A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dundee vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Dundee or Interlaken?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Interlaken? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Dundee and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Dundee or Interlaken?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dundee. Although Dundee and Interlaken are both popular with visitors, Dundee has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dundee is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also home to Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dundee or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Dundee
Interlaken

Interlaken is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Dundee is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Dundee is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dundee or Interlaken?

Dundee
Interlaken

Dundee is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Dundee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dundee or Interlaken? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dundee
Interlaken

Interlaken is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Interlaken makes for a great culinary experience. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Interlaken

Dundee is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Dundee or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Dundee
Interlaken

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Dundee is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Dundee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Interlaken?

Dundee
Interlaken

Dundee is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dundee is a good destination for shopping. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dundee or Interlaken Better for Families?

Dundee
Interlaken

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.


Is Dundee or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Dundee
Interlaken

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Interlaken

Interlaken is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Interlaken Better for Students?

Dundee
Interlaken

Dundee is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Interlaken is not popular with students.


Is Dundee or Interlaken Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dundee
Interlaken

Interlaken is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Interlaken can move around easily with public transportation. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Is Dundee or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Dundee
Interlaken

Dundee and Interlaken both are good when exploring on foot.

Dundee is somewhat walkable. There are a number of walks through the town.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Dundee Worth Visiting? and Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Interlaken?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Interlaken than Dundee 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 Interlaken.


  • How many days in Dundee or Interlaken? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Interlaken 2-5

One day in Dundee or Interlaken?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Dundee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dundee, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. 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.


A weekend in Dundee or Interlaken?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dundee, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dundee or Interlaken?

Dundee, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dundee or Interlaken?

Dundee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the stunning destination of Interlaken. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.


Which place is cheaper, Interlaken or Dundee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Interlaken is £186. 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 Dundee and Interlaken in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Interlaken £107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Interlaken £214
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Interlaken

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Interlaken? 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 Dundee


Hotels in Interlaken


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Interlaken Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Interlaken £10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    £53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Interlaken?

Prices for flights to both Interlaken and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Interlaken £52
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Interlaken £84
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83
  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

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

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Interlaken £14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Interlaken?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Dundee and Interlaken, 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 Dundee or Interlaken?

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 Dundee or Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Dundee during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dundee is cooler than Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Interlaken. Many travelers come to Dundee for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dundee is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dundee usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Interlaken. Many visitors come to Dundee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. Dundee can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dundee is generally around the same temperature as Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 3°C (38°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dundee for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty.

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

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during spring. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Dundee

Dundee Interlaken
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)