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

Should you visit Zurich or Dublin?

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 Dublin. 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. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Zurich. Dublin is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Zurich different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Zurich and Dublin.

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.

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

Zurich is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Zurich or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a world class party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Zurich or Dublin Better for Music?

Both Zurich and Dublin offer great live music venues.

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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Is Zurich or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its old town. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Dublin?

Zurich is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Zurich or Dublin Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Dublin are great 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 Dublin. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Is Zurich or Dublin Better for Couples?

Zurich and Dublin both great 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.

Dublin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Zurich or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

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

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

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Zurich or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Dublin?

In either Zurich or Dublin, 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 Dublin. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Zurich or Dublin?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. 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 Dublin?

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.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

A week in Zurich or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful 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 nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back destination of Dublin. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Dublin. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zurich is a little warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Dublin. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Dublin. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Zurich is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dublin. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Dublin. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city.

Zurich is a little warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Dublin. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Zurich