A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Manchester or Interlaken?

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 Manchester and Interlaken can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Manchester and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Interlaken?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Interlaken are both popular with visitors, Manchester has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Manchester is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Manchester or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Interlaken?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Manchester and Interlaken offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. 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 Manchester or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

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

Manchester has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Manchester or Interlaken Better for Music?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Manchester has diverse options. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Interlaken?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Manchester or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. 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!

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Manchester or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Manchester or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Interlaken are good places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester or Interlaken Better for Students?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Manchester and Interlaken both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Public transit in Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Manchester or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Manchester and Interlaken are good when it comes to walkability.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Interlaken?

In either Manchester or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Manchester because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

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

One day in Manchester or Interlaken?

When visiting Manchester, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food and skiing around the breathtaking town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Manchester or Interlaken?

When visiting Manchester, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With skiing and food around the destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Manchester or Interlaken?

Manchester, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Interlaken, a popular 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Interlaken?

Manchester is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Interlaken is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Interlaken Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Interlaken?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester or Interlaken?

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 Manchester or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Interlaken. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

Manchester is cooler than Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Interlaken. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Manchester is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Interlaken. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine.

Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In January, Manchester is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Manchester during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months.

Manchester is cooler than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Manchester