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

Should you visit Zermatt or Reims?

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 Reims 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 shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zermatt and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Reims?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Reims, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Reims is more popular for its museums and food. Zermatt is more touristy than Reims and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Reims is well known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Reims Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is very popular for winter skiing. However, Reims is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Zermatt is among the best in 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.

Reims is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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 Reims? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Reims is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Reims has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

Zermatt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Zermatt or Reims Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims 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 Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Zermatt or Reims Better for Resorts?

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

Zermatt is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Reims is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Reims Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Reims is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Zermatt draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Reims is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Reims?

Both Zermatt and Reims are excellent shopping destinations.

Zermatt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Zermatt or Reims Better for Families?

Zermatt is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Zermatt or Reims Better for Couples?

Both Zermatt and Reims are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Is Zermatt or Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Reims is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Both Zermatt and Reims 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.

Reims has some public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Zermatt or Reims a more walkable city?

Zermatt is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Reims 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.

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Reims?

In either Zermatt or Reims, 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 Reims. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

In Zermatt, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this iconic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Reims, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Reims, you'll find food and shopping. 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reims has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Reims?

Zermatt is a fun place to experience. In Zermatt, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Reims is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reims has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Zermatt or Reims?

You'll find nightlife and food around the charming destination of Zermatt. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Reims?

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

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Reims. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 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 Reims. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zermatt or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Reims. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Reims. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Reims can be very cold during winter. Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zermatt is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Reims averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Reims during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Reims. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zermatt or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Zermatt during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Reims because of the natural beauty.

In April, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Zermatt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reims and Zermatt