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

Should you visit Zurich or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. 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 beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Baltimore?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zurich than Baltimore. While Baltimore is larger than Zurich, Zurich has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zurich is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore is more popular for its big city activities. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Zurich different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Zurich and Baltimore.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Both Zurich and Baltimore offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. 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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Zurich or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Baltimore are high quality when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Zurich or Baltimore Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Zurich is revered around the world. 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Baltimore?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Zurich or Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Baltimore are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Zurich or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Zurich is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Zurich or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Baltimore are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Zurich or Baltimore Better for Students?

Zurich is a world-class destination for students. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Both Zurich and Baltimore offer high quality public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you to most places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Zurich or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Zurich and Baltimore both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Baltimore?

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

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Baltimore. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Baltimore?

You'll find live music and food around the liberal destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

You'll find food and shopping around the liberal city of Zurich. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Baltimore. This city 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 from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Baltimore, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Baltimore is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Zurich or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Baltimore. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is cooler than Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zurich usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Baltimore. 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 Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Baltimore. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. In January, Zurich is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baltimore. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Baltimore. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Zurich