A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Zurich for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a historical, vibrant, and high energy port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Zurich: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Newcastle upon Tyne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Zurich and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Zurich can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zurich makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Zurich.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a live music destination.

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

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Many visitors go to Newcastle upon Tyne to see the historical old town. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

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.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich 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 Zurich. 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.

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 Zurich Better for Couples?

Zurich is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

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 Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Zurich are both good destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Zurich.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich?

In either Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than Newcastle upon Tyne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich?

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.

In Zurich, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich for a weekend. Lots of people come for the shopping. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich?

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.

In Zurich, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the livable 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Zurich. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newcastle upon Tyne and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 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 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 Zurich Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Zurich. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Zurich. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Zurich. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Zurich. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zurich. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Newcastle upon Tyne