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

Should you visit Interlaken or Paris?

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 Interlaken and Paris can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Interlaken and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris. Although Interlaken and Paris are both popular with visitors, Paris has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Paris is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Interlaken different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for skiing. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a skiing destination.

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Interlaken is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Interlaken is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. 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.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is a world-class destination for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for hiking. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Interlaken does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Interlaken does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Families?

You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either Interlaken or Paris.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. 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!

Paris is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Paris are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. 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.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Interlaken or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Paris is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Interlaken or Paris a more walkable city?

Paris is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Paris?

Both Interlaken and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Interlaken. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Paris?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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.

When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

When visiting Paris, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Interlaken or Paris?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Paris, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Paris?

You'll find food and skiing around the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 420 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Paris, 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 Interlaken or Paris?

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 Interlaken or Paris in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Paris. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Paris. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Paris. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In the autumn, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Paris. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Paris. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Paris. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Paris. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Interlaken