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

Should you visit Zermatt or Calais?

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

Zermatt

Zermatt is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zermatt and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Calais?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Calais, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Calais is more popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Calais and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Calais Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is a must-visit destination for winter skiing. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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 Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zermatt is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Zermatt is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Zermatt or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Zermatt is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Zermatt or Calais Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is well known for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

Zermatt is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is very good for its beaches. However, Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Is Zermatt or Calais Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Calais?

Zermatt is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Zermatt or Calais Better for Families?

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

Zermatt is known to be 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Zermatt or Calais Better for Couples?

Zermatt is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Zermatt or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zermatt is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

Both Zermatt and Calais 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.

Calais has some public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Zermatt or Calais a more walkable city?

Zermatt is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Calais?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Calais, 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 Calais?

Zermatt 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 Calais, 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 Calais has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Calais 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Zermatt. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Zermatt or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Calais. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Calais. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zermatt or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Calais. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Calais. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. In the winter, Zermatt is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Calais. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zermatt or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Zermatt during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Calais. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Zermatt