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

Should you visit Basel or Genoa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, Basel attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Basel travel costs.

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. Genoa is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Genoa travel costs.

Basel and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Genoa than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Genoa is more popular for its food and beaches, while Basel is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Basel and 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. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Basel and Genoa.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Genoa is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Genoa.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

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.

Is Basel or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a moderate port city for the beach. However, Basel 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.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

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 Basel or Genoa?

Basel is great for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel or Genoa More Beautiful?

Basel is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Basel attracts visitors from all around. Situated along the river, this city is beautiful to explore on foot.

Genoa is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful port city that has many cathedrals, palaces, and piazzas that you can explore.

Is Basel or Genoa Better for Families?

Basel and Genoa are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Genoa. 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 Basel or Genoa Better for Couples?

Genoa is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Genoa Better for Students?

Basel and Genoa are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Both Basel and Genoa offer superb public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Genoa can get you to most 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.

Is Basel or Genoa a more walkable city?

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

Basel is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Basel?

How long in Basel or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Basel or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Couples should spend more time in Genoa than Basel. 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 Basel 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 Basel or Genoa?

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic destination offers. This port 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.

A weekend in Basel or Genoa?

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

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

Five days in Basel or Genoa?

Basel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Genoa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Genoa. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Basel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Genoa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Genoa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Genoa. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In the summer, Basel is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Genoa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Genoa. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel 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 Basel. Basel is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Genoa. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Genoa. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Basel is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Genoa. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Basel