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

Should you visit Dover or Zurich?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a stunning, natural, and breathtaking town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dover and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Zurich?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Dover and Zurich are both popular with visitors, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Dover and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Zurich is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a live music destination.

Is Dover or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Zurich is revered around 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Zurich Better for Hiking?

Dover is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Zurich?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Zurich Better for Families?

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

Zurich is known to be 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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Dover or Zurich Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Zurich are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Zurich are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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.

Is Dover or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is a world-class destination for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Dover is not popular with students.

Is Dover 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, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Dover?

How long in Dover or Zurich?

In either Dover or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than Dover because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Dover. 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 Dover. 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 Dover 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 Dover or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dover or Zurich?

Dover 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dover or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the rustic destination of Dover. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the liberal destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in 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 Dover and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Dover much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dover would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dover 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 Dover.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dover in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dover is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Zurich. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dover. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Zurich. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dover is around the same temperature as Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Zurich. The winter months attract visitors to Dover because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. The weather in Dover can be very cold. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Zurich. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Zurich. The natural beauty are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Dover