A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Zurich for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Mykonos or Zurich?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Zurich. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a picturesque, postcard perfect, and glamourous Greek island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Zurich?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mykonos than Zurich. Mykonos is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mykonos is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zurich is more popular for its museums and music. Mykonos is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Also, Mykonos is famous for the traditional windmills near Chora. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Mykonos different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

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

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Mykonos or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Mykonos is a world class party destination. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Mykonos or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Mykonos is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Mykonos is not a live music destination.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zurich is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Mykonos for it's beautiful beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Mykonos and Zurich.

With a famous historical old-town, Mykonos offers plenty to see. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is not a good place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

A few hiking trails can be found near Mykonos. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Zurich?

Both Mykonos and Zurich are terrific shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. 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.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for Couples?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

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

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Zurich a more walkable city?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Mykonos on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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 Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Zurich?

In either Mykonos or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mykonos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mykonos than Zurich. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich than Mykonos 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 Mykonos or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Mykonos. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Zurich?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the postcard perfect destination of Mykonos. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, 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 Mykonos and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Mykonos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mykonos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mykonos 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 Mykonos.

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Zurich?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.