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

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Should you visit London or Zurich?

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 London and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

London and Zurich: Pros and Cons

London
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Zurich
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty


How is London different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is London or Zurich Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

London
Zurich

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zurich can be an interesting and educational experience. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.


Is London or Zurich Better for Food?

London
Zurich

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Zurich.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town.

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 London or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

London
Zurich

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find comparable options between London and Zurich.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, Westend, Soho, and Shoreditch.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 London or Zurich Better for Music?

London
Zurich

London and Zurich are both destinations where visitors can find live music.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Is London or Zurich Better for Shopping?

London
Zurich

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Zurich both offer plenty of spots.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British experience.

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 London or Zurich Better for Families?

London
Zurich

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either London or Zurich.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. There are also many great playgrounds and toy stores to explore.

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 London or Zurich Better for Couples?

London
Zurich

Both London and Zurich are good destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 London or Zurich Better for Students?

London
Zurich

For students, both London and Zurich are fairly comparable places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Is London or Zurich Better for Public Transit?

London
Zurich

London and Zurich both offer public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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


Is London or Zurich a more walkable city?

London
Zurich

London and Zurich are similar when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London?

How long in London or Zurich?

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

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


  • How many days in London or Zurich? Ideal Length of Stay
    London 2-7 
    Zurich 2-5

One day in London or Zurich?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 London or Zurich?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. 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 London or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 London or Zurich?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Zurich or London?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in London is £145, while the average daily cost in Zurich is £170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for London and Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    London £90
    Zurich £107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    London £180
    Zurich £214
Compare Hotels in London and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in London or Zurich? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in London


Hotels in Zurich


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: London Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    London £21
    Zurich £23
Typical Local Transportation prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    £15
  • Heathrow Express
    £18
  • Luggage Storage
    £8.00
  • London Map
    £1.29
  • Oyster Card
    £36
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    £22
  • Oyster Card
    £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ultra - London Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Heathrow Airport LHR: $8.71
  • Ultra - London Airport Transfer from City Centre to London Gatwick Airport LGW: $8.71
  • Gatwick Airport to Central London Bus Transfer: $14
  • Shuttle transfer from your Hotel To Heathrow Airport - Super Saver: $18
  • Shared departure transfer from your London hotel to the Airport: $27
  • Private London Departure Transfer - Accommodation to St Pancras Eurostar Station: $28
  • Executive Transfer from Central London to Eurostar St Pancras: $31
  • Private Transfer from London City Center to Stratford: $31
  • Shared London Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $32
  • London To St Pancras Station Private Transfer Departure Service: $34
  • Private Business Transfer from London City Airport (LCY) to London City Center: $36
  • Private Business Transfer from London City Center to London City Airport (LCY): $36

Typical Local Transportation prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    £23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Private Transfer Zurich Airport or City ⇔ Zermatt: $1,374
  • Private Taxi Transfer: Zurich Airport ⇔ Zermatt both directions: $1,374
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport to St. Anton am Arlberg: $1,355
  • Private transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt (Täsch) (1-3 persons): $1,131
  • Private transfer Zurich Airport to St. Moritz (1-3 persons): $970
  • Private transfer Zurich Airport to Montreux (1-3 persons): $918
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport to Davos: $887
  • Premium Transfer from Zürich Airport or city to Davos or Klosters or back: $862
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport to Andermatt: $702
  • Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Disentis: $693
  • Private Arrival transfer: from Zurich Airport to Gstaad Saanen: $693
  • Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to St. Moritz: $693

Is it cheaper to fly into London or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich and London change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    London £29
    Zurich £39
Typical Food prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    £13
  • Tea
    £6.00
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    £39
  • Morning Tea
    £6.35
  • Pastry
    £5.00
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    £18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Nepalese Momos Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Private Cooking Class with a London Cookbook Author: $87
  • BYOB Pizza Workshop Supper Club: $91
  • Private Cooking Class in Central London with a Food Expert: $150
  • South London Food Tour With A Local: Borough Market, Southbank & London Bridge: $150
  • Borough Market Visit & Cooking Class in Central London with a Food Professional: $164
  • 3.5-Hour Shoreditch Street Food Tour: $261
  • Private Food Tour, Cooking Class and Market Visit in London with a Food Expert: $315

Typical Food prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    £11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.

  • Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $154
  • Overnight Mount Titlis including 4-course dinner: $545

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    London £26
    Zurich £23
Typical Entertainment prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    £83
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    £34
  • London Pass
    £47
  • Comedy Show
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • Haunted Exploration Game and Tour: $5.63
  • Royal Canadian Regiment Museum: Historic Wolseley Barracks Tour: $5.64
  • Self-Guided Tour with Over 100 Sights: $5.64
  • Shakespeare's Italy Virtual Experience: $6.90
  • Queen and Freddie Mercury Exploration Game and Tour: $7.88
  • 59-Minutes British Museum Audio-guided Tour: $8.71
  • 59-Minutes National Gallery Audio-guided Tour: $9.95
  • 12 Angry Guests: The Online Jury Experience: $11
  • The Clink Prison Museum Admission Tickets: $11
  • Virtual Guided Tour of London's Off the Beaten Track Areas: $14
  • Guided Tour of Handel House: $14
  • Tiger King: The Murder Mystery Experience: $15

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • 2-Day Alps Tour from Mt Pilatus and Mt Titlis: $592
  • 2-Day Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Tour from Interlaken or Grindelwald: $557
  • 2-Day Mt Rigi Tour from Zurich Including Mineral Baths and Lake Lucerne Cruise: $474
  • 2-Day Switzerland Tour from Zurich to Geneva: Mt.Titlis,Interlaken,Bern,Gruyères: $693
  • 2-Day Winter Tour from Mt Pilatus and Mt Titlis: $592
  • 2-hour Private Guided Zurich Downtown Tour: $225
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $98
  • 3-Day Glacier Express Self-Guided Tour from Zurich: $556
  • 3-Day GoldenPass Line Self-Guided Tour from Zurich: $439
  • 4-Day Glacier and Bernina Express Self-Guided Tour from Zurich: $768
  • 4-Day Switzerland Tour from Zurich Including Mt. Titlis Cable Car: $1,662
  • 5-Day Famous Mountain Peaks Self-Guided Tour from Zurich: $982

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    London £12
    Zurich £19

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl: $27
  • Camden Pub Crawl with Drinks: $27
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $35
  • Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario: $101
  • Gin Palace Crawl with Distillery Tour & Tastings: $107
  • English Sparkling Wine Tours from London: $392
  • Private London Pub History and Brewery (Full Day Tour): $621
  • Private visit to Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Stonehenge: $851

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $29

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is London much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to London would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in London 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 London.


When is the best time to visit London 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 London or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and London during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, London is generally cooler than Zurich. Temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Zurich stays around 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Zurich. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    London 18°C (64°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit London or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Zurich. Most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

London is cooler than Zurich in the autumn. The temperature in London is usually 12°C (53°F) in October, and Zurich stays around 13°C (56°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Zurich. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    London 12°C (53°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit London or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Zurich. The winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. The weather in London can be very cold. In the winter, London is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January are around 4°C (40°F), and Zurich is about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    London 4°C (40°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit London or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.

In April, London is generally cooler than Zurich. Temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Zurich stays around 12°C (53°F).

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Zurich. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    London 9°C (48°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and London

London Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)


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