A Travel Price Comparison for Switzerland Zermatt vs. Geneva for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Zermatt or Geneva?

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 Geneva 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 Zermatt is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Zermatt travel costs.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Geneva is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Geneva travel costs.

Zermatt and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Geneva?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Geneva are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Geneva is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Geneva is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Geneva is not a skiing destination.

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

Geneva is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Geneva specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zermatt and Geneva offer high quality 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.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a great destination for its resorts. However, Geneva is not a resort destination.

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

Geneva is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Geneva?

Geneva is very popular for shopping. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Zermatt is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Zermatt or Geneva More Beautiful?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Zermatt is one of the main draws. Set against the backdrop of the Alps and the famed Matterhorn, this is a truly breathtaking town that's surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Geneva is a beautiful place to visit, too. Located on the edge of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, the city is both bustling and beautiful.

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for Families?

Zermatt is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for Couples?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Zermatt or Geneva Better for Students?

Geneva is a well-known place for students. However, Zermatt is not popular with students.

Geneva is very popular with students. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is very popular for its public transit. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Geneva has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Zermatt or Geneva a more walkable city?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Geneva is a very walkable town. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Geneva?

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

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

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.

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Geneva?

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.

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Geneva?

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.

Geneva 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 Geneva?

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 Geneva. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Geneva. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Geneva, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Geneva?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Geneva, 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 Geneva?

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 Geneva in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Geneva. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 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 Geneva. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zermatt or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Geneva. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zermatt is around the same temperature as Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Geneva. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. In January, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Geneva. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zermatt or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva and Zermatt during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Zermatt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Geneva. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Geneva and Zermatt