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

Should you visit Zermatt or Bregenz?

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 Bregenz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a cultural, historic, and medieval city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zermatt and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Bregenz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Bregenz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Zermatt is more touristy than Bregenz and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Bregenz is well known for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Bregenz Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is terrific for skiing. However, Bregenz is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Bregenz is not a skiing destination.

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

Bregenz is very good for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

Both Zermatt and Bregenz offer very good 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.

Bregenz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Is Zermatt or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Zermatt has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Zermatt or Bregenz Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Bregenz is not a resort destination.

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.

Bregenz is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz is very good for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bregenz to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Bregenz Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is terrific for hiking. However, Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. 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.

Bregenz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Bregenz?

Zermatt is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zermatt. 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.

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Zermatt or Bregenz Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Bregenz.

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, Bregenz is very family-friendly. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Is Zermatt or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Zermatt is terrific for couples. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Zermatt has plenty to offer. 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.

Bregenz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Zermatt or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Both Zermatt and Bregenz offer notable 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.

Bregenz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Is Zermatt or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Zermatt is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Bregenz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zermatt and Bregenz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt than in Bregenz. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bregenz.

Families should spend more time in Zermatt than Bregenz. 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 Bregenz. 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 Bregenz 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 Bregenz?

In Zermatt, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bregenz, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Zermatt or Bregenz?

In Zermatt, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Zermatt has to offer.

In Bregenz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bregenz has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Bregenz?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bregenz is a great place to explore. 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 Zermatt or Bregenz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Zermatt. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bregenz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bregenz. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Bregenz?

Bregenz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Bregenz, 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.