A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Interlaken for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lagos or Interlaken?

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 Lagos and Interlaken. 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Lagos and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Interlaken?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Interlaken are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Lagos is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Interlaken is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes.

How is Lagos different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lagos or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Lagos and Interlaken offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Interlaken has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Lagos or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Lagos is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lagos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lagos or Interlaken Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Lagos is a perfect choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Interlaken Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Lagos is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Interlaken?

Lagos is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lagos or Interlaken Better for Families?

Both Lagos and Interlaken are first-rate family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. 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!

Is Lagos or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Lagos and Interlaken both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Is Lagos or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos 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 Lagos. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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

Interlaken is well known for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Interlaken can move around easily with public transportation. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Interlaken is a good destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Interlaken?

In either Lagos or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lagos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lagos than Interlaken. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos 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 Lagos.

One day in Lagos or Interlaken?

With shopping and nightlife around the dramatic resort town of Lagos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adventurous 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.

A weekend in Lagos or Interlaken?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lagos, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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.

Five days in Lagos or Interlaken?

Lagos, a popular resort town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this resort town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

A week in Lagos or Interlaken?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and skiing around the stunning 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lagos and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Lagos.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Interlaken?

Lagos has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Interlaken, 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 Lagos or Interlaken?

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 Lagos or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Interlaken. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Lagos is a little warmer than Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Interlaken. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Lagos is much warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Interlaken. The spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

Lagos is much warmer than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Lagos