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

Should you visit Zurich or Beaune?

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 Beaune. 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Beaune

Beaune is a culinary, quaint, and vineyard-filled town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Beaune?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zurich than Beaune, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zurich is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Beaune is more popular for its food and small town charm. 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. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

How is Zurich different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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

Beaune 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 Beaune, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Zurich know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Zurich or Beaune Better for Music?

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

Zurich has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Beaune is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Zurich and Beaune.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Beaune has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Beaune?

Zurich is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune 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.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Zurich or Beaune Better for Families?

Zurich is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Zurich or Beaune Better for Couples?

Beaune is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Beaune is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Zurich or Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Zurich or Beaune Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for students. However, Beaune is not popular with 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.

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

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

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

While Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Zurich or Beaune a more walkable city?

Beaune is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Beaune on foot. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Zurich or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zurich due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich than Beaune 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 Beaune?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Beaune. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Beaune?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

Beaune 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 Beaune?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. This 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the culinary destination of Beaune. This town 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Beaune?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

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 Beaune in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Beaune. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Beaune in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Beaune fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaune this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Beaune. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Beaune in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Beaune. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Beaune. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Beaune averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaune. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Beaune. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Beaune in the Winter?

Both Beaune and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Beaune in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beaune can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Beaune. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaune during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Beaune. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Beaune in the Spring?

Both Beaune and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Beaune for the small town charm during these months.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Beaune in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Beaune fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Beaune. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Beaune and Zurich