A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Zermatt for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Manchester or Zermatt?

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 Zermatt can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Manchester and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Zermatt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Manchester and Zermatt are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Manchester is known for its museums, music, and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

The Matterhorn

How is Manchester different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Manchester or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is very popular for skiing. However, Manchester is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Manchester is not a skiing destination.

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

Manchester is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

Both Manchester and Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Manchester or Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Manchester and Zermatt.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. 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.

Zermatt has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Is Manchester or Zermatt Better for Music?

Manchester is a well-known place for live music. However, Zermatt is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Zermatt is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is great for its luxury resorts. However, Manchester is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zermatt. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Manchester is not a resort destination.

Is Manchester or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Zermatt?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Zermatt both offer plenty of very good spots.

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.

Zermatt is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Is Manchester or Zermatt Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Zermatt.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Zermatt is a very kid-friendly city. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

Is Manchester or Zermatt Better for Couples?

Zermatt 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, Zermatt has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Zermatt is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Manchester or Zermatt Better for Students?

Manchester is a well-known place for students. However, Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Manchester is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Manchester or Zermatt a more walkable city?

Zermatt is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Zermatt?

In either Manchester or Zermatt, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt 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 Zermatt.

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

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

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

One day in Manchester or Zermatt?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and skiing around the charming town of Zermatt, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Zermatt?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Manchester has to offer.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Zermatt, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Manchester or Zermatt?

Manchester is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Zermatt, 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 Zermatt?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Zermatt 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly 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 Manchester and Zermatt, we can see that Manchester 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 Zermatt Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Zermatt?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Zermatt, 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 Zermatt?

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 Manchester or Zermatt in the Summer?

Both Zermatt and Manchester during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

Manchester is cooler than Zermatt in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Zermatt fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Zermatt. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Zermatt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Zermatt. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Manchester is cooler than Zermatt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Zermatt averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Manchester usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Zermatt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Zermatt. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In January, Manchester is generally cooler than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in January than Zermatt. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Zermatt in the Spring?

Both Zermatt and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Manchester is much colder than Zermatt in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Zermatt fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In April, Manchester usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Manchester