Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Zurich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Dubrovnik. 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 is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Dubrovnik is a historic, charming, and famous coastal town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Zurich and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zurich is known for its nightlife, music, and shopping. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also home to The Old Town Walls. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dubrovnik and Zurich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Zurich and Dubrovnik.
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.
Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.
Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.
Eat your way through Dubrovnik, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.
Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.
Zurich is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.
The nightlife in Zurich has something for everybody. 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.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.
Zurich is a great city for its music scene. However, Dubrovnik is not a live music destination.
Zurich has a thriving music scene. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.
Dubrovnik is not a live music destination.
Dubrovnik is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Zurich is not a resort destination.
There are plenty of resorts in Dubrovnik to choose from. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.
Zurich is not a resort destination.
Dubrovnik is a moderate coastal town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.
Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Dubrovnik is a good destination for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.
Dubrovnik offers a nice beach destination. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.
Zurich is not a beach destination.
Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Zurich and Dubrovnik.
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.
Dubrovnik has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.
Dubrovnik is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.
Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.
Zurich is not a hiking destination.
Zurich is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for shopping.
Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. 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.
Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.
Both Zurich and Dubrovnik are superb 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 Dubrovnik. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.
Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
Dubrovnik is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.
Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.
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.
Zurich is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik 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.
Dubrovnik is not popular with students.
Zurich is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.
The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.
Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.
In either Zurich or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Dubrovnik has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dubrovnik than Zurich. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.
Families should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Zurich. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubrovnik, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Zurich. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubrovnik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.
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 nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
You'll find live music and food around the liberal 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.
Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.
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 Dubrovnik. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
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 shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $273, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $106. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zurich and Dubrovnik in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Dubrovnik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik and Zurich change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Dubrovnik, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Dubrovnik, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Dubrovnik. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Dubrovnik and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Dubrovnik and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Zurich is much colder than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Dubrovnik. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Zurich | Dubrovnik | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 in) |