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

Should you visit Zurich or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Zurich and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zurich than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zurich is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its resorts, beaches, 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. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Zurich different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Both Zurich and Biarritz offer a number of superb 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.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Zurich or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Biarritz are superb 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.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Zurich or Biarritz Better for Music?

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Biarritz is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Zurich has diverse options. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Biarritz is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Zurich is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Zurich or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a well-known place for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Biarritz?

Zurich is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Zurich draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Zurich or Biarritz Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Biarritz are superb 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 Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Zurich or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Zurich and Biarritz both superb destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Zurich or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Biarritz Better for Students?

Zurich is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Zurich or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Zurich and Biarritz both are superb 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Biarritz?

Both Zurich and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Zurich. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Biarritz. 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz?

The beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Biarritz?

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Biarritz?

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Biarritz?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Biarritz?

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

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Biarritz. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Biarritz. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Zurich is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Biarritz. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Zurich usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

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

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Zurich