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

Should you visit Athens or Zurich?

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 Athens and Zurich. 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.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Athens and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Zurich is known for its music, shopping, and impressive beauty. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Zurich?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Zurich? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Athens or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Is Athens or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is great for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich draws a good crowd. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Athens and Zurich.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Zurich?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Zurich Better for Families?

Both Athens and Zurich are excellent family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Zurich is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

Is Athens or Zurich Better for Couples?

Zurich is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Zurich is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Athens or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Is Athens or Zurich Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens and Zurich both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Zurich is fairly effecient and thorough. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Athens or Zurich a more walkable city?

Athens and Zurich are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Zurich is very walkable. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Athens?

How long in Athens or Zurich?

In either Athens or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Zurich because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Zurich 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Zurich?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 Athens or Zurich?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

Five days in Athens or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Zurich?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Zurich?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Zurich, 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 Athens or Zurich?

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 Athens or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Zurich. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is a little warmer than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Zurich. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Zurich. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Zurich. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Athens