A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Murren vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Murren and Mont-Saint-Michel can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Murren

Murren is a authentic, breathtaking, and stunning town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Murren and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Murren. Although Murren and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Murren has more sights and attractions for tourists. Murren is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Murren and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Murren is famous for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. It is also well known for Lauterbrunnen Valley.

How is Murren different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Murren. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Skiing?

Murren is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a skiing destination.

Murren is among the world's best ski destinations. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

Is the Food Better in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Murren and Mont-Saint-Michel can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Murren offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Murren is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Murren is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Murren is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Many people visit Murren specifically for its hiking. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Murren is not so good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Murren has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Murren is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Murren is a very kid-friendly town. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Both Murren and Mont-Saint-Michel are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Murren is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.

Is Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Murren and Mont-Saint-Michel.

You'll find some public transit in Murren, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Murren is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Murren on foot is easy. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Murren Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Murren?

How long in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Murren than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Murren, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

One day in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Even though Murren is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Murren is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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 Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Murren is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Murren is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Murren and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Murren is more expensive. And not only is Mont-Saint-Michel much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mont-Saint-Michel would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Murren would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Murren than you might in Mont-Saint-Michel.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Murren Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Murren or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Murren has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Murren and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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.