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

Should you visit York or Geneva?

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

Should I visit York or Geneva? 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Geneva?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Geneva is more popular for its shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while York is known for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. York is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is York different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Geneva?

Both York and Geneva have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Geneva specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Is the Food Better in York or Geneva? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is York or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

York is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in York know how to have a good time. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is York or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

York is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, York offers plenty to see. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Geneva?

Geneva is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Geneva Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is York or Geneva Better for Couples?

York is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is York or Geneva Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is York or Geneva Better for Students?

Geneva is a well-known place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

York is not popular with students.

Is York or Geneva Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Geneva is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Geneva can get you around easily. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Geneva a more walkable city?

Geneva is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Geneva Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Geneva or York?

How long in York or Geneva?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Geneva. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Geneva. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Geneva.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Geneva 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 York.

One day in York or Geneva?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Geneva is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Geneva?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Geneva?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Geneva. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Geneva?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fanciful destination of York. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The classy city of Geneva offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Geneva, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva than you might in York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Geneva?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Geneva, 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 York or Geneva?

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 York or Geneva in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Geneva. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

York is cooler than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Geneva. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Geneva. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

In the autumn, York is cooler than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Geneva. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. It's quite cold in York in the winter. In January, York is generally around the same temperature as Geneva. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Geneva. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

York is cooler than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Geneva. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Geneva and York