A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Zurich for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a spectacular, natural, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich. Although Outer Hebrides and Zurich are popular destinations, Zurich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zurich is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Zurich is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Zurich?

Zurich is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Outer Hebrides and Zurich can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. 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 Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for live music. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Outer Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Zurich offers plenty to see. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Outer Hebrides is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Zurich?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Zurich. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Zurich both excellent destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and Zurich are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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

Is Outer Hebrides or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Zurich is very walkable. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Zurich?

In either Outer Hebrides or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Zurich because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zurich, you'll find nightlife and live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Zurich?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Zurich. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Outer Hebrides and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Outer Hebrides much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Outer Hebrides would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Zurich. The summer months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Zurich. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Outer Hebrides gets 33 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 Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Zurich. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives less rain than Zurich. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Outer Hebrides