A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Berlin for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Zurich or Berlin?

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 Berlin. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Berlin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Zurich. Berlin is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Berlin is well known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate.

How is Zurich different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

Both Zurich and Berlin offer a number of great 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.

Berlin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Zurich or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Berlin is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Zurich or Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Berlin From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Is Zurich or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Berlin does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Zurich offers plenty to see. 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Berlin?

Both Zurich and Berlin are world-class shopping destinations.

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 people travel to Berlin specifically to go shopping. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Is Zurich or Berlin Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Berlin are great 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 Berlin. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Zurich or Berlin Better for Couples?

Zurich is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Zurich or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin Better for Students?

Zurich and Berlin are both world-class destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Many students frequent Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

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

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Berlin has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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

Is Zurich or Berlin a more walkable city?

Zurich is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Berlin?

Both Zurich and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Zurich. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Berlin. 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 Berlin. 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 Berlin 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 Berlin.

One day in Zurich or Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Berlin?

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.

Berlin 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 Berlin?

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 Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Berlin?

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

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 Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Berlin. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zurich is a little warmer than Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. 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 Berlin. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Zurich or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Zurich is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Berlin. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In January, Zurich is generally much warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Berlin. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Berlin. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

Zurich is a little warmer than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Berlin. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Zurich