A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Auxerre for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Zurich or Auxerre?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Auxerre. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Zurich and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its small town charm. Zurich is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Zurich different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zurich or Auxerre?

Zurich is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

Is the Food Better in Zurich or Auxerre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zurich is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Zurich or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Zurich for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Zurich or Auxerre Better for Music?

Zurich is great for its music scene. However, Auxerre is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich draws a good crowd. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Auxerre is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Auxerre?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zurich or Auxerre Better for Families?

Zurich is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zurich. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Zurich or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Zurich is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Zurich is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Zurich or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Zurich is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Zurich or Auxerre Better for Students?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

Is Zurich or Auxerre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zurich is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Zurich or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Zurich is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Auxerre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zurich or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zurich than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Auxerre. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zurich, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Auxerre. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zurich that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich than Auxerre 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 Zurich.

One day in Zurich or Auxerre?

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Auxerre. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Auxerre?

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Zurich has to offer.

Auxerre 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.

Five days in Zurich or Auxerre?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Auxerre. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Auxerre, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Auxerre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Auxerre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auxerre 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Auxerre.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Auxerre?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Auxerre, 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 Zurich or Auxerre?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zurich or Auxerre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Auxerre. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Auxerre averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auxerre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Auxerre. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Auxerre in the Winter?

Both Auxerre and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Auxerre. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Auxerre. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In the spring, Zurich is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Zurich