A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Murren for Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Murren can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for food and theater.

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. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Murren: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Murren. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Murren are popular destinations, Murren has more sights and attractions for tourists. Murren is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its museums, theatre productions, and historical sights. Murren is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. It is also well known for Lauterbrunnen Valley. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Murren?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren Better for Skiing?

Murren is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an amazing town to visit for theatre. However, Murren is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Stratford-upon-Avon that are not to be missed. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Murren is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Murren can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Murren area. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren Better for Nightlife?

Murren is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Murren. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the historical old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren Better for Hiking?

Murren is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

Murren is not a good area for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Murren is very family-friendly. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren Better for Couples?

Murren is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Murren is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Murren has some public transit options. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren a more walkable city?

Murren is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Murren. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Murren Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Murren or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

It's fun to spend time in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Murren due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Murren.

Families should spend more time in Murren than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Murren than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Murren.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Murren, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this small town destination offers. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. 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.

The beautiful small town of Murren offers skiing and food. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 food and skiing when visiting Murren. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Murren?

Stratford-upon-Avon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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.