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

Should you visit Zurich or Bonn?

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 Bonn. 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 liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Bonn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Bonn are roughly the same size, Zurich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zurich is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Zurich is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Zurich different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Zurich and Bonn.

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.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Zurich is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Zurich or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Zurich has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Zurich or Bonn Better for Music?

Zurich is a great city for live music. However, Bonn 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.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Zurich has a world-famous historical 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Bonn?

Zurich is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Zurich. 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.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Zurich or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zurich. 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.

Is Zurich or Bonn Better for Couples?

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

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Zurich or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Bonn are nice 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 Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Zurich or Bonn Better for Students?

Zurich is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Both Zurich and Bonn offer superb public transit options.

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

The public transit in Bonn can get you to most places easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Zurich or Bonn a more walkable city?

Zurich and Bonn 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.

Bonn is a very walkable destination. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Bonn?

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

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

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

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 Bonn. 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 Bonn?

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.

Bonn 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 Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic 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 Bonn. 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 Bonn?

The beautiful 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 lively destination of Bonn. 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.

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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Bonn?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Bonn. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Bonn. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Zurich is a little warmer than Bonn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Bonn. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zurich is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bonn averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Bonn. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Bonn. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Zurich