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

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

Is there more to do in London or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Zurich is known for its historical sights. London is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

Big Ben

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.

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

London is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in London are among the most recognizable in the world. 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. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Theater?

London is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Zurich is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Zurich is not a theatre destination.

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

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. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

London is a world class party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Is London or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

Zurich has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Zurich?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Zurich both offer plenty of first-rate 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 shopping 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 Christmas?

London is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Zurich does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a world class destination during the Christmas season. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Zurich does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Zurich Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a must-visit destination for its Christmas markets. However, Zurich does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make London very popular during this season. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Zurich does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Zurich Better for Families?

London 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, London is very family-friendly. 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. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Zurich Better for Couples?

London 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.

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Zurich Better for Students?

For students, both London and Zurich are first-rate 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? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

London is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

London has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is London or Zurich a more walkable city?

London is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

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

For even more information, also check out Is London Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

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. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Zurich 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 London.

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. 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 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 historic 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between London and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Zurich?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of London 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 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. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Zurich fluctuates 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.

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 daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates 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.

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 average around 4°C (40°F), and Zurich averages at 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.

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. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Zurich fluctuates 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.

Typical Weather for Zurich and London