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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Zurich?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Zurich 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a relaxed, beautiful, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Copenhagen and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Zurich?

You'll generally find more things to do in Copenhagen than Zurich. Copenhagen is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is better known for its food, nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zurich is more popular for its music and historical sights. Zurich is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Zurich.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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 Copenhagen or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

Is Copenhagen or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is renowned for its old town. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Zurich?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Copenhagen and Zurich.

Known for shopping, Copenhagen draws large crowds to its stores. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Zurich is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Zurich Better for Families?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zurich. 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 Copenhagen or Zurich Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Copenhagen or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Copenhagen is a great city to visit for backpackers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Many students visit Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Copenhagen has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Copenhagen or Zurich a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Copenhagen on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. 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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Zurich?

In either Copenhagen or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Copenhagen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Copenhagen than Zurich. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. 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.

With live music and food around the liberal city of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Zurich?

Copenhagen 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Zurich?

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

Zurich, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Copenhagen. 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.

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, 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 Copenhagen and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Copenhagen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Copenhagen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Zurich?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Zurich. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Copenhagen is cooler than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Zurich. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Zurich. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

Copenhagen is much colder than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Zurich. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Copenhagen