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

Should you visit Zurich or Bari?

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 Bari. 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Zurich and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Zurich and Bari are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Zurich is known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Zurich different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Zurich and Bari.

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.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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.

Is Zurich or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Bari are excellent 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.

Bari has a large number of nightlife venues. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Zurich or Bari Better for Music?

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

Zurich has a thriving music scene. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Bari is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a good destination for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Bari offers a nice beach destination. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Zurich has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Bari?

Zurich is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Zurich or Bari Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Bari are excellent 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 Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Zurich or Bari Better for Couples?

Zurich is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Zurich or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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

Is Zurich or Bari Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Zurich or Bari a more walkable city?

Zurich and Bari both are excellent 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.

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Bari?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Bari. 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 Bari than Zurich 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 Bari.

One day in Zurich or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Bari?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Bari?

The liberal city of Zurich offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Bari. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Bari?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Bari. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Bari. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bari. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. Zurich is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Bari. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Bari. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Bari. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Zurich