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

Should you visit Zermatt or Glencoe?

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 Glencoe 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 skiing, nightlife, and food.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a natural, serene, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and hiking.

Zermatt and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Glencoe and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Glencoe is well known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Glencoe Better for Skiing?

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

Visitors will find world class skiing in Zermatt. 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.

Glencoe is not a skiing destination.

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

Zermatt is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zermatt is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe 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 Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Zermatt or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is well known for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Zermatt or Glencoe Better for Resorts?

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

In Zermatt, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Glencoe is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

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

Around Zermatt visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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 Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Glencoe?

Zermatt is well known for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zermatt or Glencoe Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Glencoe.

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, Glencoe is very family-friendly. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Zermatt or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Zermatt is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Glencoe is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Zermatt or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is well known for backpackers. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

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

Zermatt is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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 Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Zermatt or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable town. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Glencoe?

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

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

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 Glencoe, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This village 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 Glencoe?

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 Glencoe, 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 Glencoe has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Glencoe?

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.

Glencoe is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Glencoe?

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 Glencoe. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Glencoe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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