A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hoi An vs. Zurich for Food, Old Town, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Hoi An or Zurich?

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 Hoi An and Zurich. 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.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a peaceful, beautiful, and traditional town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Hoi An travel costs.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. Zurich is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping. See Zurich travel costs.

Hoi An and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hoi An or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich. Although Hoi An and Zurich are popular destinations, Zurich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zurich is very popular for its nightlife and music, while Hoi An attracts visitors for its food and beaches. Hoi An is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster.

How is Hoi An different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hoi An or Zurich?

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Hoi An or Zurich.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hoi An. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

Hoi An 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 Hoi An, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

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 Hoi An or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

Zurich has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Hoi An is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.

Is Hoi An or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Hoi An is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Zurich has diverse options. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Hoi An is not a live music destination.

Is Hoi An or Zurich Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a good destination for the beach. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Hoi An or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Hoi An and Zurich.

Hoi An has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Hoi An or Zurich?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Hoi An and Zurich.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Hoi An. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 Hoi An or Zurich More Beautiful?

Hoi An and Zurich both are comparable with their excellent scenery and beauty.

Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

The beauty of Zurich is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With Lake Zurich and the mountains as a backdrop, this is a truly beautiful city.

Is Hoi An or Zurich Better for Families?

Both Hoi An and Zurich are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will appreciate the thrill of a visit to Ba Na Hills, which is a theme park with roller coasters, zip lines, and more. Near the city you'll also find ancient ruins, outdoor activities, hands-on classes, and, of course, the impressive old town.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Hoi An or Zurich Better for Couples?

Hoi An and Zurich both excellent destinations for a couple.

Hoi An makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming city has a lot of character and some of Vietnam's best restaurants. The city is also known for its tailor made clothes, so make sure you do some shopping while you're in town.

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 Hoi An or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

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 Hoi An or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Hoi An is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hoi An is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Zurich is fairly effecient and thorough. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Hoi An, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Hoi An or Zurich a more walkable city?

Hoi An 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 Hoi An on foot. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time to explore on foot.

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 Hoi An Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Hoi An?

How long in Hoi An or Zurich?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

One day in Hoi An or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hoi An. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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.

A weekend in Hoi An or Zurich?

Hoi An 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.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Hoi An or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hoi An. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Hoi An or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Hoi An. This town 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, 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 Hoi An and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hoi An is in Asia and Zurich is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

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

Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Zurich?

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

Zurich has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hoi An experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hoi An or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Zurich. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the summer, Hoi An is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hoi An in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Zurich averages at about 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 Hoi An this time of the year. In the summer, Hoi An often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hoi An or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hoi An is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 25°C (78°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Zurich. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hoi An or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Hoi An during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Hoi An is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.

Should I visit Hoi An or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hoi An is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hoi An in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Hoi An, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hoi An usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Zurich. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Hoi An