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

Should you visit Geneva or Delft?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Delft. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a international, professional, and classy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Geneva is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Geneva travel costs.

Delft

Delft is a charming, historic, and quaint town. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Delft travel costs.

Geneva and Delft: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Delft?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva than Delft, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Geneva is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Delft is known for its historical sights. 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). Delft is popular for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Geneva different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Geneva. 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.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

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

Geneva is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Geneva. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Geneva or Delft Better for Nightlife?

Geneva is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Geneva. 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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Geneva or Delft Better for its Old Town?

Delft is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Delft. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

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 Geneva or Delft?

Geneva is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Geneva. 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.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Geneva or Delft More Beautiful?

Geneva is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Geneva is a gorgeous place to visit. Located on the edge of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, the city is both bustling and beautiful.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Geneva or Delft Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Delft are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. 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.

Delft offers lots of family activities. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Geneva or Delft Better for Couples?

Geneva and Delft both good destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Geneva or Delft Better for Students?

Geneva and Delft are very good places to visit for students.

Many students visit Geneva. 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.

Delft is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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

Geneva is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Geneva has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Delft has some very good public transit options. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Is Geneva or Delft a more walkable city?

Delft is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Delft on foot is easy. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Delft or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Delft?

Geneva and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Geneva than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

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

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

One day in Geneva or Delft?

Each neighborhood in Geneva has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Delft. 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.

A weekend in Geneva or Delft?

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

Delft is a great place to explore. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Geneva or Delft?

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Geneva. Lots of people come for the shopping. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Geneva or Delft?

You'll find food and shopping around the classy big city of Geneva. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Delft. This town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Delft, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Delft much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delft would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delft 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 Delft.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Delft?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Delft, 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 Geneva or Delft?

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 Geneva or Delft in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Delft. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Delft because of the family-friendly experiences.

Geneva is a little warmer than Delft in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Delft fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delft. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Delft. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 202 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in July than Delft. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Delft receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Delft in the Autumn?

Both Delft and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Delft this time of year.

In the autumn, Geneva is a little warmer than Delft. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Delft averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Delft during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives more rain than Delft. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Delft receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Geneva or Delft in the Winter?

Both Delft and Geneva during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Delft for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Delft. It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. In January, Geneva is generally much warmer than Delft. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Delft fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Delft. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 47 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Delft. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Delft receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Delft in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Delft. Many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Delft during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Delft. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Delft receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Delft and Geneva