A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Biarritz for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Zermatt or Biarritz?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Biarritz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Zermatt and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Biarritz are popular destinations, Zermatt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zermatt is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its beaches. Zermatt is more touristy than Biarritz and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also well known for The Matterhorn. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Biarritz is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Zermatt should be on your list. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Biarritz is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zermatt or Biarritz?

Both Zermatt and Biarritz have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Zermatt offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

While most people don't head to Biarritz specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zermatt and Biarritz offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Both Zermatt and Biarritz are great when it comes to partying.

Zermatt offers plenty to do in the evening. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Zermatt and Biarritz.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zermatt. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

People visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Biarritz?

Both Zermatt and Biarritz are great shopping destinations.

Zermatt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Biarritz.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly place to visit. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Zermatt is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Zermatt makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zermatt and Biarritz are great destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Zermatt or Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Zermatt and Biarritz offer nice public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Zermatt or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Zermatt is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Zermatt. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Biarritz?

Both Zermatt and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Zermatt. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt than Biarritz 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 Zermatt.

One day in Zermatt or Biarritz?

The beautiful town of Zermatt offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside 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 Zermatt or Biarritz?

Zermatt is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zermatt, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Zermatt or Biarritz?

Zermatt is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zermatt, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Zermatt or Biarritz?

Zermatt is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zermatt and Biarritz, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt than you might in Biarritz.

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Biarritz, 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 Zermatt or Biarritz?

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 Zermatt or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zermatt is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zermatt in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Biarritz. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Biarritz. The autumn months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In October, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 15°C (58°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Biarritz in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. Zermatt is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Zermatt usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Zermatt is around the same temperature as Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zermatt in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Biarritz. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Zermatt