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

Should you visit Lucerne or Genoa?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Genoa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a cultural, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Genoa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Genoa attracts visitors for its food and beaches. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Genoa and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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.

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

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

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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 Lucerne or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for the beach. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Lucerne to see the historical old town. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

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 the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Genoa?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

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 Lucerne or Genoa Better for Families?

Genoa is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Genoa. 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.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Genoa Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Genoa both great destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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 Lucerne or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

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.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

Is Lucerne 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, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Genoa. 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.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Genoa a more walkable city?

Genoa is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucerne or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Families should spend more time in Genoa than Lucerne. 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 Lucerne. 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Genoa?

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Lucerne or Genoa?

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

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 Lucerne or Genoa?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Lucerne or Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, 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 Lucerne and Genoa, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Genoa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lucerne is cooler than Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Genoa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Genoa. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Genoa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lucerne is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Genoa. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Genoa. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Genoa. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is cooler than Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Genoa. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Lucerne