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

Should you visit Tenerife or Zurich?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Zurich, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a volcanic, scenic, and vibrant island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Tenerife and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Zurich are popular destinations, Tenerife has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tenerife is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Zurich attracts visitors for its museums, food, music, historical sights, and shopping. Tenerife is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also well known for Mount Teide. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Tenerife different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Zurich is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Tenerife is a world class party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Music?

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

Tenerife is not a live music destination.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Zurich is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Tenerife to choose from. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Tenerife for it's beautiful beaches. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is very popular for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Zurich has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Hiking?

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

Tenerife is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Zurich?

Zurich is very popular for shopping. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Families?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tenerife is very family-friendly. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Zurich are both great to visit as a couple.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

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 Tenerife or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Zurich are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Zurich is a good island to visit for backpackers. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Tenerife or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Tenerife is not popular with students.

Is Tenerife 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. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Zurich is fairly effecient and thorough. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Zurich?

In either Tenerife or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than Zurich because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Tenerife. 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 Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Tenerife. 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.

The beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Zurich?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Tenerife or Zurich?

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

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Tenerife. This island 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.

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, 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 Tenerife and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Tenerife much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tenerife would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tenerife 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 Tenerife.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Zurich. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tenerife is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the summer, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Tenerife is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Zurich. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Tenerife during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Tenerife is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Zurich. The spring months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the spring, Tenerife is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Zurich. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Tenerife