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

Should you visit Zurich or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zurich and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Zurich. Budapest is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, and shopping. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Zurich different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Zurich is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Zurich has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Zurich or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Budapest 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.

Budapest has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Zurich or Budapest Better for Music?

Zurich is great for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich draws a good crowd. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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 Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Budapest?

Zurich is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Zurich or Budapest Better for Families?

Zurich is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zurich is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Zurich or Budapest Better for Couples?

Zurich and Budapest 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.

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Zurich or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Zurich and Budapest are both first-rate 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 Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest 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.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Zurich or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Budapest?

In either Zurich or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Zurich has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Zurich than Budapest. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Zurich or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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.

A week in Zurich or Budapest?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling big city of Budapest. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Budapest. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Budapest in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Zurich is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Budapest. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. In January, Zurich is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

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

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Budapest. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Zurich