A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cambridge vs. Grindelwald for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cambridge or Grindelwald?

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 Cambridge and Grindelwald. 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic, beautiful, and collegiate university town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a adventure-filled, high adrenaline, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Cambridge and Grindelwald: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cambridge or Grindelwald?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grindelwald than Cambridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grindelwald is better known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm, while Cambridge is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Cambridge is well known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Grindelwald is well known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Also, Grindelwald is famous for the beautiful mountain scenery.

the beautiful mountain scenery
The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Cambridge different from Grindelwald?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cambridge or Grindelwald Better for Skiing?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Grindelwald is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cambridge is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Cambridge is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cambridge or Grindelwald?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Cambridge is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Cambridge specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

Is the Food Better in Cambridge or Grindelwald? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Cambridge is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cambridge is an experience not to be missed. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Grindelwald. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

Is Cambridge or Grindelwald Better for Nightlife?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Both Cambridge and Grindelwald have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cambridge. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Grindelwald has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.


Is Cambridge or Grindelwald Better for Hiking?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Grindelwald is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Grindelwald?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Cambridge is well known for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Is Cambridge or Grindelwald Better for Families?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Grindelwald is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Grindelwald is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.


Is Cambridge or Grindelwald Better for Couples?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Cambridge and Grindelwald both high quality destinations for a couple.

Cambridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Couples visit Grindelwald frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

Is Cambridge or Grindelwald Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Grindelwald is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Grindelwald is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Cambridge or Grindelwald Better for Students?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Cambridge is a world-class destination for students. However, Grindelwald is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Grindelwald is not popular with students.


Is Cambridge or Grindelwald Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cambridge and Grindelwald.

Cambridge has some public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

You'll find some public transit in Grindelwald, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel around the region.

Is Cambridge or Grindelwald a more walkable city?

Cambridge
Grindelwald

Cambridge is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Cambridge on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Grindelwald is somewhat walkable. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

For even more information, also check out Is Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grindelwald or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Grindelwald?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cambridge or Grindelwald to fill your time. In our opinion, Cambridge has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cambridge than Grindelwald. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grindelwald than Cambridge 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 Grindelwald.


  • How many days in Cambridge or Grindelwald? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cambridge 1-2 
    Grindelwald 1-2

One day in Cambridge or Grindelwald?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the collegiate university town of Cambridge. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though Grindelwald is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Grindelwald has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Cambridge or Grindelwald?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Cambridge. This university town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Grindelwald is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Grindelwald?

The collegiate university town of Cambridge offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Grindelwald is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cambridge or Grindelwald?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cambridge. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Grindelwald is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Grindelwald or Cambridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cambridge is £134, while the average daily cost in Grindelwald is £194. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cambridge and Grindelwald in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cambridge £72
    Grindelwald £114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cambridge £144
    Grindelwald £228
Compare Hotels in Cambridge and Grindelwald

Looking for a hotel in Cambridge or Grindelwald? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cambridge


Hotels in Grindelwald


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cambridge Hotel Prices and Grindelwald Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cambridge £24
    Grindelwald £43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cambridge

Also for Cambridge, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Heathrow To Cambridge: $175

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Cambridge or Grindelwald?

Prices for flights to both Grindelwald and Cambridge change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cambridge £41
    Grindelwald £47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cambridge £22
    Grindelwald £48

Tours and Activities in Cambridge

For Cambridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Self-Guided Colleges Walking Tour and Sightseeing: $5.99
  • Hidden Histories Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $5.99
  • Cambridge’s Colleges and Classic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cambridge Instagram Self-Guided Tour - Top Photo Spots: $6.35
  • Explore Cambridge's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Live Like a Student with Private Cambridge Self Guided Tours: $13
  • Explore Cambridge Student Life & Top Colleges Walking Tour: $13
  • Cambridge - Shared Punting Tour: $13
  • Shared Guided Punting Tour of Cambridge: $13
  • University Walking Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Grindelwald

Here are a few actual costs in Grindelwald for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
  • Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
  • Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
  • Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
  • Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cambridge £23
    Grindelwald £26


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Grindelwald?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge and Grindelwald, 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.