A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bristol vs. Murren for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Bristol or Murren?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Murren can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a historic, diverse, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Murren

Murren is a breathtaking, stunning, and serene town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Bristol and Murren: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Murren?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bristol than Murren, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bristol is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Murren is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Murren is more touristy than Bristol and is popular for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour.

How is Bristol different from Murren?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bristol or Murren Better for Skiing?

Murren is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Bristol is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Murren. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Bristol is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bristol or Murren?

Bristol is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

Is the Food Better in Bristol or Murren? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Murren can be an enjoyable experience.

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Murren offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Bristol or Murren Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is well known for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Bristol is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Bristol or Murren Better for Hiking?

Murren is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Around Murren visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Murren?

Bristol is well known for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Bristol is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Shopping in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Bristol or Murren Better for Families?

Murren is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Murren. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Murren Better for Couples?

Murren is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Murren is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Murren Better for Students?

Bristol is a city with good options for students. However, Murren is not popular with students.

Bristol is popular with students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Murren is not popular with students.

Is Bristol or Murren Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bristol and Murren both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Murren has a few public transit options. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Bristol or Murren a more walkable city?

Murren is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Murren is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

For even more information, also check out Is Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Murren Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Murren or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Murren?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Murren than Bristol 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 Murren.

One day in Bristol or Murren?

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

Murren is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bristol or Murren?

Bristol 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.

Murren might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Murren has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Murren?

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

Murren is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Murren?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bristol. 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 Murren. Since Murren is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Murren?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 960 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Bristol and Murren, 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.