A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Genoa for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Vienna or Genoa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Genoa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Vienna and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Genoa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its beaches. Vienna is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Genoa.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Genoa can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Dining out in Genoa is an experience not to be missed. 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 Vienna or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Genoa.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Genoa has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Genoa Better for Music?

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

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Genoa is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Genoa Better for Beaches?

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

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Vienna or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Genoa?

Vienna 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 Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Genoa Better for Families?

Genoa is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna 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 Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Genoa Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Genoa a more walkable city?

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

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Vienna or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Vienna due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

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

One day in Vienna or Genoa?

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this classical 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 Vienna or Genoa?

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

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this 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 Vienna or Genoa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the artistic destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 vibrant 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Genoa?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Genoa. The summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In the summer, Vienna is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna 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 Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives more rain than Genoa. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Genoa. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vienna is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. Vienna is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Genoa. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Vienna during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Vienna