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

Should you visit Melbourne or Zurich?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Melbourne or Zurich? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Zurich?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Zurich. Melbourne is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Zurich.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

Both Melbourne and Zurich offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Dining out in Zurich is an experience not to be missed. 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 Melbourne or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Zurich.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Melbourne or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

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.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Zurich Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a well-known place for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is very popular for its old town. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Zurich?

Zurich is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Zurich draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Melbourne or Zurich Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Zurich.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Zurich is known to be 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 Melbourne or Zurich Better for Couples?

Zurich is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Zurich are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Zurich is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Melbourne or Zurich Better for Students?

Both Melbourne and Zurich are amazing destinations for students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Melbourne and Zurich.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Melbourne or Zurich a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Zurich are superb when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Zurich?

In either Melbourne or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Zurich has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zurich than Melbourne. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Zurich?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Zurich?

Melbourne 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.

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Zurich. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, 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 Melbourne and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Melbourne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Zurich is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Melbourne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Zurich?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Zurich?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zurich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Zurich. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Melbourne is around the same temperature as Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Zurichin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Zurichin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the autumn, Melbourne is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F)in October.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Zurichin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Melbourne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In July, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Zurichin January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Zurichin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Zurichin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Zurich. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in April.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Zurichin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Melbourne