A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Zurich for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Zurich?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Zurich?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zurich is very popular for its music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its food. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster.

How is York different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Zurich have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

York 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 York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Zurich are superb when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both York and Zurich.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

With a famous historical old-town, Zurich offers plenty to see. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Zurich?

Zurich is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Zurich Better for Families?

York 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Zurich Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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.

Is York or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York 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.

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Zurich Better for Students?

Zurich is a world-class destination for students. However, York is not popular with 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

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

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

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or York?

How long in York or Zurich?

In either York or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than York. 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.

One day in York or Zurich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Zurich?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Zurich is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Zurich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Zurich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of York. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful city of Zurich offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 York and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York or Zurich?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Zurich. York usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Zurich. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of 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 October, York is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Zurich. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York 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. It's quite cold in York in the winter. York is a little warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Zurich. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Zurich. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zurich and York