A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Venice vs. Genoa for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Venice or Genoa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Venice and Genoa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

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.

Venice and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Genoa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Venice than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Venice is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Genoa attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and beaches. Venice is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Venice different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice 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, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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

Genoa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Venice or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Genoa is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

The beach in Genoa is worth checking out. 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Venice or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Venice is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Venice has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Genoa?

Venice 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 Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice or Genoa Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Venice or Genoa.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice or Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Venice and Genoa are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice or Genoa Better for Students?

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

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice 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 Venice can take you anywhere. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice or Genoa a more walkable city?

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

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Venice?

How long in Venice or Genoa?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.

One day in Venice or Genoa?

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Genoa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Venice or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Genoa 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.

Five days in Venice or Genoa?

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Genoa. This port 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Genoa, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Venice or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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 Venice 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 Venice or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Venice is around the same temperature as Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Venice. Venice usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Venice usually receives more rain than Genoa. Venice 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 Venice or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Venice during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Venice is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Venice in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Venice often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Genoa. Many visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Venice is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 3°C (37°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Venice usually receives less rain than Genoa. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Venice or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Venice as well as Genoa. Most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Venice is cooler than Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Venice often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Venice