A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Zurich for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

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 live music, food, and shopping.

Lagos and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich. Although Lagos and Zurich are popular destinations, Zurich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zurich is very popular for its museums, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Lagos attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. 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 Lagos different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lagos or Zurich?

Zurich is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Lagos and Zurich offer a number of excellent 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.

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 Lagos or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Zurich.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Zurich for the nightlife scene. 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 Lagos or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for live music. However, Lagos is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Lagos is not a live music destination.

Is Lagos or Zurich Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zurich is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. 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.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Zurich Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Zurich Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Zurich Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Zurich?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Zurich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Lagos or Zurich Better for Families?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zurich. 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 Lagos or Zurich Better for Couples?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

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 Lagos or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos 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 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.

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 Lagos or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for students. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Zurich can move around easily with public transportation. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Zurich?

In either Lagos or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Zurich. 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 Zurich. 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.

One day in Lagos or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this liberal destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city 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 Zurich?

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lagos or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic destination of Lagos. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lagos and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 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 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 Zurich Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Zurich. The summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the summer, Lagos is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Zurich. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Zurich. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lagos is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Zurich. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, 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. Lagos is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Zurich. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Lagos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Zurich. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Lagos