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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a historic, vibrant, and accessible city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, 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.

Heraklion and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Zurich?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Zurich. While Zurich is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Heraklion different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Zurich? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Zurich both to be very good destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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.

Is Heraklion or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Zurich.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Heraklion or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is not a live music destination.

Is Heraklion or Zurich Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a well-known place for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Zurich?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Zurich draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zurich is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Zurich Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Zurich are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Heraklion or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Zurich a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Zurich are very good when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Zurich?

In either Heraklion or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than Heraklion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Heraklion. 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 Heraklion. 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.

One day in Heraklion or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Zurich?

Heraklion 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.

You'll find live music and food around the beautiful destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic city of Zurich. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Heraklion. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Heraklion and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Heraklion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heraklion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heraklion 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 Heraklion.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Zurich in the Summer?

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

Heraklion is a little warmer than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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, Heraklion is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zurich. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion 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. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Zurich in the Spring?

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

Heraklion is a little warmer than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Zurich. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Heraklion