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

Should you visit Paris or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Genoa

Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Genoa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Genoa. Paris is bigger than Genoa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is more popular for its beaches and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Genoa is well known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Paris or Genoa Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Genoa is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Genoa is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Paris is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Genoa Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its music scene. However, Genoa is not a live music destination.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Genoa is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Genoa is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Genoa?

Paris is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Genoa Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Genoa does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Genoa does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Genoa Better for Families?

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

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Genoa is 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 Paris or Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Paris or Genoa Better for Students?

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

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

Is Paris or Genoa a more walkable city?

Paris and Genoa are very good when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Genoa is a very walkable city. 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Paris?

How long in Paris or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Paris or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paris due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Genoa 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Genoa?

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city 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.

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic destination offers. This port city 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.

A weekend in Paris or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Genoa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Genoa. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Genoa?

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Genoa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, 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 Paris and Genoa, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Genoa?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), 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 Paris. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Genoa. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Paris is cooler than Genoa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Genoa. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Paris can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Genoa averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Genoa. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as Genoa. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Paris gets 50 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 Paris