A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Murren for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Murren can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a cultural, historical, and vibrant port city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Murren

Murren is a serene, authentic, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Murren: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne than Murren, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Murren is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Murren is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for The Tyne Bridge.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Murren?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for Skiing?

Murren is an amazing town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Newcastle upon Tyne. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for Hiking?

Murren is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Shopping in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for Families?

Murren is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Murren. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for Couples?

Murren is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Murren 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a port city with good options for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for students. However, Murren is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Murren is not popular with students.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its public transit. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

While Murren offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Murren are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Murren Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Murren or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

It's fun to spend time in either Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Murren due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Murren.

Families should spend more time in Murren than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Murren 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Murren is a small town with plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Many people visit Murren for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Murren, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Because Murren is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port city 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.

Since Murren is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newcastle upon Tyne and Murren, we can see that Murren is more expensive. And not only is Newcastle upon Tyne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newcastle upon Tyne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Murren?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 430 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and Murren, 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.