A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sestri Levante vs. Genoa for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quaint, relaxing, and quiet seaside town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

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.

Sestri Levante and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Genoa. Although Sestri Levante and Genoa are popular destinations, Genoa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Genoa is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Sestri Levante attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also well known for The Via Garibaldi Palaces. Sestri Levante is famous for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Sestri Levante different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sestri Levante or Genoa?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Sestri Levante
Genoa

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Sestri Levante and Genoa.

Sestri Levante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

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 Sestri Levante or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is a port city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Genoa has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Sestri Levante or Genoa Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

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

Sestri Levante has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Genoa is not a resort destination.


Is Sestri Levante or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Sestri Levante is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

Sestri Levante has a beach worth visiting. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

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.

Is Sestri Levante or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is a port city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Genoa has an old town worth visiting. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sestri Levante or Genoa?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is a port city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Sestri Levante or Genoa Better for Families?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town 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.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Sestri Levante or Genoa Better for Couples?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Sestri Levante or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.


Is Sestri Levante or Genoa Better for Students?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with 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.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Genoa is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its public transit.

The public transit in Genoa can get you to most 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.

Sestri Levante has a few public transit options. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Sestri Levante or Genoa a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante
Genoa

Sestri Levante is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Sestri Levante is a very easy seaside town to get around on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

Genoa is very walkable. 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 Sestri Levante Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Genoa?

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

Families should spend more time in Genoa than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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.


  • How many days in Sestri Levante or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sestri Levante 1-3 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Sestri Levante or Genoa?

Even though Sestri Levante is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This seaside town 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 museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sestri Levante or Genoa?

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

Genoa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Genoa?

Sestri Levante is a fun place to experience. Sestri Levante is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Sestri Levante or Genoa?

Sestri Levante is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 port city of Genoa. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Sestri Levante?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sestri Levante is €143, while the average daily cost in Genoa is €150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sestri Levante and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sestri Levante 75
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sestri Levante 150
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Sestri Levante and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Sestri Levante or Genoa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sestri Levante


Hotels in Genoa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sestri Levante Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sestri Levante 56
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Genoa Airport (GOA): Private Transfer to/from Milan City: $1,117
  • Genova : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $608
  • Genoa to Florence hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $294
  • Private Door-To-Door Transfer From Genoa To Florence: $288
  • Private Direct Transfer From Genoa to Nice, En Speaking Driver: $274
  • Departure Private Transfer from Genoa to La Spezia by car or van: $253
  • Private Transfer From Genoa to Milan English Speaking Driver: $252
  • Genoa to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $231
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $225
  • Genoa Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Genoa City: $169
  • Genoa Airport (GOA): Private Transfer to Genoa city: $169
  • Genoa to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer : $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Sestri Levante or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Sestri Levante change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sestri Levante 34
    Genoa 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $86
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $87
  • Traditional Food Tour: $92
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Santa Margherita Ligure with Show Cooking: $94
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Chiavari with Show Cooking: $94
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Genoa: $96
  • Small-group Street food tour in Genoa: $98
  • Small-group Street food tour in Camogli: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sestri Levante 25
    Genoa 20

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $510

Tours and Activities in Genoa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.

  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour from Via Del Campo 29 Rosso: $83
  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa: $105
  • Aquarium of Genoa + Panera Ice Cream Taste experience: $30
  • Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching Cruise: $69
  • Aquarium of Entry Ticket and Aperitif: $31
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Genoa: $154
  • Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Genoa: $120
  • City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Discover Genoa, old town walking tour: $133
  • E-Bike, Scooter and Scooter Tour: $39
  • E-bike tour in Genova: $83
  • Finance and Nobility: Explore medieval Genoa on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sestri Levante 7.86
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $92


When comparing the travel costs between Sestri Levante and Genoa, we can see that Genoa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Sestri Levante or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante 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.