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

Should you visit Tokyo or Zurich?

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

Should I visit Tokyo 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a iconic, eclectic, and cutting edge city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Tokyo and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Zurich is known for its historical sights. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Tokyo different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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.

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

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Tokyo or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is a world class party destination. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo or Zurich Better for Music?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Tokyo The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

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.

Is Tokyo or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Zurich?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and Zurich both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Zurich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Is Tokyo or Zurich Better for Families?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Zurich Better for Couples?

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

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Zurich are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

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

Is Tokyo or Zurich Better for Students?

For students, both Tokyo and Zurich are amazing places to visit.

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Tokyo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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

Is Tokyo or Zurich a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Tokyo on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Zurich?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Zurich 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 Tokyo.

One day in Tokyo or Zurich?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Zurich?

Tokyo 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Zurich?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, 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 Tokyo and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Tokyo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and Zurich is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tokyo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tokyo 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 Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Zurich?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Zurich in the Summer?

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

In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Zurich. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Zurich. The autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

Tokyo is a little warmer than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Zurich. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Zurich in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In the winter, Tokyo is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Zurich in the Spring?

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

In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Zurich. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Tokyo