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

Should you visit Wellington or Zurich?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Wellington and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Zurich?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zurich than Wellington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zurich is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster.

How is Wellington different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Both Wellington and Zurich offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Dining out in Zurich is an experience not to be missed. 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 Wellington or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Wellington and Zurich.

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Wellington or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a live music destination.

Is Wellington or Zurich Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Wellington for it's beautiful beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Zurich Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Wellington offers some nice hiking trails. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Zurich?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Wellington or Zurich Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Zurich.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Zurich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Wellington or Zurich Better for Couples?

Zurich is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Wellington is a great city to visit for backpackers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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 Wellington or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Wellington and Zurich.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Wellington or Zurich a more walkable city?

Wellington and Zurich are superb when it comes to walkability.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting? and Is Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Zurich?

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

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Wellington. 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 Wellington. 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 Wellington 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 Wellington.

One day in Wellington or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wellington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With live music and food around the historic city of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Zurich?

Wellington 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wellington or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Zurich, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the funky destination of Wellington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, 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 Wellington and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific 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 Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Wellington.

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Zurich?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Zurich?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zurich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Zurich. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wellington this time of the year. In the summer, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurichin July. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets less rain in January than Zurichin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Wellington because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. 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, Wellington is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F)in October.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Wellington usually receives more rain than Zurichin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wellington or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Wellington during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wellington 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. In July, Wellington is generally much warmer than Zurichin January. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Zurichin January. Wellington gets 122 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 Wellington. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Zurichin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Zurich. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.

Wellington is a little warmer than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in April.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Wellington usually receives more rain than Zurichin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Wellington