A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Genoa for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Varenna 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 Varenna 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.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Genoa. Although Varenna and Genoa are both popular with visitors, Genoa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Genoa is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Varenna is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also home to The Via Garibaldi Palaces.

How is Varenna different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Varenna 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, Varenna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Genoa is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is a good destination for its old town. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or Genoa Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Genoa?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Varenna and Genoa.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

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 Varenna or Genoa Better for Families?

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Varenna or Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Varenna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Varenna or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Varenna or Genoa a more walkable city?

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

Varenna is a very easy village to get around on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is 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 Varenna Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Genoa?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Genoa than Varenna 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 Varenna or Genoa?

In Varenna, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This village 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 nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Varenna or Genoa?

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

In Genoa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Genoa has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Genoa?

Varenna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Varenna. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Genoa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Varenna or Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Genoa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Varenna and Genoa, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 710 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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 Varenna 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 Varenna or Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Genoa. Many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Varenna is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varenna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Varenna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Genoa. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Genoa. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Genoa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Varenna is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 15°C (58°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Varenna usually gets more rain in October than Genoa. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Varenna 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 Varenna can be very cold. Varenna is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varenna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Genoa. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Varenna during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varenna is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varenna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Genoa. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Varenna