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Geneva?

Geneva is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Kyoto or Geneva More Beautiful?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Kyoto is one of the main draws. It's one of the most historical cities in Japan and it has many beautiful Buddhist temples, gardens, and imperial palaces. It's particularly striking during the cherry blossom season.

Geneva is a beautiful place to visit, too. Located on the edge of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, the city is both bustling and beautiful.

Is Kyoto or Geneva Better for Families?

Kyoto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kyoto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Kyoto or Geneva Better for Couples?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Kyoto or Geneva Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Kyoto or Geneva Better for Students?

Kyoto and Geneva are very good places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Is Kyoto or Geneva Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Geneva is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Geneva has a great public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kyoto or Geneva a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Geneva Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Geneva?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Geneva. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Geneva. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Geneva.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto than Geneva 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 Kyoto.

One day in Kyoto or Geneva?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Geneva has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. This 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 Kyoto or Geneva?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Kyoto or Geneva?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Geneva. Lots of people come for the shopping. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Geneva?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Kyoto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the international big city of Geneva. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Geneva?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Geneva, 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 Kyoto or Geneva?

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 Kyoto or Geneva in the Summer?

Both Geneva and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kyoto is generally a little warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Geneva. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Geneva. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kyoto or Geneva in the Autumn?

Both Geneva and Kyoto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kyoto is a little warmer than Geneva in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Geneva. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Geneva in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Geneva. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Geneva can be very cold during winter. Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kyoto is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Geneva averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Geneva. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kyoto or Geneva in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Geneva. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Kyoto is generally a little warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Geneva. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Geneva and Kyoto