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

Should you visit Zurich or Calais?

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 Calais. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Zurich and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its beaches and big city activities. Zurich is more touristy than Calais 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. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Zurich different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Zurich is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Zurich or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Zurich or Calais Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its music scene. However, Calais is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Calais is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a good destination for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Calais offers a nice beach destination. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Calais?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Zurich or Calais Better for Families?

Zurich is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Zurich or Calais Better for Couples?

Zurich is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Zurich or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Zurich or Calais Better for Students?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Zurich or Calais a more walkable city?

Zurich is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Calais?

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

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

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 Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

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 Calais. 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 Calais?

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 undiscovered destination of Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Calais?

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

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 Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Calais. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Calais. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Calais. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Zurich is cooler than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Calais. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Zurich is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Calais. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Zurich