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

Should you visit Istanbul or Zurich?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Zurich, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Istanbul and Zurich: Pros and Cons

How is Istanbul different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Istanbul or Zurich Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Both Istanbul and Zurich have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Is Istanbul or Zurich Better for Food?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Zurich can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices.

Zurich has a huge number of terrific 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 Istanbul or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are similar in both Istanbul and Zurich.

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub.

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.

Is Istanbul or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Zurich both have historical old towns that attract visitors.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Zurich has a world-famous historical area. 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 Istanbul or Zurich Better for Shopping?

Both Istanbul and Zurich are good shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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.

Is Istanbul or Zurich Better for Families?

Istanbul and Zurich are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks.

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.

Is Istanbul or Zurich Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Zurich are both fun to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Istanbul or Zurich Better for Students?

Istanbul and Zurich are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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.

Is Istanbul or Zurich Better for Public Transit?

Both Istanbul and Zurich offer public transit options.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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

Is Istanbul or Zurich a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Zurich both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Zurich?

In either Istanbul or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Zurich because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Istanbul is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Zurich is 2-5 days.

One day in Istanbul or Zurich?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

The beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Zurich?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. 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.

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Zurich?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Zurich?

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 Istanbul or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July are around 24°C (74°F), and Zurich is about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Zurich. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Zurich. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Zurich stays around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Zurich. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Zurich. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Istanbul is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The temperature in Istanbul is usually 6°C (43°F) in January, and Zurich stays around 3°C (37°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Zurich. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Zurich. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April are around 13°C (55°F), and Zurich is about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Istanbul