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

Should you visit Zurich or Bregenz?

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 Bregenz. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a cultural, historic, and medieval city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Bregenz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Bregenz are both popular with visitors, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is more touristy than Bregenz and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Bregenz is popular for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

How is Zurich different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

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

Both Zurich and Bregenz offer a number of high quality 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.

Bregenz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Is Zurich or Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Zurich or Bregenz Better for Music?

Zurich is a great city for its music scene. However, Bregenz 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.

Bregenz is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice 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 go to Bregenz to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Bregenz?

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

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Zurich or Bregenz Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Bregenz are high quality 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 Bregenz. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Is Zurich or Bregenz Better for Couples?

Zurich and Bregenz both high quality 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.

Bregenz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Zurich or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Bregenz are good 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 Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Zurich or Bregenz Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Bregenz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Bregenz is not popular with students.

Is Zurich or Bregenz 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, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Is Zurich or Bregenz a more walkable city?

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

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.

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Bregenz?

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

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Bregenz. 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 Bregenz. 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 Bregenz 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 Bregenz?

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bregenz. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Bregenz?

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer.

Bregenz 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 Bregenz?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bregenz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Bregenz?

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