A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Geneva for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Oxford or Geneva?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Geneva, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva

Geneva is a international, professional, and classy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Geneva?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva than Oxford, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Geneva is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford is known for its nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Oxford different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Oxford or Geneva.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Geneva. 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 Oxford or Geneva? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Geneva. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Oxford know how to have a good time. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Geneva is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Geneva?

Geneva is very popular for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Geneva. 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Geneva Better for Families?

Oxford and Geneva are both good destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. 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 Oxford or Geneva Better for Couples?

Oxford is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Geneva Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Geneva is a very popular college town for students and younger travelers. 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 Oxford or Geneva Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Geneva is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Geneva has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Geneva a more walkable city?

Oxford and Geneva are great when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Geneva?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Geneva. In our opinion, Geneva has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Geneva than Oxford. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or Geneva?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Geneva?

Oxford 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.

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

Five days in Oxford or Geneva?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Oxford or Geneva?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the international big city of Geneva. This 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Oxford and Geneva, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Oxford much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oxford would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oxford 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 Oxford.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Geneva?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford or Geneva?

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 Oxford or Geneva in the Summer?

Both Geneva and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Oxford is cooler than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Geneva. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Geneva. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Oxford is cooler than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Geneva. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Geneva in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Geneva. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Oxford can be very cold during winter. In January, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Geneva. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Geneva. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

Oxford is cooler than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Geneva. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Geneva and Oxford