A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nottingham vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nottingham or Interlaken?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Interlaken 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a livable, cultural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Nottingham and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Interlaken?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nottingham. Although Nottingham and Interlaken are both popular with visitors, Nottingham has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nottingham is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Nottingham and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square.

How is Nottingham different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nottingham or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Interlaken is a town with good options for winter skiing. However, Nottingham is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Nottingham is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Interlaken?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Nottingham is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nottingham or Interlaken? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Interlaken is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Interlaken makes for a great culinary experience. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Nottingham is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nottingham. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Nottingham or Interlaken Better for Music?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Nottingham is very good for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Nottingham or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Interlaken is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Interlaken?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Nottingham is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nottingham. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nottingham or Interlaken Better for Families?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Interlaken is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Nottingham offers lots of family activities. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Is Nottingham or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Interlaken is very popular for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Nottingham or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Interlaken is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Interlaken is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Nottingham or Interlaken Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nottingham
Interlaken

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Interlaken.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Public transit in Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Nottingham or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Interlaken

Nottingham is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Interlaken?

In either Nottingham or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Nottingham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Interlaken than Nottingham 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 Interlaken.


  • How many days in Nottingham or Interlaken? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Interlaken 2-5

One day in Nottingham or Interlaken?

With live music and food around the dynamic city of Nottingham, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nottingham, one day is sufficent for most.

With food and skiing around the breathtaking town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Nottingham or Interlaken?

With food and shopping around the destination of Nottingham, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With skiing and food around the destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Nottingham or Interlaken?

Nottingham, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Interlaken, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Interlaken?

Nottingham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Interlaken is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.


Which place is cheaper, Interlaken or Nottingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, while the average daily cost in Interlaken is £186. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nottingham and Interlaken in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Interlaken £107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Interlaken £214
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Interlaken

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham or Interlaken? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nottingham


Hotels in Interlaken


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Interlaken Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Interlaken £10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    £53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Interlaken?

Prices for flights to both Interlaken and Nottingham change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nottingham £36
    Interlaken £52

Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Interlaken £84

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Gems of Boston (UK) – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $222
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Men's Yellow Belly Half-Day Spa Experience: $203
  • Nottingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Nottingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $279
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Nottingham and Robin Hood Private Guided Walking Tour: $153
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Interlaken £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Interlaken?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Interlaken, 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 Nottingham or Interlaken?

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 Nottingham or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Interlaken. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nottingham is cooler than Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. In the summer, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nottingham is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nottingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Nottingham during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. The weather in Nottingham can be very cold. In January, Nottingham is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Interlaken. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.

Nottingham is cooler than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Nottingham

Nottingham Interlaken
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)