A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Murren for Couples, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Windsor or Murren?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Murren? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Murren

Murren is a authentic, breathtaking, and stunning town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Windsor and Murren: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Murren?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Murren. Although Windsor and Murren are popular destinations, Murren has more sights and attractions for tourists. Murren is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and shopping, while Windsor attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Murren is famous for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. It is also well known for Lauterbrunnen Valley.

How is Windsor different from Murren?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Windsor or Murren Better for Skiing?

Murren is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Windsor is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Murren should be on your list. 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.

Windsor is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Murren?

Windsor is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 the Food Better in Windsor or Murren? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Windsor and Murren both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Murren is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Windsor or Murren Better for Nightlife?

Windsor is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Windsor or Murren Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Windsor to see the historical old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Murren Better for Hiking?

Murren is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

People visit Murren specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Murren?

Murren is not so good for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Murren has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Murren Better for Families?

Murren is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Murren is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Murren Better for Couples?

Murren is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Murren makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Windsor or Murren Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Murren.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Murren offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Windsor or Murren a more walkable city?

Murren is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Murren on foot is easy. 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.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Murren Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Murren or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Murren?

It's fun to spend time in either Windsor 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 Windsor, and 2-4 days is enough time in Murren.

Families should spend more time in Murren than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Murren?

Windsor 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, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Murren?

Windsor 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.

In Murren, you'll find food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Murren has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Murren?

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

Murren is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Murren?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Murren. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Murren. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Murren?

Windsor has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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.