A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Zurich for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Lisbon or Zurich?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Zurich? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Zurich: Pros and Cons

How is Lisbon different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lisbon or Zurich Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Zurich and Lisbon.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Is Lisbon or Zurich Better for Food?

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Zurich can be an enjoyable experience.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zurich makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Lisbon or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Zurich.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style.

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Lisbon or Zurich Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Lisbon and Zurich.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well.

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.

Is Lisbon or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the old towns in both Lisbon and Zurich.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of 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.

Is Lisbon or Zurich Better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Lisbon and Zurich.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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.

Is Lisbon or Zurich Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Zurich.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars.

Zurich is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Lisbon or Zurich Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Zurich make for a good place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples.

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Lisbon or Zurich Better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Zurich are popular destinations for students.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Is Lisbon or Zurich Better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Lisbon and Zurich.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Lisbon or Zurich a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Zurich are similar when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Zurich?

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Zurich?

Lisbon 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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.

A weekend in Lisbon or Zurich?

Lisbon 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Zurich?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Lisbon or Zurich?

Lisbon 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon or Zurich?

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 Lisbon or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Zurich. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Zurich. Temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Zurich stays around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Zurich in the autumn. The temperature in Lisbon is usually 19°C (66°F) in October, and Zurich stays around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Zurich. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January are around 12°C (53°F), and Zurich is about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Zurich. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Zurich stays around 12°C (53°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Zurich. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Lisbon