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

Should you visit Zurich or Bremen?

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 Bremen. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bremen

Bremen is a historic, beautiful, and colorful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Bremen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Bremen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zurich than Bremen. While Bremen is larger than Zurich, Zurich has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zurich is more touristy than Bremen and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Bremen is popular for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany.

How is Zurich different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Zurich and Bremen.

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.

Bremen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

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

Zurich is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Zurich is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Zurich or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Bremen are high quality 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.

Bremen has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Is Zurich or Bremen Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for its music scene. However, Bremen is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Bremen is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Zurich and Bremen.

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.

Bremen has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Bremen?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Zurich is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Is Zurich or Bremen Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Bremen 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 Bremen. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

Is Zurich or Bremen Better for Couples?

Zurich is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

Is Zurich or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Bremen 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 Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Zurich or Bremen Better for Students?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Both Zurich and Bremen offer high quality public transit options.

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

The public transit in Bremen can get you to most places easily. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

Is Zurich or Bremen a more walkable city?

Bremen 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 Bremen on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Zurich or Bremen. 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 Bremen.

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

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 Bremen. 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 Bremen?

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.

Bremen 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen. 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 Bremen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal 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 colorful destination of Bremen. 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 Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Bremen?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

Both Bremen and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bremen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Bremen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bremen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Bremen. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Bremen in the Autumn?

Both Bremen and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bremen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Bremen. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bremen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Bremen. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bremen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bremen can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is much warmer than Bremen in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bremen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Bremen. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Bremen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Bremen. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

In the spring, Zurich is a little warmer than Bremen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bremen averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Bremen. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bremen and Zurich