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

Should you visit Zermatt or Dingle?

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 Dingle 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.

Dingle

Dingle is a rustic, picturesque, and serene peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Zermatt and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Dingle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Dingle, 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 Dingle is more popular for its beaches. Zermatt is more touristy than Dingle and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Dingle is well known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Dingle Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Zermatt and Dingle have respectable 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 Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

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

Zermatt is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dingle 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 Dingle. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Zermatt or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Zermatt know how to have a good time. 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.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Zermatt or Dingle Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a great destination for its resorts. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Dingle Better for Beaches?

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

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Is Zermatt or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Dingle?

Zermatt is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zermatt or Dingle Better for Families?

Zermatt is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dingle 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.

Dingle offers lots of family activities. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Zermatt or Dingle Better for Couples?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Dingle 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.

Dingle is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Zermatt or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zermatt and Dingle 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 Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

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

Zermatt is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Zermatt, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Zermatt or Dingle a more walkable city?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options 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.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable town. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Dingle?

In either Zermatt or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Zermatt has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Zermatt than Dingle. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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 Dingle, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This peninsula 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle, you'll find 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 Dingle has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Dingle?

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.

Dingle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dingle has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Zermatt or Dingle?

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 Dingle. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Dingle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Dingle?

Zermatt has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Dingle, 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Dingle. 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 Dingle because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 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 Dingle. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zermatt or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Dingle. 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. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle 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 Dingle for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. In the winter, Zermatt is cooler than Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In January, Zermatt usually receives less rain than Dingle. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zermatt or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Zermatt during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dingle in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Dingle. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Zermatt