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

Should you visit Manchester 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 Manchester and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Zurich are roughly the same size, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its big city activities, while Zurich attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or Zurich.

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.

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

Both Manchester and Zurich offer high quality 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 Zurich. 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 Manchester or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Manchester and Zurich.

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.

Zurich has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Manchester or Zurich Better for Music?

Manchester and Zurich are both destinations where visitors can find high quality live music.

The music scene in Manchester draws a good crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Is Manchester or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Zurich has a world-famous historical 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Zurich?

Zurich is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Zurich. 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.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Manchester or Zurich Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Zurich.

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.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Manchester or Zurich Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Zurich are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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 Manchester or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Zurich are nice 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 Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Manchester or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Manchester and Zurich both offer high quality 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 Zurich can get you to some places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Manchester or Zurich a more walkable city?

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

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.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Zurich?

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

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

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

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

One day in Manchester or Zurich?

Manchester 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.

With live music and food around the beautiful city of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Zurich?

Manchester 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Zurich, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the dynamic big city of Manchester. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Manchester much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manchester would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manchester 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 Manchester.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Zurich?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Zurich in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Manchester is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Zurich in the Autumn?

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

In October, Manchester is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Zurich. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Zurich. The winter months attract visitors to Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Manchester can be very cold. Manchester is a little warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Zurich in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Manchester is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives less rain than Zurich. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Manchester