A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inverness vs. Zermatt for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Inverness or Zermatt?

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 Inverness and Zermatt can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a cultural, traditional, and local city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a breathtaking, charming, and stunning town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Inverness and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Inverness or Zermatt?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zermatt. Although Inverness and Zermatt are popular destinations, Zermatt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zermatt is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Inverness attracts visitors for its museums. Zermatt is more touristy than Inverness and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also well known for The Matterhorn. Inverness is famous for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

The Matterhorn

How is Inverness different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Inverness or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is terrific for snow skiing. However, Inverness is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Inverness is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inverness or Zermatt?

Inverness is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Is the Food Better in Inverness or Zermatt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Zermatt.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Zermatt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Inverness or Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Zermatt offers plenty to do in the evening. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Inverness is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zermatt. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Inverness is not a resort destination.

Is Inverness or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Zermatt?

Both Inverness and Zermatt are very good shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Is Inverness or Zermatt Better for Families?

Zermatt is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Zermatt is a very kid-friendly town. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Inverness or Zermatt Better for Couples?

Zermatt is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Zermatt has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Inverness or Zermatt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zermatt is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Zermatt Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zermatt is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Zermatt a more walkable city?

Zermatt is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Zermatt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Zermatt?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt than Inverness 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 Zermatt.

One day in Inverness or Zermatt?

In Inverness, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Zermatt. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Inverness or Zermatt?

In Inverness, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Inverness has to offer.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the iconic destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Zermatt?

Inverness is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the iconic town of Zermatt. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Inverness or Zermatt?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Inverness. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Zermatt is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Zermatt, we can see that Zermatt 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Zermatt Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Inverness or Zermatt?

Inverness has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Zermatt, 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 Inverness or Zermatt?

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 Inverness or Zermatt in the Summer?

Both Zermatt and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

In July, Inverness is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 14°C (58°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Zermatt. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In July, Inverness usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Inverness or Zermatt in the Autumn?

Both Zermatt and Inverness during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Inverness is much colder than Zermatt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Zermatt. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Inverness or Zermatt in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Zermatt. Many travelers come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Inverness. In the winter, Inverness is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Inverness in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Zermatt averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Inverness or Zermatt in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Zermatt. Many visitors come to Inverness in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Inverness is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 7°C (44°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Zermatt. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Inverness