A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Genoa for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

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.

Saint-Etienne and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Genoa than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Genoa is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking. Genoa is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also home to The Via Garibaldi Palaces. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

Genoa is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Genoa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Genoa has a huge number of terrific 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Saint-Etienne and Genoa.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in 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 Saint-Etienne or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Genoa. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Genoa Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

Genoa is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Genoa. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Genoa Better for Families?

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

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Saint-Etienne or Genoa Better for Couples?

Genoa is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Genoa a more walkable city?

Genoa is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

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

Families should spend more time in Genoa than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this historic destination offers. 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 shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Genoa. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Genoa. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Genoa. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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 Saint-Etienne and Genoa, we can see that Genoa is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Genoa in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°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 Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Genoa. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Saint-Etienne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, 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 October, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

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

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Genoa. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Saint-Etienne is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Genoa. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Genoa. The natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Genoa. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Saint-Etienne