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

Should you visit Zurich or Connemara?

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 Connemara. 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a natural, remote, and dramatic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Zurich and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Connemara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Connemara are both popular with visitors, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Connemara is known for its beaches and hiking. Zurich is more touristy than Connemara 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. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Zurich different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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

Both Zurich and Connemara offer a number of superb 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.

Connemara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Connemara is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Connemara is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Connemara is a well-known place for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Connemara for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a 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.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Connemara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Connemara?

Zurich is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for Families?

Zurich is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for Couples?

Zurich and Connemara both superb 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.

Connemara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Zurich or Connemara Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for students. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Zurich offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Zurich or Connemara a more walkable city?

Zurich is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is not a very walkable city. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Connemara?

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Connemara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Connemara?

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Connemara is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Zurich or Connemara?

You'll find food and shopping around the liberal city of Zurich. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Connemara?

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the remote destination of Connemara. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Zurich or Connemara?

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 Connemara in the Summer?

Both Connemara and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Connemara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Connemara averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Connemara. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Connemara in the Autumn?

Both Connemara and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Connemara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Connemara. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Zurich is much colder than Connemara in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Connemara receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Connemara. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Connemara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Connemara. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is a little warmer than Connemara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Connemara averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Connemara. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Zurich