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

Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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.

Nagano

Nagano is a traditional, alpine, and scenic 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, skiing, and nightlife.

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.

Nagano and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Genoa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nagano than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nagano is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its beaches. Nagano is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also home to Zenko-ji Temple. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Nagano different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Genoa Better for Skiing?

Nagano is great for skiing. However, Genoa is not a skiing destination.

Nagano draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Genoa is not a skiing destination.

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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 Nagano or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Nagano and Genoa.

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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.

Is Nagano or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Nagano 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 Nagano for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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 Nagano or Genoa Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for the beache. However, Nagano 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.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Both Nagano and Genoa have good historic old towns worth visiting.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nagano. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

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.

Is Nagano or Genoa Better for Hiking?

Nagano is great for hiking. However, Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nagano for the hiking trails. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Genoa?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nagano. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

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 Nagano or Genoa Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano or Genoa Better for Couples?

Genoa is a great port city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Genoa is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Nagano or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nagano or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Nagano is a good city to visit for students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

Genoa is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Genoa can get you around 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.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Nagano or Genoa a more walkable city?

Genoa is a great port city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Nagano 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 Nagano, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Couples should spend more time in Genoa than Nagano. 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Genoa?

In Nagano, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Genoa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagano or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Genoa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagano or Genoa?

Nagano is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Nagano or Genoa?

You'll find museums and skiing around the alpine destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Genoa. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, 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 Nagano and Genoa, we can see that Genoa is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia and Genoa 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 Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Nagano.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and 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, Nagano is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagano in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Genoa. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Genoa. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In October, Nagano is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 16°C (60°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Genoa. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Genoa. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. Nagano is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Genoa. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Genoa. Many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Genoa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Nagano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Nagano usually gets more rain in April than Genoa. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Nagano