A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Genoa for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Windsor or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Genoa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Windsor or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Genoa. Although Windsor and Genoa are both popular with visitors, Genoa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Genoa is more popular for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Windsor is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Windsor is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. 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 Windsor different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor
Genoa

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Windsor and Genoa.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Windsor or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Genoa

Genoa is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Genoa. 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Genoa

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Genoa.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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.

Is Windsor or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Windsor
Genoa

Genoa is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.


Is Windsor or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Genoa

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Windsor and Genoa.

Many people head to Windsor to see the old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Genoa?

Windsor
Genoa

Genoa is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Genoa offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Genoa Better for Families?

Windsor
Genoa

Genoa is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.


Is Windsor or Genoa Better for Couples?

Windsor
Genoa

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Genoa make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Genoa is a great town 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.

Is Windsor or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Genoa

Genoa is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Genoa is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Genoa Better for Students?

Windsor
Genoa

Genoa is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.


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

Windsor
Genoa

Genoa is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Genoa can get you around 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.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Genoa a more walkable city?

Windsor
Genoa

Windsor and Genoa both are very good when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Genoa is a very walkable destination. 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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Genoa?

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

Families should spend more time in Genoa than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Windsor or Genoa?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This 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 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 Windsor or Genoa?

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

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 Windsor or Genoa?

Windsor is a fun place to experience. Windsor 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.

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 Windsor or Genoa?

Windsor 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.

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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Genoa is £128. 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 Windsor and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Genoa £75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Genoa £150
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Windsor 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 Windsor


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Genoa £7.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

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

  • Departure Private Transfer Genoa, Savona or Portofino to GOA Airport by Sedan: $44
  • From Genoa to Florence Hotels - Private Transfer: $145
  • From Genova: Portofino Return Transfer by Open-Top Bus: $63
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Arrival Private Transfer: $111
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Portofino hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa City to Genoa Airport GOA in Business Car: $65
  • Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa City to Genoa Airport GOA in Minivan: $65
  • Genoa Airport to Savona Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $59
  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Genoa £44
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

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: $74
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $84
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
  • Traditional Food Tour: $91
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $93
  • Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Savona: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Genoa £17

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Tours and Activities in Genoa

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Genoa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Lighthouse Entrance Ticket: $8.56
  • Finance and Nobility Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Finance and Nobility: Explore medieval Genoa on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus' House: $11
  • The City of Children and Young Museum Entry Ticket: $13
  • Historic Shops in Tour Through Tradition and Flavours: $15
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Genoa £8.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

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

  • Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $105
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125


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


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor or Genoa?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Windsor is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Genoa, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Genoa. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Windsor is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Genoa. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Genoa. Most visitors come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Windsor can be very cold during winter. Windsor is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Genoa. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In the spring, Windsor is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Genoa. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Windsor

Windsor Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)