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

Should you visit La Rochelle or Genoa?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

La Rochelle and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Genoa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Genoa is known for its impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is La Rochelle different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Genoa?

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

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Many visitors head to Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 La Rochelle or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, La Rochelle is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is La Rochelle or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both La Rochelle and Genoa.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

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 La Rochelle or Genoa Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

La Rochelle has a beach worth visiting. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

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 La Rochelle or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

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

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle or Genoa Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Genoa is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Genoa?

If you're looking to go shopping, La Rochelle and Genoa both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Many visitors go to Genoa to go 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 La Rochelle or Genoa Better for Families?

Genoa is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Genoa is very family-friendly. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is La Rochelle or Genoa Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is La Rochelle or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for 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.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Is La Rochelle or Genoa 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. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Public transit in Genoa can get you to some 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is La Rochelle or Genoa a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Genoa are very good when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Genoa?

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

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

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

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic port city of Genoa. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Genoa?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Genoa. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Genoa?

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The historic port city of Genoa offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Genoa?

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Genoa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Rochelle is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Genoa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Genoa. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and La Rochelle during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, La Rochelle is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Genoa. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Genoa. Most visitors come to La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Genoa. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Genoa. The spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In the spring, La Rochelle is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and La Rochelle