A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Zurich for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Belfast or Zurich?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Zurich, 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Belfast and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Zurich?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zurich is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Zurich is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zurich can be an interesting and educational experience. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zurich makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Zurich offers plenty to see. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Zurich?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Zurich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Zurich Better for Couples?

Zurich is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Zurich a more walkable city?

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

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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Zurich?

In either Belfast or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than Belfast because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Belfast. 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 Zurich than Belfast 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 Zurich.

One day in Belfast or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This 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 Belfast or Zurich?

Belfast is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Zurich?

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

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 Belfast and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belfast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belfast 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 Belfast.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast or Zurich?

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 Belfast or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Zurich. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Zurich. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Zurich. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Zurich. Most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Belfast can be very cold during winter. Belfast is a little warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zurich. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Zurich. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Belfast