A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Southampton vs. Zurich for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Southampton or Zurich?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Zurich? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Southampton and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Zurich?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zurich than Southampton. Zurich is bigger than Southampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zurich is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

Zurich is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Zurich has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Zurich has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a great city for its live music scene. However, Southampton is not a live music destination.

Zurich has a thriving music scene. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is Southampton or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a 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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Zurich?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Zurich draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Zurich Better for Families?

Zurich is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zurich is very family-friendly. 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Zurich Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Zurich make for a superb place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Southampton or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

The public transit in Zurich can get you around easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Zurich?

In either Southampton or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than Southampton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Southampton. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Zurich?

Southampton 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beautiful city of Zurich. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Southampton. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Zurich. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Southampton and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Southampton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Southampton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Southampton 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 Southampton.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Southampton during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Southampton is cooler than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Zurich. The autumn months attract visitors to Southampton because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the autumn, Southampton is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Zurich. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Zurich. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. It's quite cold in Southampton in the winter. In January, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Southampton for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.

Southampton is cooler than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Zurich. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Southampton